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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: Beachlvrs]
#33982
01/13/2015 06:43 PM
01/13/2015 06:43 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 256 Gallatin, Tennessee
Murdock
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 256
Gallatin, Tennessee
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Lots of differing opinions on this topic....
However, we travel with a cooler for every trip to the islands...I am not sure where you are coming from, but it is unlikely you even need to bother with the dry ice.
Many trips ago, I looked into dry ice and the cost was high, so I tried wet ice but was told I couldn't check the bag till the ice was removed. We had previously frozen everything we were taking in the cooler (for about 2 weeks prior), so I dumped the wet ice and crossed my fingers and checked it....when we arrived at our final destination at least 8/10 hours later with a stop or two along the way, the meat was still frozen solid. Seems like most people who travel with coolers and meat don't even bother with the dry ice as long as the meat is frozen solid. Some have mentioned the gel packs but I have never used them. Even if for some reason it started to thaw, you're gonna eat most of it quick anyway...if you've got an overnight somewhere en route, there are ways around that too...just ask...
I'd recommend vacuum sealing everything.
I have traveled with hard sided and softsided coolers. Both have some advantages/disadvantages. Polar Bear and AO make some very good quality softsided heavy duty travel coolers of varying sizes. And I like hardsided coolers with wheels because you can throw your other bags on top of it and drag around at the airport...Hardsided coolers too make it super easy to bring home any breakables (souvenirs or booze). Great too for bringing home the dirty wet clothes.
Good luck. Check out the BVI page too, it's frequented way more than the US Virgin Islands category, and probably a lot of helpful tips could be found there too.
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: Cleobeach]
#33984
01/13/2015 11:38 PM
01/13/2015 11:38 PM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454
Virginia wishing STJ
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We used a polar cooler last month and not a thing even began to dethaw. That included a 7lbs Angus tenderloin which took an additional 2 days to finish the thawing process after we arrived.
Froze the the meat, fish, etc... for a couple weeks before the trip. Loaded the cooler 36 hours before the trip and put the whole thing in the freezer. The neat thing about a polar cooler is it will fit under the seat.
Highly recommend you do a search on Polar Cooler. They are well made and really do work.
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#33986
01/14/2015 05:31 PM
01/14/2015 05:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414 Memphis, TN
beerMe
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 414
Memphis, TN
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Even though I don't think you need dry ice I checked around and found something on the TSA Blog . Seems the FAA is the regulating body. Here is what he listed as requirements: - Packages of dry ice must allow for the release of carbon dioxide gas - The limit for dry ice for both carry-on and checked baggage is five pounds - Packages of dry ice must contain the language "Carbon Dioxide Solid" or "Dry Ice" and must also have the net weight of the dry ice on the package I personally don't want to be carrying a cooler around an airport/plane with white "smoke" coming out of it but it does seem to be ok to do. Just saying...
Life involves risks, take some prudent ones (NOT with the BVI ferries)!
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: sail2wind]
#33991
01/14/2015 10:09 PM
01/14/2015 10:09 PM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493 VIRGINIA
BEERMAN
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,493
VIRGINIA
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sail2wind said: I knew your post was coming soon. Your right, to each his own. One of these trips I'll grill you guys a nice Wegman's filet!! With local island produce of course!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: Winterstale]
#33994
01/15/2015 09:43 AM
01/15/2015 09:43 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953
St. John, USVI
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We brought down a cooler for our current trip. Polar Bear 24-pack. Everything was still frozen when we anchored on our first night. No ice or cold packs were in the cooler.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: BEERMAN]
#33995
01/15/2015 12:02 PM
01/15/2015 12:02 PM
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,611 Woodstock, GA
RickinAtlanta
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,611
Woodstock, GA
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BEERMAN said: I agree that Starfish, Dolphin and others are carrying very good products now. I understand that Dolphin has taken over Lily's in Coral Bay as well now?? That would be great for the quality of meat!
However, I am a "cooler person" especially when traveling with a group. I only bring meat because then I'm guaranteed the quality and quantity that I want, not to mention it's convenient for us to do this. To each their own, don't care to debate! If you choose to travel with a cooler, I always check 50lbs of meat with NO dry ice, never had it delayed or tampered with. I freeze the meat at home for several days and put it in a soft sided Polar Bear cooler the morning we leave. 13-14 hours later it's still frozen when we arrive at the villa. Good luck! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />
"Cooler People are simply Cooler People!" <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: RickinAtlanta]
#33996
01/16/2015 08:47 AM
01/16/2015 08:47 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953
St. John, USVI
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Yep, we're checking out the new grocery in Coral Bay on Sunday for some light provisions. We'll report back.
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: BEERMAN]
#33998
01/16/2015 11:33 AM
01/16/2015 11:33 AM
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454 Virginia wishing STJ
TomB
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,454
Virginia wishing STJ
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We were in there in December. Very Nice - Well Stocked - Very Friendly Much larger than it appears from the outside Nice addition to Coral Bay And if shopping tires you out... Agua Bistro is right below it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />
“Every time I open a bottle of wine, it is an amazing trip somewhere!” José Andrés
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: Beachlvrs]
#34000
01/16/2015 03:30 PM
01/16/2015 03:30 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 98 Virginia
BVIShuga
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 98
Virginia
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Coral Bay is getting so "up town" with the new Dolphin Market. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />
Love sailing the BVI's with friends.
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Re: Checking a cooler w/dry ice to St John
[Re: BEERMAN]
#34002
01/17/2015 07:59 AM
01/17/2015 07:59 AM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953 St. John, USVI
RickG
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,953
St. John, USVI
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I'd love some transient moorings in Coral Bay. We'll likely anchor there tonight and Sunday night, but it looks like very light winds. Otherwise, we would be at the outside of the anchorage and exposed. We're visiting friends with a car, so we won't be trying to anchor the dinghy at the rocky steep shore by Cocoloba Plaza/Dolphin Market for provisions. Beerman, I don't think Love City Mini Market will see much impact, they did well through the opening and closing of Lily's. They have easier parking and will remain the quick stop spot. I am hoping the Dolphin Market's reasinable pricing carries through as well as their 10% local's discount. The comment period with the Army Corps for the Summer End Group marina is open. This a very emotional topic for the Coral Bay folks, so keep that in mind if you read the link below. I'm a support of Save Coral Bay, but I'd like to see a properly scaled marina on the lines of Leverick Bay in Coral Bay, with pumpout, water and fuel. http://savecoralbay.com/army-corps-comments/Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes, 2003 Beneteau 423 Grenada
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