Day 8: Dog Walking, Pancake Eating, Donkey Diner Day

Travel discussion for St. John
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flip-flop
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Day 8: Dog Walking, Pancake Eating, Donkey Diner Day

Post by flip-flop »

(apologies for the delay in my trip reporting. though it was mostly written this weekend was the mini flip-flops first sleepover with girls and mothers day with both my mama and godmother in town and my anniversary ... I barely had a second to do anything but enjoy them all)

Day 8: A Dog Walking, Pancake Eating, Visiting with RUTH, and trying (Unsuccessfully) to have a beach free day, Salt Pond, Donkey Diner Pizza eating, and Power Outages kind of day!

Usually our MO for St. John vacations is to go to the beach every single day until it rains. A long ago April trip has forever scarred me and so when I see sunshine I take it up on its offer of delightfulness and head to the beach, knowing...just knowing...it will rain eventually and we can shop/sleep/play games then. Well, this was day 8 and still not a drop of rain. We decided to take a day off from the beach, especially after having spent literally the entire day prior to Vie's, to give our skin a break. That was our intention anyway.

Let me rewind a bit, when we returned the night prior we bumped into our neighbor ladies again and they had had a pretty bad evening. What started as a great sunset cruise ended with them losing their bag that had their car keys and ids and cell phone in it. :( They had asked if we would be willing to run them to the bus-stop the following day and I had said we would be happy to. They were very reluctant to ask anything of us, but we explained we'd had enough sun and were taking a beach break anyway.

So, Friday, we are up and at em. While the kids ate, I took the ladies down to the bus stop. I offered about 10 times to take them to Cruz Bay but they resisted. Well, about 5 minutes after dropping them off I remembered it was Good Friday, and if my memory serves me correctly VITran doesn't run on holidays. I could not leave them sitting there. I thought, if it was my mama what would I want! I would want someone to take them to town. So, we loaded everyone up and headed to get them. They were very happy to see us!

Our initial plan was to drop them off, park at Conrad's and head to St. Thomas to do some shopping. Shopping on St. Thomas was a ritual for us for about the first 3-4 trips to St. John. Not so much for me anymore. My husband is a watch junkie so I was happy to indulge him and go along but it wasn't my first choice. We hit town, dropped the ladies at Denzel Kline (Don't lose your keys btw ... $200 charge for them ... which I understand its not easy to replace a key and fob, but dang...ouch).

In the meantime, Mini Flip-Flop asked for the 10023 time if today could we maybe please preettttty please go visit and walk a doggie at the Animal Care Center. Though, I am not usually inclined to volunteer ON MY vacations, not because I don't have a volunteer-y spirit but usually because I am too vegged out to even think of something like that. I could not resist her little spirit and wanted to encourage this behavior so off we went. Less than 1 hour later, I wanted to adopt about 15 dogs and a kitty or two. It is amazing how much they do there with so little. (http://www.stjohnanimalcarecenter.com/ if you want to learn more).

She was thrilled.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662954687/" title="ACC - a little doggie walkin by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5225/566 ... 34913e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ACC - a little doggie walkin"></a>

As you can see her little brother was not so much for the walking this day! I think he was infected with the STJ Gravity Bug. After the hubby carried him for most of the dog walk, he decided ... maybe today is not the best day for St. Thomas shopping. I offered to let him go on his own, but he refused!

Since we were in town we decided to go see if we could find STJ Ruth! YAY, finally we find her!! I love St. John Spice and I especially love Ruth & Ron! They are the best. Ruth and I chatted a bit and the kiddos went with daddy into St. John Kids to find a treat for themselves. They were happy! Ruth and I made plans to see the Grateful Shed later in the week and to hit the Beach Bar on Sunday.

Soon enough, everyone was getting hungry. In my haste to get the ladies to town, I hadn't really eaten breakfast and the little breakfast the kids had was wearing off. We decided to head to Jake's. We had never tried Jake's and we had heard they had great food, especially breakfasts!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663522408/" title="Jakes. by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/566 ... 573022.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Jakes."></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663522560/" title="JAKES by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/566 ... f4b968.jpg" width="360" height="500" alt="JAKES"></a>

When we got there, a little before 12 noon, it was very busy. The only seats left were at the bar, which was kind of awesome because you can watch them making everything. I was amazed how virtually everything looked to be made from scratch. Not the fastest service in the world, but the food is outstanding and they are VERY friendly.

The view

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662494881/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/566 ... 313e2e.jpg" width="368" height="500" alt=""></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662955245/" title="Cruz Bay from Jakes by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5025/566 ... ff28e3.jpg" width="422" height="500" alt="Cruz Bay from Jakes"></a>

Mini Flip-Flop had the pancakes and declared them so good she didn't need syrup. Better than Ihop!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663063148/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/566 ... 5647b6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

Diggin in

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662495367/" title="Pancakes! by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5066/566 ... c44609.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Pancakes!"></a>

I had the tuna salad sandwich with potato salad. Delish! (sorry picture is post-bite or two, I was HUNGRY)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662495437/" title="Tuna Sammich by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/566 ... 9ef50d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tuna Sammich"></a>

After lunch we walked around a bit and headed over to Mongoose to Deli Grotto for the obligatory crack bar for me and some cookies for the kids. Its not really called the crack bar, I think its official name is the chocolate coconut bar. It is 1049 calories of deliciousness. Buttery graham cracker bottom with a thick layer of chocolate and then a thick layer of coconut sweetness. MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/3675905598/" title="Best $4 I spent on St. John by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/367 ... 438f9f.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Best $4 I spent on St. John"></a>

Shopped and walked out we decided to head back to house, arriving around 3pm ish. We relaxed a little while but soon were just too antsy and were missing the beach. We'd tried to stay away from the beach today, but it was a bit warm and still in the house and we needed to cool off so we headed to salt pond. Salt Pond was the closest beach to our house and we'd not made it there yet this week. There is a bit of walk down to the beach from the lot. Not a big deal at all on the way in, but often by the time we are ready to pack it in and head out it is brutally hot on the hike out. We were not sure how well Belly Flop would do. Well today was our day to find out. He did just fine.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5661738587/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/566 ... a8de27.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5661738405/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/566 ... db2b45.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

Salt Pond is enchanting and gorgeous

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5661737683/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/566 ... e87ba3.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663063494/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/566 ... b0d091.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

We relaxed until almost sunset.

I took a few pictures with some funky setting on my iphone

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662305710/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/566 ... a3cbfa.jpg" width="500" height="500" alt=""></a>

Before we knew it, it was time to pack it in and head back up to the car.

We found this guy along the way

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5663523256/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5106/566 ... cb8a1f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt=""></a>

When we returned to the house from the beach, we were without power again. (The power had gone out while we were at lunch in town at Jake's and from various people I know on facebook I could gather that it had gone out in Cruz Bay, Coral Bay and even over on St. Thomas). We cleaned up as best we could and decided to head to Donkey Diner to grab a pizza, thinking maybe power wasn't out everywhere. Note: Shipwreck, Island Blues, Skinny's, and Aqua Bistro all have back-up generators. Donkey Diner does not. However, their pizza oven doesn't need it! SCORE.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662956193/" title="Donkey Diner by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/566 ... c0a23e.jpg" width="500" height="466" alt="Donkey Diner"></a>

Waiting for Pizza

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/flipflopmom/5662956899/" title="Untitled by flip-flop, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5227/566 ... 3c5301.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt=""></a>

They were closing up early because of the outage, but we scored the LAST PIZZA. Sorry to the folks who walked up right after us. While we waited we checked out the new (to us) Coral Bay Cones. Now it is entirely possible that this place has been there for a year or more, but I had never noticed it. Made a note to self to return for an ice cream fix later in the week.

Pizza secured we headed back to the house to eat by candle light. The kids thought it was the coolest thing ever!

Power finally came on around 9. We noticed all the power was on around us but still nothing at the house, so Hubby had to go investigate and throw a few switches. Eventually we had lights and more importantly, water and fans!! Ahhhhh....you don't realize how nice a shower feels until you can't get one upon return from the beach!

Our lovely neighbors dropped off a bottle of wine as a thanks and soon enough it was time to head to bed!

Tomorrow: Bacon, Bagels and Beach. Plus, Sweet Plantains with the Pias! What more could you want?

Day 1: Friday - Getting there is NOT 1/2 the fun, Overnight in STT, Hotel Mafolie
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20137

Day 2: Saturday - Breakfast at Mafolie, Pool Time, and Heading to St. John and the Lameshur Cottage
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20143

Day 3: Sunday - Maho, Skinny Legs, and Woody's
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20151

Day 4: Monday - Francis, Tap Room, and Island Blues
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20170

Day 5: Tuesday - Mini Flip-Flop's 1st Snorkel, A Trip to Myra Keating, and Date Night @ Shipwreck
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20178

Day 6: Wednesday - Beach, lunch at Tourist Trap, dinner at the Beach Bar
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20197

Day 7: Thursday - Vie's Beach, Skinny Legs and a Quiet Night In
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=20210
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User avatar
EagleRayLover
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Location: St. John -WooHoo!!

Post by EagleRayLover »

another nice day!
Leslie, Kids Night In Babysitting
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SOonthebeach
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Location: Texas

Post by SOonthebeach »

The pull of the beach is just tooooooo hard- I get it!!
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wishiwasinthevi
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Joined: Sun Aug 29, 2010 12:33 pm
Location: Springfield, Illinois

Post by wishiwasinthevi »

Thank you so much for posting these...not only are they fun to read but I have learned so much. We have been to the island many many times....but alot of time has been spent in our "Caneel bubble", so we still have so much of the island to discover, especially outside of Cruz Bay. Reading your trip reports and seeing the pictures is so helpful narrowing down all the things we want to make sure we do on our trip in July, we're determined to do the things that we haven't done before.
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lazylane
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Post by lazylane »

Another EXCELLENT installment, I hope your vacation never ends..... :lol: 8)
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ColumbiaSCTraveler
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Location: Columbia, SC

Post by ColumbiaSCTraveler »

Love Donkey Diner pizza...and their DONKEY BALLS! Yum! :lol:
sailorgirl
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Post by sailorgirl »

Great installment, I was starting to jones big time :-)
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hoosierdaddy
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Post by hoosierdaddy »

Thanks for the reports. It is alittle of a tease when my ticker is so far out.. Glad your family is having such a wonderful time. I have never heard of Jake's. How long has it been open and where is it located?
P-600
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Location: St. John

Post by P-600 »

Loving your reports!
Hoosierdaddy--It used to be Chilly Billy's.
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Julie
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flip-flop
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Location: Northern VA

Post by flip-flop »

hoosierdaddy wrote:Thanks for the reports. It is alittle of a tease when my ticker is so far out.. Glad your family is having such a wonderful time. I have never heard of Jake's. How long has it been open and where is it located?
I think the current iteration has been there a couple of years.

More scoop here: http://www.on-stjohn.com/2008/05/06/jak ... -tomorrow/

Very yummy!
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