On Monday we picked up our rental car, figured out how to drive on the left side, and commenced a driving tour of the whole island. We also did a little shopping that day and went to Morningstar Beach. On Tuesday we visited Blackbeard's Castle– which actually has nothing to do with Blackbeard– and rented a jet ski at Sapphire Beach. On Wednesday we took the ferry to St. John. It was even more beautiful than St. Thomas, and is kept mostly as a national preserve. we shopped a little, visited the ruins of a sugar mill, and then hiked about a mile to get to the beach we wanted. There are not many roads in St. John. Once we got there, we swam out to a smaller island where we had our first snorkelling experience. I almost bailed initially, but in the end decided to "be a sport". On Thursday we did a kayak tour to nearby Hassel Island. It was a 3-hr tour, though by no means as ill fated as that name suggests. We got a vigorous workout in the kayak and came home with a really outstanding sunburn. On Friday we returned to favorite, almost-private spot– Bluebeard's Beach. We had discovered it the night before. After that we spent a little more time Hull Beach, just reading & relaxing. Every day we enjoyed amazing meals comprised of mostly local seafood. The whole weeks was bliss– no working on our marriage and no car accidents!
Special thanks to Memaw & Pepaw and Papa Wes & GG for your loving care of our kids while we had our getaway.
At Hook, Line, & Sinker
Blackbeard's Castle
the jet ski
Epernay Wine Club & Bistro
At on overlook on St. John
part of the hike to the beach at St. John
In the background is the island we swam to for snorkelling
A 17/1800s fort on Hassel Island
Another fort, oldest on Hassel Island
Our kayak
At Gladys' Cafe
Our favorite beach
Udder Delite dairy bar
