So it’s Day 5 , son Nathan has brought his golf clubs and he and his girlfriend, Jessie, take the ferry over to St. Thomas to golf at Mahogany Run. This is a 130 acre 70 par golf course hailed as one of the most beautiful courses in the world.
When they arrive, they get a score card but also interesting directions regarding each hole.
The course is fairly difficult with hills and a constant easterly wind. But the views are breathtaking and it’s hard not to pause for awhile just to take it all in! Nathan golfs, Jessie enjoys the view😎
Nathan shoots a 74 on a par 70!! He’s thrilled and so glad to have had such a magnificent experience golfing in the Caribbean.
When they return to St. John, we all meet up with the others who have been doing a little shopping and head to Indigo Grill for dinner in Coral Bay so we can attend open mic at Concordia. Indigo Grill took over the spot that used to be the Donkey Diner. Even though it changed owners they decided to keep the excellent pizza on the menu which was smart since there isn’t another pizza place on this side of the island😉
After devouring our pizza and beers, we head to Concordia’s open mic ( I’ve mentioned before in a previous blog). So much talent on such a small island! We listen from the balcony above and enjoy the sunset which eventually turns into a brilliant, starry night. Since there is so little ambient light, the heavens look brighter and closer.
We head home after a full day and evening knowing tomorrow we need to rise early to go sailing on my friend’s sailboat.
Day 6: My friend ,Ken, graciously offered to take the family for a sail on his sailboat asking in return we bring provisions and drinks (alcohol, that is) enough for everyone including Captain Ken. Yes, sir, we can do this willingly and happily. Ken lives on his boat so we stay aboveboard and enjoy a smooth sail out on the ocean.
Sailing is such a surprisingly calming experience. The sound of the wind in the sails and the waves lapping against the boat provide so much peace. It helps me understand why some have committed their lives to providing the experience for others to enjoy.
After our day of sailing, we head to Rhumb Lines, a unique Polynesian restaurant sequestered behind a small convenience store in Cruz Bay. If you didn’t know about it from a local, you wouldn’t know it existed.
After many rum concoctions, we head over to the Dog House for some crazy karaoke. Ha, ha, ha!! Thankfully, no video of our drunken attempts at singing 🥴Time for bed!
Day 7: Last day of the family visit. Michelle and I have to work so Molly spends the day entertaining the fam walking around town and helping them get pick out some souvenirs from local vendors. We all meet up later at Coconut Coast Studio for local artist, Elaine Estern’s fabulous Wednesday night open house. Free hors d’oeuvres , champagne and the famous Painkiller punch ( alcohol-free but the rum bottle there for those who imbibe…yes, thank you). The vibe is super with flute players providing classical music and the fabulous sunset view famous from Frank Bay.
As soon as the sun sets we head over to Pickles, an unusual venue for open mic but very popular. A bar/ deli by day but opening the large backyard filled with picnic tables and a formidable stage at night. People come from all over the island to listen to the local talent and anyone can sign up to join the band or sing a song. Amazingly, the ‘band’ can pretty much back any song you would like to sing!
It’s a wonderful end to the blended family vacation. No matter what differences we may have, no matter the distance , no matter what others might think ….we are always family. Love conquers all.
Traveling Rose in St. John 