Little Slow Posting � But lots to do when we returned

My wife, daughter (20), and I did a last minute getaway to STT 21 � 25 March. Got a great deal on skyauction, however we booked on the 17th and departed 4 days later. Flew out of Baltimore via Atlanta on Delta and the tickets were ~$400, which I did not think was that bad for less than a week departure. No flight problems and on time! We stayed in a studio Tropic Leisure Club at Magens Point. The resort met all the qualifications need for our unplanned respite. It was clean, the AC worked great, the restaurant on site was very good, plenty of water pressure, and has a great view. The studio was small for three, but would be fine for two. Small kitchen with most appliances, but NO BLENDER. The bar was very active at night with a nice blend of locals and guest. Tropic Leisure Club is located right at the turn to go down to Magens Bay at the top of the hill so it is pretty isolated from the happenings on the island. But if you are a golfer it is near Mahogany Run.


Since our departure was truly a last minute thing and we were not going to be on island for a full week we opted not to get a rent-a-car this time. In hindsight what we paid in taxis probably would have covered the car. Also being the end of spring break and Easter the following week, the island was very crowded. The crowds did not slow us down we just tried to avoid peak times. No late dinners and start our beach time early.
Monday � Arrived STT and got settled in. We caught the last shuttle from the resort down to Magens for a dip and to get some sand between our toes. The water was calm and the beach deserted. Very relaxing and then walked back up the hill to the resort, which was about a half mile. Not a bad walk, but definitely all up hill. After a day of flying it felt good to stretch our legs. Dinner at the resort poolside was very good, with dinner, wine, & dessert it ran about $100 for three.

Tuesday � Up very early. Did I say the resort has roosters! Off to Red Hook in a cab for breakfast before the ferry to STJ. We ate at the Burrito Deli. Unbelievable fried potatoes and great breakfast Burrito. The meal was the kind that stuck with you all day while playing on the beach in STJ. Caught the ferry to STJ and rushed to Trunk Bay before the Cruise Ship crowds arrived (there were 5 or 6 ships in that day). My daughter had never done the snorkeling trail. We completed the circle about the time the masses arrived so we headed off to Honeymoon. The beach was beautiful as ever with very few folks on the beach and great snorkeling and lounging. We hiked the trail back to Cruz Bay for a late lunch/early dinner at Margarita Phil's. Really good � Very Filling and of course then to Woody�s for Happy Hour. Caught the ferry back to Red Hook later that evening and had appetizer at Molly Malone�s. Sun burnt and tired we caught a taxi to the resort.

Wednesday � Girls slept in and I promised a friend I would get him a Mahogany Run Golf Shirt, so I set out to walk/hitch hike the mile and half. Got a ride from someone staying at the resort and caught a ride back right at the entrance of Mahogany Run from a local. Nice Folks! Found the girls poolside, and we decided to hang local for the day. The resort offered a beach party at Magens so we just spent the day chillin�. Whoa there were a lot of folks on the beach, but it was still relaxing. Dinner at the resort was very good again.

Thursday � Definitely was the highlight. We took a day sail on Daydreamer to Jost, with a snorkel stop at Honeymoon in STJ. Daydreamer goes out of Sapphire beach. The boat and crew were great. They depart at 8 with a light breakfast and drinks. Snorkel in STJ, then to Foxy�s for lunch. After lunch around the point to White beach for an hour or two - Customs in Cruz Bay and then back to Sapphire around 4:30. I have been on what I would call booze cruises before and they have always fallen a little short, but this one on Daydreamer was EXCELLENT. The nice thing is the winds were great and the sailing was wonderful. Lots of shade and plenty of cool drinks. If you want to get off island for a day this cruise is well worth the fare. Everything is provided for snorkeling and they give you plenty of time in each place so you do not feel rushed. We caught a safari taxi over to Red Hook for dinner at Molly Malone�s because we enjoyed the appetizer so much the night before.

Friday � Unfortunately was check out day. On the cab ride over to CA, the driver took the scenic route by the gardens and just had a wonderful ride. It was Good Friday so downtown was a little sleepier than normal and no drinks were being served. Left our bags at the shop next to the hospitality house and window shopped and had lunch. Our flight back we had to go to San Juan first. The flight to SJU was via Cape Air on a small Cessna which seated 8. We arrived at the airport little early (2.5 hours) so the young lady at Cape Air said we could catch and earlier flight. She escorted us through the security lines that looked like a 2 hour line. Years ago I flew in the Coast Guard out of Borinquen Puerto Rico. I had forgotten how beautiful the islands were from 3000 ft. The girls had a blast.

Back home to the rat race � but relaxed refreshed and ready to do it again.