Sweet Christine and I stayed with Capt. Jay and Deb at their Mahogany Run, St. Thomas condo. We spent our first full day on St. John via the people ferry. Cruz Bay has come a long way in the six months since Irma. It is obvious that a huge amount of work has gone into recovery and there is a lot more work to do.
First impression of STJ? It is very ready for visitors. Maybe more ready for visitors than for residents. Many residents and villa owners we spoke with are six months or more from being back to normal. Many insurance claims have not yet been paid. There is enough inventory to meet the demand of visitors for now. I am concerned whether there is enough long-term rentals for the required number of service industry staff.
We ran into Kirk from the VIOL forum at Cruz Bay Landing. It was great to catch up! He is busy this year after having a great year last year with his painting and construction work. It was great to catch up with Boo at ] CBL. She and Wade have a lot of work to do with a house that sounds pretty much destroyed. Cruz Bay Landing Todd's buddy Kenny had lunch there that day.
We caught up with VIOL forumite EagleRayLover/Leslie from the Coral Bay side for a Sunday Fun Day at Water Island. Leslie and Steve have a very cool thing going at Pelican Beach in Coral Bay, St. John, taking reservations starting October. Water access!
http://pelicanbeachvi.comWe caught up with VIOL forumite Tracey in WI and husband Juice at the airport. Their new villa in Coral Bay is ready for visitors, Into the Mystic. I know this property from previous visits and it has an awesome setting and easy access. I am certain it will be a favorite.
http://www.intothemysticvi.comWe are definitely back for Halloween with Big Red and Becky.
Cheers, RickG
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