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“Thomas Takes A Vacation”

A blog about a little boy’s first visit to the island of St John

 

 

Introduction:   Hello Everybody!

 

The Adventure:

  Wednesday – The Big Day is Here!

 Thursday – Beach Time!

 Friday – Plunge Day!

 Saturday – Wow Wow Wow – What a Day!

 Sunday – Mother’s Day

 Monday – Magical Boy = Magical Day

 Tuesday – Lets Go Exploring!

 Wednesday – Time to Say Goodbye

 Epilogue 

 

 

Epilogue

We were barely home for a day, when Momma, Daddy and I packed up again and headed to Ohio to be with Grandpa Sam and Oma.  Grand Pa had gone to the hospital for some minor surgery while we were in St John, but something drastically went wrong.  The doctors had to put him in deep sleep in hopes he would come back to us.  But Grandpa Sam never woke up, and on May 24^th he passed.

 

It was only twenty months ago when Grand Pa Sam held me for the first time shortly after I entered this world.   His visits to Virginia or our visit to Ohio were special times for Grand Pa and me.  Some may tease me in years to come about all the time I slept on the beach in St John.  I think it was in those quiet moments of my slumbers that I told Grand Pa Sam my stories.  He loved me and he loved the beach, and I know he wanted to hear all about my adventures. 

 

 

And I as I grow older I will miss him, but I know whenever I lay on a beach or play in the ocean that deep inside me the stories we shared as I napped on the beaches of St John will be alive in my heart forever.

I love you Grandpa…  My story is for you ~ Thomas

 

 

Wednesday - Time to Say Goodbye

The household was a buzz when I arose this morning.  All of the adults were dressed, packed suitcases lined the hallway, and the last minute walkthrough was underway.  Daddy and I were playing around until Poppa called him to help make one last trash run to the dumpster down the road. Nobody wanted the stinky trash in the car when we headed for town.  We had a seven passenger Explorer that has worked well all week.  There were no problems fitting our towels, cooler, and snorkeling gear up to this point, but there was no way that all us and all those suitcases were going to fit.  When we arrived, the nice lady from Catered To had hauled a few of our things and groceries to the villa.   I also remembered Daddy did not arrive with us.   We crammed into the blue beast and things were tight, but we all made it in one trip up Gifft Hill.   That was not going to be the case this morning.

The hands of the clock showed a few minutes after nine when the first run to Cruz Bay occurred.   Everyone but Daddy buckled in for the ride.  The suitcases and Daddy would be in the second run, with a stop for gas before the Explorer was returned.  Poppa dropped us in the park by the ferry dock and returned to Hummingbird Hill.  We walked around town doing a little more shopping and people watching.  When Poppa returned we scrambled getting all the suitcases unloaded and doing the rental car return.

The Piper Car Rental agent met us right there in the park and after a quick inspection our group was now on foot.  The blue beast had served us well and I waved as it drove away.

As predicted on Mother’s Day, we headed to Cruz Bay Landing for another brunch.  The place was jumping for a Wednesday morning, and this morning an outside table was a must.  We had to chill for a while until a two tables opened.  Me, I just ran around the park chasing the puppies.  The smiling waitress came almost immediately and asked if she could get anybody a drink.  Deep down inside I knew that poor Mary woman had to be almost out of blood, but sure enough Poppa, YaYa, and Aunt Bridget got that nasty looking drink again.   Oh well, we will be leaving soon and Mary should be safe again.   

It did not take long for the food to arrive and sure enough it was a feast.  It would hold us until dinner in Charlotte which was hours away.  Of course there were some  pretty good snacks in between.   I thought it was time I step up to the plate with the check.  However after examining the bill carefully there were no numbers so I figured the nice waitress just let us slide.  I was ready to move on, it was time to go!

We left Cruz Bay Landing pulling our luggage behind us and dodging all the chickens running around the park. (I  knew they were not puppies... not enough legs)  The walk to the ferry dock is very short, but with every step I knew our departure was near. 

With our tickets bought, we settled into the ferry station waiting area.  The windows truly framed how beautiful our week had been.  The water, the sand, and fun that I enjoyed this week is framed by the window.  It wasn’t until everyone was settled that I realized we had a bunch of stuff.  

It seemed like we had just gotten comfortable when it was time to start hauling our stuff to the ferry.  The top deck was a must for the trip home.  It afforded me one last view as we pulled out and headed to St Thomas.

The trip is very short and so much fun.  Daddy was a little freaked that I would do something stupid and fall over, but since he did not make the first transit he was unaware that I was experienced ferry traveler and needed some space.  We found a happy middle ground as the ferry engines roared to begin the crossing.  (aka Momma's Lap)

Sitting on the top deck, I now know why puppies like to stick their noses out the window of a car.  The wind and sun felt so good. 

As we pulled into St Thomas, Daddy showed me where he used to live many years ago before Momma and me.  Great location, but they looked pretty small.

It was déjà vu backwards.  Next was a taxi ride over the hills again on our way to the airport.  My eyes were getting heavy, but I tried to hold on.  When we arrived a week earlier on the plane, they announced that we should be at the airport three hours early.  Poppa was taking flack from everyone about being there too early, but there was no one in line at the check in.  We were two hours and forty-five minutes early and the group was rumbling.  It still took us forty-five minutes to get from the check in desk to our seats in the lobby with no line.  I am with Poppa, early is better when it comes to this airport.  

Uncle Brandon and Aunt Bridget were leaving before us to go home, and when it was time for them to go Poppa and I watched out the window as their plane finished loading.

Then it was our turn.  I was so happy that Daddy carried me up the steps.  These steps are much harder than the ones at Annaberg Plantation.  We all settled in but were separated for the long leg to Charlotte.  I snuggled into my car seat thankful that even though I was under two I had my own seat and it was a window seat!  With a rumble and roar it was down the runway and off into the air.  Peeking out the window the blue water and St Thomas disappeared from view.

I tried to read for awhile, but my eyes got heavy and I started to drift away again.  My dreams took me to the all the places I had enjoyed during the week.  My nap seemed to make the flight to Charlotte short, but we still had another layover, and by now it was dark outside. 

Dinner at the airport was ok, but I was ready for my own bed.  The North Carolina to Virginia leg was short, but our arrival was close to midnight.  We loaded into a taxi for short ride to my house and Poppa, YaYa, Daddy, Momma, and I were asleep in seconds.  My trip had come to an end, but there were so many new experiences and memories that will stay with me forever.  I am so happy Momma and Daddy allowed me to go to Josh and Lauren’s plunge event. 

I want to leave a hint to other big people; St John is definitely a place that small children can have fun - so take them!

Tuesday – Lets Go Exploring!

Today is officially our last day to explore this paradise called St John.  I can tell you that even a 20 month old knows this is a very special place.  Each morning I arise with anticipation of our next adventure.  My backpack was loaded and today we are going to try to make it out to Leinster Bay.  After the failed attempt yesterday due lack of fuel, I have complete confidence Poppa has our Explorer ready to go.  Instead of the North Shore route we head down Centerline Road and then down the big hill to Annaberg Plantation. 

We pulled in to the lot and were lucky enough to get the one parking space under a big shady tree – SWEET! 

Before we hiked to beach on Leinster Bay, we decided to go explore the plantation ruins.  The hike from the parking lot up the hill to historic site is very short, but oh boy is there a lot of steps.  I am proud to say that I did them all by myself.  My friend, I can tell you that is a tough workout for a little boy!   My Momma may be a runner and my YaYa a swimmer, but hundreds of steps for a little person is a major feat.



Once we reached the top of the hill, the views were amazing.  Although the Saharan Dust still obstructed the view slightly it was beautiful looking out.  Mary’s Creek to the west and the Sir Francis Drake Passage views to the east.  Everything is so brown and I sure wish the dust would go away.

The plantation had all these cool rock formations.  Daddy explained the rocks are what remained of the buildings that made up the sugar plantation 150 years ago.  Exploring each building was like a brand new adventure. 

Of course, the big people took a
 ton of pictures… snap – snap – snap. 

Peeking through holes in the walls was fun.  I never knew what I would find.  I peeked through one hole and Uncle Brandon was on the other side. 


I could have spent hours climbing, chasing lizards, and discovering new things, but the sun was getting higher and the beach was calling our names.  I gathered up the adults (it is like herding cats) and lead them back down to the Explorer to gather up our beach stuff. 

YaYa really shook it up by loading me on her back for our mile walk down the Leinster Trail.  The walk was very easy.  There is nothing better than a flat trail that is mostly shady.   We could see some type of animal running through the woods.  They could be puppies, but if they are, they are ugly puppies.  I found out later that they are mongoose, and they are some kind of sneaky critters.  The trail parallels the water.  Cool breezes and lots to see helped the time pass quickly.



Arriving at the beach, we were happy that we had gotten there early.  We were like the second or third group on the beach, so it was easy to find a nice shady place.  I was ready for a snack and some water time to cool off.  But I knew that after all the exploration at the ruins and step climbing a serious nap was in my future.  Behind our spot there were lots more of those mongoose animals running in and out of their holes.




The water at Leinster was a clear as my bathtub.  I was enjoying throwing pebbles and watching them splash.  The water was full of little tiny fish swimming back and forth.  Even a small barracuda came up to tell me good morning.  

After stomping up and down the beach, it was raft time.   Almost immediately, I was down for the count.

Momma and Daddy played in the water right in front of my resting place while everybody else went snorkeling.  Lo and behold, as I was resting, one of those mongooses snuck out of the woods.  He was foraging our beach site for food.  Daddy had to chase him away.

It is a pretty a long snorkel from the beach out to the Waterlemon Cay, but I am told it is an excellent place to see turtles and sometimes starfish along the way.  Unfortunately, today was very windy, and when you broke from the cover of the land to crossover to the Cay, it was very difficult swim.  Poppa, YaYa, Bridget, and Brandon made it out to the little island with a young girl that joined them.  She did not want to go by herself and on this day, that was a smart decision.  The currents were strong and the group thought it best to stay on the inland side of the Waterlemon.   Poppa was so excited that he saw a hawksbill turtle on the snorkel.   He said he always sees green turtles, but not hawksbills.   Upon their return, the girl that snorkel with them found that she was not as lucky with the mongooses.  One ate her power bar that she was saving for her walk back.  Lesson learned; if you are hanging out at Leinster make sure your food is safely secured.  As I said, the ugly puppies are sneaky little critters.

Momma and Daddy headed out to snorkel but opted not to swim to Cay.  They snorkeled back towards the plantation.  The saw rays and turtles in the grasses along the shore and under the moored sailboats in the bay.  I was still asleep with one of the turtles popped his head up close to shore to tell me hello.  Everyone was very hungry by the time I awoke, but we still had one more adventure.   


YaYa wanted everyone to head up the Johnny Horn trail and take in the view.  Just a very short walk up from the beach on the Johnny Horn Trail there are more ruins and another amazing scenic overlook. 

What a great place to snap some family pictures and do a little more exploring.   

After this last adventure, it was time to head back to Annaberg.  It was kinda sad on the way back because everyone knew it was going to be our last beach.  I hunkered down in my pack as  Daddy carried me back to parking lot.

We drove back to Hummingbird Hill slowly stopping at some of the overlooks to take in the beauty of the Caribbean.

Arriving back at our villa everyone took a little quiet time to relax, start packing, or just enjoying the beautiful plants and gardens of this unique villa.  While the rents were packing, I took the opportunity to grab the Kindle and catch up on a little Fireman Sam.  Hummingbird Hill has an excellent WiFi signal.  We did have to reset the modem a couple times, but that is not big deal.  Fireman Sam adventures streamed just fine and everyone was able to check their email with no problems.   Aunt Bridget said we were on vacation so the television stayed in the OFF position.   Only a couple days did we even plug in the iPod for music.  In the evenings, Uncle Brandon would play his ukulele or we just played games, so being able to grab a couple of Kindle minutes was a treat.   Down below the cottage the owners have built an extensive collection of orchids.  A nice man came and watered them because there has been no rain and some of them opened up to say hello.   If you have parents or grandparents looking to take small children to the islands, Hummingbird Hill is a great place.

With all of our chores done and a very nice wind down period, we headed into Cruz Bay for dinner.  This was our only dinner out.  All other meals we cooked in the villa.  Oh yeah, how could I forget… that yummy rehearsal dinner at the Westin.   After a little last minute shopping and one more round at the Beach Bar we headed up the steps to Vista Mare for dinner. 

Poppa usually asks whoever is at the head of the table say prayers... I was lucky he forgot tonight.

Another lovely view awaited us while the sun set.  It seemed everyone was hungry after a day of exploration, but we did not rush.  We sat for a long time talking about all the fun we had together, but we all knew it was time to go home.  Poppa’s Mom had to go to the hospital and Grandpa Sam was not getting better.  Sleep came quickly tonight because we needed to be well rested for the next day. It will be an all day travel day.