St, Thomas, USVI February 5, 2009

Woke up at 7:00 and sat on balcony and watched us dock. This was the first time we’ve docked on our side of the ship. Another large ship is docked in front of us – can’t tell what it is from here. Took a couple of pictures. Looked through the pictures I have taken so far. I can’t match what I am seeing with either of the deck-diagrams in the shopping guide, so I can’t decipher the shopping guide and/or map of the port.

Sun came up while I sat on balcony; began to get hot very quickly.
Breakfast, then off the ship.
Shopped at pier briefly then left for shore excursion.

Shore Excursion to St. John
Took the ferry “Island Girl” – large, fast, and rough ride
Saw homes of Michael Jordan, Alan Alda, Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Michael Jackson, Chevy Chase, Madonna, others. Guide says the town stops when Madonna is in town.
Other islands passed: Little St. James, Great St. James, St. James

Took an island “taxi” for the land tour – a 20-passenger open bus. Sat in the back with a couple from Kentucky.
No airport on the island; ferry to St. Thomas every hour costs $6 each way.
There is an elementary school on the island, but other students take the ferry to St. Thomas every day.
No large shopping areas on the island – people shop on St. Thomas
The three islands have one governor
Only two hotels on St. John
The color of the water is amazing!

Island population = 6500 on 19 square miles

Most of the island is a national park

Two big beaches: Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay
Made 15 minute stop at Cinnamon Bay – like a national park setting, woods, pavillians, restrooms, lockers, etc. Wooded path to beach.
Stopped at ruins of an old sugar mill.
Can see Tortola from Maho Bay viewing site. Our driver is from there.
Stop at Bordeau Mtn – highest point on island – could see a cruise ship docked on Tortola

Finished listening to Dark Harbor by Stuart Woods
Rest, nap, TV, Ipod, Shower, dinner

Comedian Jim McDonald – missed most of it because I couldn’t see the screen (he used video for some of his comedy) from where I sat.
Checked email, walked around ship
Movie on deck – Get Smart