Vacation

Two Glorious Weeks in the Virgin Islands

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I was lucky enough to spend two weeks in the  U. S. Virgin Islands, which included St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Virgin Gorda (in the British Virgin Islands).  Part of the trip was a homecoming, while three of the islands were brand new to me.  All four islands were new to my family.  From Oregon, getting to the Virgin Islands is no easy affair and takes about 13 hours (similar to going to Europe for us).

We started our trip with a week in St. Croix.  I lived in St. Croix until 1989 and had not been back for 27 years.  I was excited to see what has changed, as well as, whether my memory served me well with the fond memories I carried with me for the last 27 years.  We stayed in a glorious little hotel right on the beach.  Literally, we rolled out of our cottage and right onto the beach.  It also happens to be one of the best beaches on the island.  Cottages by the Sea was the perfect place for us to be on the quieter side of the island for pure relaxation.

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While on St. Croix we visited my old home, which sadly now is an AT&T data farm.  Difficult to understand why 13 acres of pristine waterfront property should be used for a data farm, but such is life.  The only remaining fixture from the original property was a sugar mill that I had spent hours playing in.

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We also went to Buck Island and snorkeled the underwater trail in this incredibly beautiful national park.  The sailing trip out there is easy and Turtle Beach is incredibly beautiful.  And of course, the underwater trails hosts hundreds of fish and breathtaking coral.

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After a week in St. Croix we flew to St. Thomas, a very easy 30 minute plane ride.  St. Thomas is much more busy and touristy compared to St. Croix.  Also, instead of the intimate, cozy hotel we stayed at in St. Croix, we were at a much larger, busier resort.  It was perched on a breathtaking cliff overlooking the St. Thomas harbor with four pools, a nice beach, tennis courts and many restaurants.  After the quaint place we stayed, it felt like Disneyland.

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We took a ferry to St. John which has some of the most amazing beaches and a tiny downtown area.  Only 4,000 residents inhabit this amazing island.

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Our final day was spent on Virgin Gorda.  We took a 1.5 hour ferry to this little gem of an island to visit The Baths and Devil’s Bay.

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Our final night…

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This is a trip to be remembered for a very long time.

Maui

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I had the good fortune to spend two weeks on Maui on vacation.  It was a much-needed respite from a very busy year.  It amazes me how the sun and sand can recharge me and the kids loved the balmy weather.  Our biggest decision each day was which beach to venture to for that day; knowing that the afternoons were reserved for the pool.  Marine life was abundant; fish making themselves known as soon as we walked into the water.  We sailed out to Molokini one day and snorkeled to our heart’s content.  Fish of all colors and shapes swam with us, quite unafraid.  Fortunately, the eels stayed at the bottom of the reef since they were cool to see but I really did not want a close-up.  And so, I sit at my desk now and dream of the heat warming my back, the relaxed evenings and the next time I will be able to snorkel the fabulous reefs of Maui!

 

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Gratitude

Posted on by Seniye Groff

Today was my last day of vacation.  We take an annual trip the week leading up to Labor Day to Sunriver, OR or otherwise known as the high desert.  I always know that the week will be filled with biking, tennis, swimming, eating and good times with friends.  Since the elevation is 4200 feet I usually find myself reluctant to run.  This year, though, I managed to run three times!  The first time was the first day I arrived.  My friend Amy asked me to go with her.  I figured I wouldn’t get lost on the myriad of paths if I went with someone.  I huffed and puffed and pushed myself to run 30 minutes.  Then on Saturday, equipped with my daughter’s iPod, I ran 40 minutes.  I never run with music so it was great to have the extra motivation.  Then today, as soon as I woke up, I decided to run while my husband packed up the car.  Again armed with the iPod, I set my goal at 45 minutes and managed to run 50.  I actually felt strong…as if the elevation no longer bothered me.  As I was breathing in the crisp, fresh air and looking at the blue, blue sky, I reveled in my luckiness.  I managed to see 10 deer on my run, too.  And I felt such gratitude and knew I must cherish times like this…the quiet, the strength, the determination and the feeling of success.

So much success, I came home and registered for the October  21st Run Like Hell 10k.  Join me if you want.