Race Day in Photos

Rash Guard On, iPod programmed, and goggles cleaned - Let's Do It.

The starting line... Janet is Ready

And there off!  If you look closely in the bottom of the pic you can see a turtle - I am sure the little green turtle was saying, What the hell is going on!

Janet swims in the last 20 yards

Towel boy keeps his promise!

Her medal for 1:47.08 of effort moving water

Cooling Down

What does one do after swimming 3.5 miles in the ocean?

I let her sleep for 1:47.08 - then I woke her up saying lets celebrate!

She done good!

Waiting for the ferry home - more in the coming days with a Photo Wrap-Up

Special Bulletin Dos.....

 Ok you figured me out - if it says Special Bulletin there are no pitures below....

Hopefully later tonight I will be able to upload Race Day Pictures.  However, I wanted to pass on to our team, Swim Janet Swim, today's results.

On an absolutely beautiful Virgin Island day, the race started promtly at 8 am on Maho Beach, St John.  At 9:47:08 Janet walked under the finish banner on Hawknest Beach.  In 1:47.08 she had swam/swum (never get that one right) 3.5 miles in the ocean.  She finished 3rd in her age group of 50+ females.  Go Janet!  BTW - Towel boy was right there and I got a picture to prove it.

As predicted the water was very choppy in front of Denis Bay.  Rays and Starfish were sighted along the way by Janet, but no turtles.  Ironically as she rounded the point to swim into Cinnamon Bay her iPod began to play Kenny Chesney's song "Old Blue Chair".  The song written on and about Cinnamon Bay St John.  The playlist worked for those who sent in songs.  She only swam/swum with one bud in her ear so she could hear safety officials if she strayed off course.

THE BIG NEWS!
Team Swim Janet Swim got a major shout out!  Why you ask... It was for being the #1 fundraising effort this year!

Because of each of you and your willingness to support Janet and the Virgin Island National Park, Janet and I will get to have dinner with Kenny Chesney at his house on Peter Bay tomorrow night!

Well... not really, but we did get a couple neat hats and book and DVD about the park.  Most importantly a real big thank you from the friends of the park.  Thanks to ALL of you for your support.

Pictures at 11.

We now return you to your normal web surfing venue.

This has been a Special Bulletin Dos....

This is a Special Bulletin.....

Not a blog but as the title states a Special Bulletin. We are 12 hours from SHOWTIME!

 What a crazy day. Started out normal and we were even a little slow getting out the door. There were no Cruise Ships docked today at St Thomas so we decided to go to Trunk Bay. Trunk is absolutely beautiful and in fact most publications rate it the best beach in the Caribbean. I will not argue the point except.... It has too many damn people fore me, but that is because of cruise ship excursions.

 We had a wonderful morning at Trunk in the shade reading. At lunchtime I went to Connections, the local internet cafe to upload pictures, but they were closed for the Memorial Day Holiday - They reopen on Tuesday.

 So at this point I have to give a shout out to Low Key Water Sports that allowed me to use a laptop and get some shots uploaded.

 As we were headed to the pre-race meeting my phone rang. Not a good sign... it was the owner of the cottage. Tom he said, we have a problem, but it has bad news and good news. He is upgrading the pool area with solar panels to provide warm water to his house, the rental villa, and the cottage. He accidentaly drilled a hole into the pool deck for a support beam and hit the cottage's water supply line. We had to move, but.... We movin' on up to the east side to an apartment... (if you are over 40 you know where I got that) The rental villa is sweettttttttttt. We loved the cottage, but the villa is very nice and our view improved if you can believe that. 

So it is bedtime. Alarm going off at 0500 - Hoping conditions will be good for my sweetie. Hope you enjoyed the pics and will try to get more uploaded soon.

Picture Time

Friday was a day of discovery, light swimming, and just another day in paradise.

We got up and headed for Denis Bay.  A beach we have never been to in all of our years visiting STJ.  It is a short hike all downhill from Peace Hill.  Maybe .2 miles through the woods and brush.  Well marked and easy walk - even back uphill - and a beach to die for.  When we first arrived it was our beach except for a gentleman who lives in the old slave quarters of the Plantation home that I think is no longer there.  Will have to research that one.  This beach was important for us to investigate because around its point is the finish line for Janet tomorrow.  It also has some of the roughest waters she will experience.

We snorkeled for awhile and got a feel for the currents.  Saw a 3' baracuda that seemed a little upset I was crowding his universe.  Also saw a bunch of angel fish.  The one in the picture was about the size of hand.  We really enjoyed the snorkeling, but not necessarily a place for beginners.

After spending the morning at Denis we headed back into Cruz Bay for a quick lunch, and then returned to Hawknest which is the official finish line.   Janet did do some swimming, but after a great lunch, I do not think her heart was in it.  There was a lady sitting next to us that appeared our age (maybe a little older) that has done the race 4 times.  Janet got some great hints on what to expect.  It was a pretty chill day all in all.

Dinner was back at the cottage.  Fresh Mahi on the grill and life is good.  Another beautiful sunset from our the pool deck of the cottage, and once again it is easy to say - "Life is Good"

Oh yeah the other exciting thing that happened while Janet was swimming at Hawknest, I got a text that "the boy" was getting ready to be interviewed on CNN.  We missed it, but his grandmother saw him and by all reports he looked good.

So here is the deal

Update:  The great folks at Low Key Water Sports allowed me a minute or two on there REAL Laptop

 Today was a serious training day. Janet swam Maho Bay and Cinnamon Bay. Tom played lifeguard on the beach, which means I sat in my chair and lost her as she stroked away.

 On her swim she saw turtles, rays, and starfish. The day's weather was amazing.

 We did come the conclusion that Janet needs more sunscreen on the back of her legs. Tom towel boy has volunteered for that job and Janet knows he will take his job seriously.

 Back to our cottage for lounging around the pool and a late lunch. Dinner tonight was at Tapas - always good. food. However we made the mistake of ordering a nice Gavi to go with our dinner and it was corked. Switched to a Vouray and it too was a little iffy, but we just could not send the second bottle back. Food was 10+, but next time we will skip the wine. So we have return to the cottage and all is good.

We Made It!

Update:   yeah pics are here!

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Everything went like clock work this morning. Up at 4 and out the door at 4:45! We were checked in at DCA by 6 and that was So Sweet. Our flights were on time and in fact wev arrived St Thomas early. We sat in row 6 of a 757-200 so the exit door was right by our seat. The door opened we were the first off and with just carry-ons we were in the cab and across the island in time to catch the 4 PM ferry. 1 hour ahead of schedule. It was definitely an Amazing Race power move. Oh yeah I forgot that the Virgin Islands do not use daylight savings time so we are at the same time as the East Coast.

James, the owner of our cottage, picked us up at the ferry and gave us the once around our place for the week. It is like living in a big screen porch. Cozy, but just perfect for our stay. Great views and the tree frogs are singing up a storm

After dropping our bags we headed back to Cruz Bay in time for Woody's Happy Hour as planned! Chad greeted us and we melted back into the STJ frame of mind.

After chillin' we slipped over to the Beach Bar for Janet to get a Bushwhacker and dinner

We enjoyed a fresh Mahi sandwich as the sun called it a day... and so did we. Back to the cottage with a stop at the market to load up on supplies. Tomorrow starts the official training schedule and a good night's rest is in order.

Colour Us Gone!

Maybe you can catch us (if all goes well) walking down the dock in STJ about 4:30 EST on the live St John Spice Cam!  Click Here to Check: St John Spice Web Cam

 

Hopefully it will be Bright and Sunny

BTW I am not English, but the title of today's blog is a hint to the song on the 45 question yesterday. 

Or you can check out yesterdays comments - Have a happy!

So why do I love my wife????

Last night was a little hectic around the house as we packed, double checked snorkel gear, cleaned cameras, downloaded music, and assorted other things one must accomplish before traveling.   As I walked down the hallway to get in bed, I turned off the light in my daughter’s old room (the staging and packing area) and then I saw it!  My wife had successfully packed for our trip in a carry-on bag!   And I knew I was still madly in love with my wife!

Now some may say I am being very superficial, but they do not realize how important in the big scheme of things this feat really is and how it will impact our entire trip.  Hopefully she was able to get her dress fins into her snorkel bag.

Tomorrow morning we will get up at 0’dark-thrity for our trip.  With Janet packing in a single carry on and using her snorkel bag as her other carry on it means:

 - She can carry it down the steps

 - She can carry it out to the car
 - She can handle it at the airport
 - We do  NOT have to wait in the long line at the counter
 - We will be boarding first (because of my frequent flyer status)
 - I, of course, will help put it in the overhead
 - We know the bags will make it
 - We will land in St Thomas (STT) at 3:20 Atlantic Standard Time (AST) with - bags in tow
 - She will still be handling her own bag
 - We will zip through the STT airport only to stop for a our courtesy shot of Mango Rum
 -  We will  NOT stand in the airport for 45 minutes waiting for a bag
 - We will be in the first taxi over to Red Hook to catch a Ferry
 - We will be able to catch the 5 O’clock ferry
 - We will arrive in St John (STJ) at 5:25 AST!!!!!!!!!!

Now the important part…  Why a carry-on is soooooooooooo important!

WOODY'S SEAFOOD SALOON!!!

I will arrive at Woody’s to partake in the 3pm - 6pm Happy Hour! 

Why is that important? Drinks and beers are just $1 at Woody's Happy Hour. 

Remember it is all about keeping the pool boy hydrated - he has a tough task coming up!  There is just something totally fulfilling about standing in the street with a cool drink in your hand.

CONTEST:  A free Beer to anyone who can tell me what song is on the 45 in the picture. 

Hint for the younger folks following - A 45 is a form of “media” used to listen to music back in the day, which was played on a device called a record player.

The Fine Print:

Family and Friends are not illegible;  2) Must be over 18 years of age (Drinking age in the USVI); 3) You must be present at Woody’s NLT 17:45 AST 5/23/12 to collect your beer

BTW – Future Son-In-Law scored big points when he gave us that 45 for Christmas a couple years ago.  It was the song we selected for our first dance almost 34 years ago!

Old Business:

I had lots of comments and advice on hat selection…
Well it came down to three things:

   1) Suitcase Space (God forbid I did not make carry-on status)

   2) Not wanting to mess up my good hat (Red Rocks - So comfortable)
   3) And what matched my bathing suit best (I can be vain)

The winner this trip, accepting its 2^nd assignment to cover my bald spot on STJ this year, is the OTO Melara Hat!  "Viva L'Italia!"

The fundraising is over it is SHOWTIME!

Thank you to all that supported Janet and the Friends of the Park!

Biker Babe!

Check that one off the list.  Janet is officially now a biker babe!   A 1000 bike parade made the thirty mile ride to remember two young men who gave it all.

  

The morning started out warm and sunny and Janet left the house around 8 am in light cotton shirt.   By lunchtime the temperature had dropped, the sun hid behind the clouds, and the wind picked up to a steady blow. 

So who was there?  You got it – Tom the Towel Boy was there with a sweatshirt for my Biker Babe! 

I am sooooooooo looking forward to waiting for Janet at Hawknest Beach, St John than today’s rendezvous point in a high school parking lot. 

The important thing – The Towel Boy was there!

 

 

Tomorrow it is back to the normal workout schedule!  Swim time is fast approaching!  Of course whatever Janet decides she would like to do tomorrow afternoon will be fine also!  Man you got to be flexible as a towel boy.

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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Pause for the cause…

I hate to sound like a tattle tale, but Janet skipped her workout today! 

Shhhhhhhh!  She would get mad if I told you guys.  Today there is a bridal shower for my youngest, and following the festive event my daughter, who lives in NC, and 4 other young ladies will be crashing on the farm.  Hence Janet's practice seemed to fall by the wayside so she could prepare the house for the coming invasion.  Which, by the way, I am really looking forward to!  They are a great group of young people, and tonight I am sure there will be music and frivolity on the deck!   The farm should be rockin’!

The Farm Deck

Tomorrow will be a solemn day for the family.  One of our children’s best friends lost his life as part of Iraqi Freedom in 2004. Every year the community remembers and honors him and another local young man with a motorcycle ride.  Every year the number of participants grows.  I think with the beautiful weather forecasted for VA tomorrow this ride should be well into the 1000s of bikers.  Janet will be riding on the back of her cousin’s bike for the 30 mile ride to remember a very special kid.  We miss you Nick! 

My bet Janet will miss her swim tomorrow, but it has been 33 years since she has been on a bike and this ride is very important to her.

A quick story to tie all of this together…  

Tom & Janet in 1979 - When we lived in Puerto Rico

It was 33 years ago that the cruise ship Angelina Lauro was totally destroyed by fire tied to the dock in St Thomas.  I was in the Coast Guard at the time and flew over as crewman on helicopter for medical evacuations if needed.  A week or two after the harbor fire Janet and I were on island.   We rented a scooter to zip around STT and go over STJ.  (First visit to St John - April 1979).  Janet a seasoned biker turned over driving responsibilities to her novice, but well meaning, husband of 6 months.   Well I did ok... until…. we stopped at the overlook to look down on the carcass of the burnt ship.  In my excitement to take a picture, I jumped off the bike causing the scooter’s muffler to fall on my sweetie’s leg.  To this day she still has a mark on her leg!   Guess what… she has never been on a bike with me since.  Come to think of it… that was the last time I drove anything with a motor and two wheels.

Don’t worry team Janet is pumped and will be ready! 

Swim Janet Swim! 

... i wonder what ever happened to that picture of the ship... i know where to find the burn mark, but not the picture...

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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Race Day Forecast... we be gettin' close!

Well for those who love to follow the weather we have now enter the zone where we can look out predicted race day forecast.  

The weather is looking good for the first part trip so Janet will be able to get some quality training time in when we arrive.  Race day looks a little iffy, but she will swim early morning so hopefully the storm will be later in the day.

The good news is the wind direction.  The predicted direction has it blowing East South East (112.5 Degrees) and the water current is usually about the same there.  With a water temperature at 80 degrees race day shaping up for good conditions.  On the long legs of the race hopefully she will get a helping hand from nature, and a few clouds will make it easier to spot reference points.  "Swim Janet Swim"

The really good new is:  If the wind does stay at a steady 10-15 mph, the bug population on this tropical paradise should remain grounded!   There would be nothing worst for me than swatting bugs all morning in a tire swing waiting for her finish.

Now back to the important stuff!   Which hat should I take this trip?  Your opinion matters.  As you can tell two have gone before - gotta love salt water and sweat!

The big one allows the breeze to blow through and keeps the sun off my nose and ears, but man is it a pain in the butt to carry.  The ball caps win hands down for transportability.  However one's ears can get pretty red if you do not coat them in goop.

The other critical item are the flip-flops - a must to check before departure!  Definitely two pair in case you have a blow out.   One must verify that both pair of flip-flops are properly equipped with the needed bottle opener.  Me I like a dress pair and beach pair.  Life is good!  This item is checked off!

BTW - The openers drive TSA nuts!  Not that I am one those people who enjoys poking the monkey.   

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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Daydreamer

Things are real busy around the house tonight so I leave you all with just a picture.  The name on the catamaran in the picture is pretty much where my mind is today... Daydreamer

I promise more STJ fun tomorrow. 
Have a happy!

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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How Many More Days.....

Today was another early morning practice session for Janet.  She was little noisy on her departure, which cost the towel boy (me) to lose some shut eye.  Oh well… it is what we support folks in the trenches have to deal with as we prepare our athlete for a competition.   

Tension is now building because we are now 6 days and a wake up until our departure and we return to Island Time.  How many shorts should I take?  I think one… no, no, no two pairs of flip-flops for the week – just in case!  Do I really need a second ball cap?  Decisions… Decisions… Sooooooooo hard!

Checklist for Tom:

Plane Tickets - Check

Passport - Check (in case we slip over to the BVI)

Uhhhhh - I think that covers it for me!

 
There is a very busy weekend forecasted for our household, so next Wednesday and our departure will be upon us in no time flat.  But we knew this day would come.  I know I said that Janet has wanted to do this event for quite sometime, but as proof I offer this shot.  Janet had me take a picture of the sign as a reminder on our last few visits!  2009 and 2008 definetly, and in fact I may even have one from a 2004 trip.  Not really, but I did take the pictures on my own free will - why I am not sure.

By now I am sure you have noticed that I have taken a plethora of pictures of Janet swimming in St John.  Well let me tell you she is pumped and ready to get to that island and begin warming up in the blue water.  A 9 year goal for Janet is now 10 days away from being a reality.

For me, I am driven to get the best seat on the island to watch the finish.  That would be the tire on Gibney Beach.  Perfect location to watch the final stretch.  I wonder when I will have to get there to claim the tire.  Man do I have some pressure on me!  Well if I get the tire - I am in the shade and do not have to wear any of that goopy stuff.  And that makes me the winner!

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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Lions and Tigers and Sharks???? Oh My!

Janet and I are still overwhelmed by the support and encouragement she has received from everyone.  Almost every person will say WOW… 3.5 miles… ocean… what about sharks…

Well… of course there are sharks in the ocean; however with 200 plus swimmers beating the water and rocking out to George Thorogood on their iPods my guess the closest man-eater will be somewhere off the coast of Cuba.  However, there will be plenty of things to see along the way. 

Below are some underwater shots I have taken in St John, and are likely to be spotted by Janet as she strokes her way to the finish.  Click on any picture to enlarge the shot. 

What concerns me the most?  Janet may encounter a turtle on the move and the next thing you know she will be off course and stroking her way to Aruba! 

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Please Consider Supporting Janet and donate to her "Race for a Reason" fundraising goal

Helping the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park

Just Click Above - Thank you for your support

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