Can you say “Perfect?” This, in our opinion, is the BEST beach on St. John. We know there is some kind of No Trespassing parking you can do to get to this beach, although we’ve never done it. For us, getting here is by dinghy or by swimming around the rocks from Hawksnest. These difficult-to-get-to reasons mean this beach almost never very people-lated. A long stretch of soft, white sand, and the canopy of huge palms make this beach absolutely beautiful. This is a Hollywood beach and, however you figure out to get here, it deserves to be on your list.

In a vaguely-worded news release, the governor’s office says Governor John deJongh Jr. met behind closed doors with airline officials in Miami to discuss current service to the VI’s and long-range plans. It didn’t say what airline, but since it was in Miami, and since it was with “a major airline now serving the Virgin Islands”, it was likely American. I love calling Government House. No, really. They are so dang cheerful. From reception to the press office. Very, very friendly. By the time everybody’s done confirming everybody’s having a good morning, you’ve spent 15 minutes just saying hello. But a “We’ll get back to you” answer to a “What’s up” question, hasn’t come yet. So, let’s speculate. A closed door meeting doesn’t sound like the airline called it. Sounds more like the governor trying to get more air service, or keep from losing some. And that sounds like a plea for St. Croix. American is the only domestic airline with daily service to St. Croix right now. Delta and US Airways only fly there 2 days a week. St. Thomas has healthy service from a half dozen airlines. Or. Maybe. It will be brand new, A380 service to Coral Bay. There ya go!

Due to an onslaught of email inquires (one), we figured we’d post the 411 on Slimman’s parking lot. It’s across from Wharfside Village. 90 minutes of parking for $5. $10 all day. Evenings 5-10 pm is $10. It’s been a great addition. We don’t even do the loop through town looking for parking anymore. (Note: A woman recently approached me as I parked at Mongoose Junction and said “Good morning! Will you be shopping with us at Mongoose Junction?” Don’t know if she worked for one of the stores of if it’s her job to police parking there…which is reserved for only Mongoose customers. I said “Naw, I’m going to Tortola for the day, but this is a great spot!” Some people have no sense of humor.)

Is Slimman’s ever full? Well, yes and no. Even if it looks full, pull in and ask. They can pack cars into that lot like the Capt’n Vic. Slimman is also a park ranger. And he’s funny. And he’s slim. He’d make a great interview. We’ll work on that.    

The St. John police department seems to lack all sense of public relations. You’d think after recent incidences, a memo would’ve gone out suggesting officers back down a bit from overly aggressive parking enforcement. Apparently, it has only gotten more aggressive in Cruz Bay. Tourists and locals alike are getting snared. Among the latest, a longtime island resident who parked after hours by the Post Office, only to return and find her vehicle booted. But get this: The $175 fee was dropped immediately to $100 when she said she wasn’t carrying that kind of cash. (Cash only, no checks.) That, in itself, smacks of something very questionable going on. Tow trucks are reportedly the next step in Operation Cruz Bay Storm. Granted, if you park illegally, you should accept the risk of a fine. But $1,000 for backing into a handicap space while your wife unloads the luggage and a “how much cash do you have on you” boot removal policy just sounds wrong. Park in your rental company’s lot, or give your business to Slim man. Those are two very safe bets.