Web Logs
3/20/2004 - Cinnamon Bay - Day 1, part 1
In case you missed it, see parts: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
And so the first real vacation Will and I have had in four years begins. I haven't been on a plane since September 11, but the security wasn't as bad as I'd feared. Once boarded I found myself with a window seat over the wing. Soon that wing would be taking Will Mike and I first to San Juan and then to the tropical island of St. John.
San Juan Airport
Mike had regaled us with tales of San Juan's rundown, open-air airport, but it was disappointingly bland, white and contemporary. It had been "mallified".
Mallified - For a space to be rendered unoffensive, non-committal and mall-like in appearance.
Example: Upper management's complaints that the building was too stylized and non-conformist had finally been mallified.
Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds
About 9 hours after departing we arrived at the campgrounds itself. It's so well appointed it hard to really call it "camping". You can rent a bare campsite, one with a tent (like ours), or even a small mod-looking cottage. They have a large pavilion that serves up three meals a day, boat and snorkel rental, many showers and bathrooms, and a small convenience store.
We got extra lucky in obtaining blessed site 62 to camp on. It's usually reserved for honeymooners or special guest, but Mike asked and it was open. Its the most secluded site on the grounds and the only one with an incredible view of the ocean.
 The Main Pavilion |
 Our Tent |
 View from tent |
 Sunset |
 View from camp |
 Rainbow |
 Cottages |
Cinnamon Bay Ruins
After getting settled in we went directly across the campgrounds to a short trail dotted with ruins of Dutch sugar cane plantations. There were many crumbling stone buildings with blocks of coral integrated into their design. These little Anole lizards were everywhere, and we also encountered some of the wild donkeys. Very cool.
 Cinnamon Bay Ruins 01 |
 Cinnamon Bay Ruins 02 |
 Cinnamon Bay Ruins 03 |
 Cinnamon Bay Ruins 04 |
 Wild Donkeys |
 Anole Lizard |
