Island Getaway

Late March, Ryan and I had the opportunity to go to St. Croix for a conference for my work.  It was definitely a rough gig for Ryan!

We got in with a quick hour to look around the resort grounds before getting ready for a cocktail party.  Lots of water to explore.

St. Croix is the largest USVI but also the poorest.  

The roads were horrible and windy and narrow.

Typical forts found on all islands.  

Chickens, chickens.  Everywhere chickens.

The first day I was in conferences, Ryan went out on a fishing charter.  

His fish was the largest caught but the fish were few and far between.  Next time we'll have to go on an all-day charter to get out to deeper, more populated waters!

Our first free morning together, we headed to Fredrickstead where the cruise ships dock.  It's still a bit of a mystery what people who port here for the day do as there wasn't much in the way of shopping or eating on this side of the island.  We think most people come to scuba - which we did not do!

Another fort.

We headed to the Nature Preserve and decided to walk the beach and hope to miss the rain.

Ryan is an avid seashell hunter.

There were some large shells but nothing we thought worthy of packing in our suitcases!

After our long hike we hit up the grocery store and then a local bbq joint.

We decided to behave like adults in a fancy restaurant and took a selfie at the bar.

And set our dessert on fire.  Rum is rampant on the island so it was in everything!

We found a little food truck that served breakfast at a nearby dive site which was a hit!

Not a bad view for breakfast, eh?

Our last full day, we finally got some sunshine and decided to explore the other side of the island.

Point Udall.

It got a bit toasty so Ryan had to get rejuvenated with a little banana rum concoction.

I was glowing, right?

Walking the streets of Christianstead looking for last minute gifts to take home to the kids.  Everything (restaurants, shops, distilleries) all shuts down on Sunday so we had our work cut out for us!  

Some very clear water near our lunch destination.

They had a "rain forest" but I'm not sure that's how we would have described it.

There were tide pools accessible from our hotel.  We were advised NOT to go because of all the rain we'd had while there but we decided to give it a go - you know, we're such risk takers!

It was a strenuous walk but we definitely had calories to burn!

We got there during high tide so we didn't make it to the actual pools themselves but we spent a great deal of time there exploring the rocky beach.

Attempting to get to the tide pools.

Our view on the way back to the resort.

We were so lucky to have family step in so we could have this time away together.  While we were gone, Auntie took Phoebe to soccer tryouts.

And entertained Maverick while they waited...

Last morning on the island was picture perfect.

Our fun ride for the week was perfect for the crazy roads.

These hanging vines fascinated me every time we drove by them so Ryan humored me and took my picture with them.

See how cool we are?

Although I don't believe we'll ever return to St. Croix, it holds fun memories of time well-spent with my cute husband.  We owe YiaYia and Papou and Auntie lots and lots of rum.