I didn't have to hunt very far to find red October. Last night, I decided to photograph the sunset and got lucky with sizzling, fiery orange hues.
This morning I awoke to a beaming full moon. I snatched the tripod, a cup of coffee and headed down to the dock to start capturing the light. Before I knew it, a red sun was rising. I kept shooting, still in my p.j’s, filling up the memory card.
Sometimes, the best place in the world is your own backyard.
Ten trips within fifteen years to the same small island: St. John, jewel of the US Virgin Islands. Ten; now that's a lot of vacation time spent in one place.
Why?
“No disappointments,” I say.
Can’t go wrong with uncrowded, talcum-powder soft beaches. Throw off the flip-flops and all worries.
Tangy fresh Caribbean cuisine at restaurants in Cruz Bay. My favorites–Morgan's Mango, the Fish Trap and elegant Asolare.
Velvety pina colada's at Caneel Bay's beach bar oozing with cream of coconut goodness.
A jumbo cheeseburger in paradise grilled by Loretto at the top Bordeaux Mountain, 1300 feet high.
Driving on the left around vertical hair-pin turns and the occasional need to brake for pigs, goats, cows, chickens and donkeys crossing the road.
Genips to pry open with your teeth and suck the fleshy pit. Never tasted a genip? Just hop over to St. John and find a genip tree!
A sunrise reflecting on Tortola, Mary's Point and multiple small cays.
Writing your name on a leaf of an autograph tree and coming back to find it another year.
A mug of St. John ale and cheer-ful reception at Skinny Leg's, a no-frills local's haunt, in Coral Bay. They especially love Red Sox fans.
Starry skies so clear you can see to infinity, and beyond– certainly over to Jost Van Dyke, where one strand of lights is strewn across the island like a branch on the Christmas tree.
Hop a boat to the Soggy Dollar Bar, swim ashore and order the famous painkiller. Then snooze in their ultimate beachside hammocks.
Swim through thousands of tiny silverswords, like Moses parting the sea. Marvel at how they change direction in unison.
The Starfish Marketplace, best place for groceries and the catchy mosaic artwork- Oh my Cod.
Jewelry dreaming at the original creations in R & I Patton goldsmithing.
A hand-blown glass bowl from recycled glass fired and created at Maho Bay Campgrounds.
Lew Henley's sign declaring his company "#1 in the # 2 business."
Finally, departing by ferry boat, to ease the transition back to the real world.
Sat in the exit row on an American Eagle prop plane to Maimi. Hate this flight, but no other option.
My feet went numb from the freezing air coming through the door. I asked for a blanket and was told I had to buy one for $5.
After fussing, I broke down and paid. At least is was clean. Next time I won’t wear sandals.
No, next time I won’t fly American Eagle.
Here are the current baggage rates (Mid-August 2008). Be sure to add these in to the cost of your ticket.
Airline First Bag Second Bag
Air Canada $0 $20
Air Tran $0 $10 online, $20 at airport
Alaska Airlines $0 $0
American Airlines $15 $25
Continental $0 $25
Delta $0 $50
Frontier $0 $25
JetBlue $0 $20
Northwest $15 $25
Spirit $15 online, $20 at airport $25
Southwest $0 $0
United $15 $25
US Airways $15 $25
I’ll be flying Southwest to Philadelphia on an upcoming trip.