Sun - April 4, 2004
Woody's Seafood Saloon Picture
Caught on camera...
Woody's Seafood Saloon takes
pictures of its customers and posts them on their site. Here is our picture
with family and friends.
Posted at 08:06 PM
Fri - March 26, 2004
Travel Day (Keith)
We left for home on Friday.
Friday was busy because we travelled home. I
went OK in the sense that we made it home when we were supposed to do it. It
was just eventful and annoying.
Let me state right here for the record: I HATE THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SERVICE!!! I have been stopped by immigration officers in San Francisco, Denver, and Dulles. I have been questioned with intensity by every one of the officers at the desk. These guys appear to hate foreign vistiors, but I think they hate Americans even more. Doesn't make sense, does it? I can't figure it out either. Maybe they just hate me. Since Wendy and I were traveling together, we filled out one Customs form. Oh, that wasn't good enough for the officer. He had to give us a hard time for that. It made me feel unwanted in my own country. That's not right. The customs and immigration officers of Britain, France, Belgium, Grand Cayman, and Mexico have all been pleasant (often you don't even have to talk with one) and always seemed happy to have you visit their (except maybe the French officer). Not in the US though. You are not welcome. Don't bother me. Don't stay too long. We don't like your kind. I repeat, I hate these guys. We now return you to your previously started blog...
The ferry and taxi rides were pretty uneventful. The taxi ride was slower and less bumpy than the first one. The airline check-in process went fine. US Immigration was a pain, as usual. I had to do my usual strip-down for the TSA. We sat around for an hour and a half waiting to board. No problem.
Well, the plane started on the taxiway. It was recalled to the gate again. The pilot angrily explained that the local airport maintenance staff had missed one procedure and log book entry. Once that matter was cleared up, we got into the air without a hitch.
We made it to Charlotte and then on to Indy without troubles.
The vacation officially ended when we landed in Indy. Too bad. We had a lot of fun during our time there.
Let me state right here for the record: I HATE THE U.S. IMMIGRATION SERVICE!!! I have been stopped by immigration officers in San Francisco, Denver, and Dulles. I have been questioned with intensity by every one of the officers at the desk. These guys appear to hate foreign vistiors, but I think they hate Americans even more. Doesn't make sense, does it? I can't figure it out either. Maybe they just hate me. Since Wendy and I were traveling together, we filled out one Customs form. Oh, that wasn't good enough for the officer. He had to give us a hard time for that. It made me feel unwanted in my own country. That's not right. The customs and immigration officers of Britain, France, Belgium, Grand Cayman, and Mexico have all been pleasant (often you don't even have to talk with one) and always seemed happy to have you visit their (except maybe the French officer). Not in the US though. You are not welcome. Don't bother me. Don't stay too long. We don't like your kind. I repeat, I hate these guys. We now return you to your previously started blog...
The ferry and taxi rides were pretty uneventful. The taxi ride was slower and less bumpy than the first one. The airline check-in process went fine. US Immigration was a pain, as usual. I had to do my usual strip-down for the TSA. We sat around for an hour and a half waiting to board. No problem.
Well, the plane started on the taxiway. It was recalled to the gate again. The pilot angrily explained that the local airport maintenance staff had missed one procedure and log book entry. Once that matter was cleared up, we got into the air without a hitch.
We made it to Charlotte and then on to Indy without troubles.
The vacation officially ended when we landed in Indy. Too bad. We had a lot of fun during our time there.
Posted at 05:16 PM
Thu - March 25, 2004
On Thursday we rested (Keith)
We decided to take it easy on
Thursday.
I was just getting over some food poisoning, so
we decided to take a day to relax by the pool. It was a nice day though it did
rain a few times. We got some reading down and just watched the day go
by.
Kory left for home today.
Kory left for home today.
Posted at 04:59 PM
Wed - March 24, 2004
Wednesday's hike (Keith)
Kory and I went for a hike... and got
soaked.
It rained most of the morning and soaked most of
the ground around the island. Kory and I decided to take a hike
anyways.
The island of St. John is mostly a national park and a good portion of it is underwater. The US National Park Service on St. John has many miles of trails and even underwater plagues for snorkelers.
Kory and I started our hike at the edge of Cruz Bay on the Caneel Hill trail. Just before we made it to the trailhead the rain started again. We put on our rain gear and proceeded anyways. We were mostly soaked by the time we reached the top of the hill. From there we went down to Honeymoon beach and then back to Cruz Bay to meet up with Mary Ellen, Mom, and Wendy.
The island of St. John is mostly a national park and a good portion of it is underwater. The US National Park Service on St. John has many miles of trails and even underwater plagues for snorkelers.
Kory and I started our hike at the edge of Cruz Bay on the Caneel Hill trail. Just before we made it to the trailhead the rain started again. We put on our rain gear and proceeded anyways. We were mostly soaked by the time we reached the top of the hill. From there we went down to Honeymoon beach and then back to Cruz Bay to meet up with Mary Ellen, Mom, and Wendy.
Posted at 04:56 PM
Tue - March 23, 2004
The boat ride to the weeding reception (Keith)
My uncle hired a boat to take us to Jost Van Dyke
and Foxy's.
The boat was named the "Cinnamon Bay" and
captained by Bob (aka "Capt'n Bob"). Once on board we filled out US Customs and
Immigration forms in advance to get that crap out of the way to enjoy our
cruise. We cruised around St. John and the surrounding cays (pronounced "keys")
on our way to the British Virgin Islands.
The cruise was a lot of fun and we say some amazingly beautiful coastlines and beaches. We passed Cinnamon Bay Beach once more to photograph it from the water. It was just as beautiful as earlier that morning during the ceremony. We say many other beaches with snorkelers and divers going down to see the reef and colorful fish.
Once we reached Jost Van Dyke, BVI, Capt'n Bob went ashore to file the paperwork with the British Customs official. We cleared that hurdle and were ferried to the beach by the bost's dinghy.
There is not much on Jost Van Dyke. It was only wired for power about twelve years ago. At one end of the bay sits Foxy's, a tiki bar with live music and the best Barbecue ribs. We had a great dinner and then climbed aboard the boat for the cruise back to Cruz Bay.
Traveling at night by boat was a lot of fun too. The stars were bright and plentiful. (I still couldn't see any recognizable constellations.)
The cruise was a lot of fun and we say some amazingly beautiful coastlines and beaches. We passed Cinnamon Bay Beach once more to photograph it from the water. It was just as beautiful as earlier that morning during the ceremony. We say many other beaches with snorkelers and divers going down to see the reef and colorful fish.
Once we reached Jost Van Dyke, BVI, Capt'n Bob went ashore to file the paperwork with the British Customs official. We cleared that hurdle and were ferried to the beach by the bost's dinghy.
There is not much on Jost Van Dyke. It was only wired for power about twelve years ago. At one end of the bay sits Foxy's, a tiki bar with live music and the best Barbecue ribs. We had a great dinner and then climbed aboard the boat for the cruise back to Cruz Bay.
Traveling at night by boat was a lot of fun too. The stars were bright and plentiful. (I still couldn't see any recognizable constellations.)
Posted at 04:20 PM
Wedding Day (Keith)
March 23 was Mom's birthday and Nikki and Jay's
wedding day. Mom got some presents and Nikki and Jay got married on the
beach.
It was a beautiful day for
wedding...
It rained a few times, but nothing heavy. It was that nice Caribbean island type rain. Often it was sunny outside and lightly raining. (Hey, if it has to rain, that's the way I'd like it.)
Anyways, we loaded up and left for the Cinnamon Bay Beach for the ceremony. We arrived early and had to wait for the wedding party to arrive. Finally, they did. It was a unique ceremony. One that would be considered strange to most folks. I thought it was pretty cool.
Once the ceremony was over, there was the usual photographs to be taken. The professional photographer did some great work. (She also remembered everyone's name and was very polite.) Everyone in attendance also has a camera. I think just about everyone was photographed at least fifty times while standing around. Some more than others, obviously.
After the ceremony, we headed to villa that my aunt, uncle, and cousins were staying for some food and presents for the happy couple.
A little before 2:00, we left for Cruz Bay to take a boat ride over to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands for dinner.
It rained a few times, but nothing heavy. It was that nice Caribbean island type rain. Often it was sunny outside and lightly raining. (Hey, if it has to rain, that's the way I'd like it.)
Anyways, we loaded up and left for the Cinnamon Bay Beach for the ceremony. We arrived early and had to wait for the wedding party to arrive. Finally, they did. It was a unique ceremony. One that would be considered strange to most folks. I thought it was pretty cool.
Once the ceremony was over, there was the usual photographs to be taken. The professional photographer did some great work. (She also remembered everyone's name and was very polite.) Everyone in attendance also has a camera. I think just about everyone was photographed at least fifty times while standing around. Some more than others, obviously.
After the ceremony, we headed to villa that my aunt, uncle, and cousins were staying for some food and presents for the happy couple.
A little before 2:00, we left for Cruz Bay to take a boat ride over to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands for dinner.
Posted at 04:09 PM
Mon - March 22, 2004
Cinnamon Bay (Wendy)
A view unlike anything I have ever seen. I
thought our view was beautiful. The water is three shades of blue and as clear
as can be. When Keith and I got lost on Sunday driving to his Uncles house we
went exploring and found the beach. We had a nice walk along the beach and
looked forward to returning on Monday to snorkel. The water was awesome! Kory,
Keith and I took turns using the snorkeling equipment. I
Posted at 05:16 PM
Sun - March 21, 2004
Jazz Villa (Wendy)
The view from the patio of the villa is awesome
to say the least. Crystal blue water and green mountains. The property
management company who oversees the property deserved a pat on the back for the
upkeep of the landscaping. They even have periwinkle delphinium blossoms.
I choose a room down stairs that has a nice view, sofa, chair and private bath. I even have some friends already..a lot of geico's and a few eguana's. Fortunately they are trained and wait outside till I am ready to play. In the mornings everyone is gathering on the upper patio where the lounge chairs and pool is located. So far Keith, Wendy and Anita have gone swimming each morning. Once the sun comes over the rooftop the pool feels great. The sun is blistering hot so we have been spending a lot of time in the water.
I choose a room down stairs that has a nice view, sofa, chair and private bath. I even have some friends already..a lot of geico's and a few eguana's. Fortunately they are trained and wait outside till I am ready to play. In the mornings everyone is gathering on the upper patio where the lounge chairs and pool is located. So far Keith, Wendy and Anita have gone swimming each morning. Once the sun comes over the rooftop the pool feels great. The sun is blistering hot so we have been spending a lot of time in the water.
Posted at 05:07 PM
Sunday's Activities (Keith)
Well, Sunday was fun. We took a road trip,
walked on the beach, found my brother, jumped in the pool a few times, met up
and had dinner with my cousins that I haven't seen in more than fifteen years.
This morning I went for swim in the pool. It was
such a beautiful morning and the view was incredible from the villa patio.
Dad and I went into Cruz Bay to take care of signing/paying for the vehicles we rented. He and I also stopped by the grocery store again for more drinking water. Dad was surprised by the prices and the limited variety. Hey man, that's life on an island.
Another swim in the pool.
My Aunt Susan and Uncle Dick showed up at our villa and invited us to theirs. Wendy and I followed in one of the vehicles but lost them when we missed the turn onto a another highway. After a very bumpy ride over the mountain, we arrived at the north side of the island and found Cinnamon Bay and the beach. She and I walked along the beach and took some pictures. We then found our way back to Cruz Bay and then back to villa. No one was home.
Another swim in the pool.
My brother Kory arrived with Dad. He jumped into the pool with us. Then, Uncle Dick, Aunt Susan, Grandpa, Mary Ellen, and Mom returned. Most everyone then jumped into the pool. We made dinner plans for the evening at a fish place in Cruz Bay and enjoyed the pool until it was time to go.
That evening we finally found a place to park in town and walked to Woody's Seafood Saloon to find my cousins. I am pretty sure I hadn't seen them in at least fifteen years. I didn't know exactly what they looked like even though I have seen recent pictures of them. They are just as beautiful as ever. (I still say they are the supermodels of the family.) I also met Chris, Shanna's husband, and Jason, Nikki's future husband. They seem to be great guys.
Wendy now has met most of my family (minus a few cousins yet). She really likes Shanna and Nikki.
Dad and I went into Cruz Bay to take care of signing/paying for the vehicles we rented. He and I also stopped by the grocery store again for more drinking water. Dad was surprised by the prices and the limited variety. Hey man, that's life on an island.
Another swim in the pool.
My Aunt Susan and Uncle Dick showed up at our villa and invited us to theirs. Wendy and I followed in one of the vehicles but lost them when we missed the turn onto a another highway. After a very bumpy ride over the mountain, we arrived at the north side of the island and found Cinnamon Bay and the beach. She and I walked along the beach and took some pictures. We then found our way back to Cruz Bay and then back to villa. No one was home.
Another swim in the pool.
My brother Kory arrived with Dad. He jumped into the pool with us. Then, Uncle Dick, Aunt Susan, Grandpa, Mary Ellen, and Mom returned. Most everyone then jumped into the pool. We made dinner plans for the evening at a fish place in Cruz Bay and enjoyed the pool until it was time to go.
That evening we finally found a place to park in town and walked to Woody's Seafood Saloon to find my cousins. I am pretty sure I hadn't seen them in at least fifteen years. I didn't know exactly what they looked like even though I have seen recent pictures of them. They are just as beautiful as ever. (I still say they are the supermodels of the family.) I also met Chris, Shanna's husband, and Jason, Nikki's future husband. They seem to be great guys.
Wendy now has met most of my family (minus a few cousins yet). She really likes Shanna and Nikki.
Posted at 06:32 AM
Sat - March 20, 2004
Roads on St. John (Wendy)
Oh my gosh! Picture being fully reclined in a
lazy boy chair and that is the angle of the roads we are traveling on. VERY
NARROW & VERY STEEP! The taxi driver to the ferry drove like a maniac as he
cut through alleys to avoid traffic. Luckily I was in the middle of Keith and
Anita so they sandwiched me in place. Good news is we made the 4:00 ferry with
two minutes to spare.
On Sunday everyone was heading over to the house where Keith's Aunt and Uncle are staying. We followed in one of our jeeps but lost Uncle Dick around a corner and went exploring. I have now experienced a trip comparable to the jeep trails of Colorado. WOW! I am getting used to it on the second day, but I don't see a true Colorado Jeep ride in the future.
On Sunday everyone was heading over to the house where Keith's Aunt and Uncle are staying. We followed in one of our jeeps but lost Uncle Dick around a corner and went exploring. I have now experienced a trip comparable to the jeep trails of Colorado. WOW! I am getting used to it on the second day, but I don't see a true Colorado Jeep ride in the future.
Posted at 05:07 PM
St. Thomas (Wendy)
An experience that everyone needs at least once.
It is definitely a tourist location. Unfortunately we have only seen the area
around the airport and the back roads so first impression was that it is run
down. However, we are told that the downtown area is very nice and hope to get
an opportunity to see more of it before we leave. We'll see.
Posted at 04:58 PM
Travel and pickup day (Keith)
Yesterday's travel was eventful once we reached
the islands.
Surprisingly, the airline travel was uneventful.
We made it to the St. Thomas airport early. It took awhile to get our luggage
though. The taxi ride to Red Hook was
interesting.
The taxi driver made the trip interesting for all of the riders. The traffic was backed up in Charlotte Amelie, so the driver made a detour. He turned and went up this hill with a narrow street, through an alleyway behind a small apartment complex, up another hill, and along the mountain ridge to the end of the island. This trip could only be described as a paved jeep trail -- twists, turns, bumps, and switchbacks. Wendy survived, but I had to help hold in place since we were in the back of the van where the bouncing was worst. We showed up with minutes to spare before the ferry to Cruz Bay left.
The ferry ride was not bad. There was not too much chop. Once we reached St. John, there was a scramble for the luggage. We got all of the luggage (we think) and then met our villa company rep, Curtis. He took Dad and I to the jeep rental place to get our vehicles. The place was closed and you never saw a sorrier collection of scratched, damaged, dinged,and generally crappy vehicles in one lot. We found one with our names on it, but the other was missing. Curtis, who doesn't work for the rental place just found the keys to one that didn't have any name on it. So, we took that one. Then, we went back to the pier to collect Wendy, Mom, and the luggage.
Did I forget to mention that they drive on the left down here? We'll they do. I didn't know it. Dad didn't know that. The funny thing is that they cars are all left-hand drive vehicles. It took some getting used to, but I think I have the hang of it. It's actually a lot of fun to drive on the "correct" side of the road, as the English say, on a "foreign" island. Just remember, "Stay to the left." Oh and there are no such things as a flat, level road here.
We loaded up and followed Curtis to the Villa. This place is huge. There are four bedrooms, a pool, a nice deck, and a huge, open kitchen, dining room, and living room. (Pictures to come later...)
Grandpa and Mary Ellen were delayed in reaching the island so we waited around until they showed up. We weren't sure they knew the phone number of the villa, and no one called to update us. We assumed that they may be on one of the ferries, so we went to the pier at twenty minutes after the hour to meet each one. Eventually while Mom and Dad went to the pier and never returned, Mary Ellen called to say they were at Red Hook and waiting for the 11:00PM ferry. I went to meet them and found Mom, Dad, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Dick waiting on the ferry.
So, we met the ferry and found Grandpa and Mary Ellen. We drove them back to the villa around 11:45PM. I had now been awake for 21 hours straight at this point. Soon after we arrived, I went to bed.
The taxi driver made the trip interesting for all of the riders. The traffic was backed up in Charlotte Amelie, so the driver made a detour. He turned and went up this hill with a narrow street, through an alleyway behind a small apartment complex, up another hill, and along the mountain ridge to the end of the island. This trip could only be described as a paved jeep trail -- twists, turns, bumps, and switchbacks. Wendy survived, but I had to help hold in place since we were in the back of the van where the bouncing was worst. We showed up with minutes to spare before the ferry to Cruz Bay left.
The ferry ride was not bad. There was not too much chop. Once we reached St. John, there was a scramble for the luggage. We got all of the luggage (we think) and then met our villa company rep, Curtis. He took Dad and I to the jeep rental place to get our vehicles. The place was closed and you never saw a sorrier collection of scratched, damaged, dinged,and generally crappy vehicles in one lot. We found one with our names on it, but the other was missing. Curtis, who doesn't work for the rental place just found the keys to one that didn't have any name on it. So, we took that one. Then, we went back to the pier to collect Wendy, Mom, and the luggage.
Did I forget to mention that they drive on the left down here? We'll they do. I didn't know it. Dad didn't know that. The funny thing is that they cars are all left-hand drive vehicles. It took some getting used to, but I think I have the hang of it. It's actually a lot of fun to drive on the "correct" side of the road, as the English say, on a "foreign" island. Just remember, "Stay to the left." Oh and there are no such things as a flat, level road here.
We loaded up and followed Curtis to the Villa. This place is huge. There are four bedrooms, a pool, a nice deck, and a huge, open kitchen, dining room, and living room. (Pictures to come later...)
Grandpa and Mary Ellen were delayed in reaching the island so we waited around until they showed up. We weren't sure they knew the phone number of the villa, and no one called to update us. We assumed that they may be on one of the ferries, so we went to the pier at twenty minutes after the hour to meet each one. Eventually while Mom and Dad went to the pier and never returned, Mary Ellen called to say they were at Red Hook and waiting for the 11:00PM ferry. I went to meet them and found Mom, Dad, Aunt Susan, and Uncle Dick waiting on the ferry.
So, we met the ferry and found Grandpa and Mary Ellen. We drove them back to the villa around 11:45PM. I had now been awake for 21 hours straight at this point. Soon after we arrived, I went to bed.
Posted at 10:15 AM
Got lucky this time (Keith)
I made it through the security checkpoint without
the usual hassle. Normally, I look like a terrorist. Today, however, I
apparently do not. That's good to
know.
My laptop and laptop case, however, were not so lucky. Both received a through cavity search and re-screening through the X-ray machine. I think I saw a smile for the TSA agent as he probed around the inside of the laptop case.
My laptop and laptop case, however, were not so lucky. Both received a through cavity search and re-screening through the X-ray machine. I think I saw a smile for the TSA agent as he probed around the inside of the laptop case.
Posted at 05:02 AM
Airport Security Check (Wendy)
It is 4:50am, we are actually
awake.
"Speedy" HAHA got us to the shuttle to the
airport by 4:25am. Yes, it is very early!!! Seems to be our flight patterns
on the past few vacations.
I got to experience a pat down after setting off the metal detector. Keith actually made it through without a search this time, although his laptop case made up for it.
Count down begins until we take off! I can't wait to see my sister in North Carolina during our layover.
I got to experience a pat down after setting off the metal detector. Keith actually made it through without a search this time, although his laptop case made up for it.
Count down begins until we take off! I can't wait to see my sister in North Carolina during our layover.
Posted at 04:57 AM
The flight number changed!!! (Keith)
Of course, US Airways decided to change the
flight number and not tell us. Typical of airlines
today.
Must call them on the way down to check it out.
Must call them on the way down to check it out.
Posted at 02:51 AM
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Published On: Sep 22, 2004 09:33 AM
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Published On: Sep 22, 2004 09:33 AM