We returned last week from a three day stay on St. John. Background- we visited St. John 12 times between 1983 and 1996 (but whose counting) with our two daughters but hadn't been back since 1996 This time we are going alone and decide to spend just a few days in St. John fearing we will spend to much time remembering past visits. A first on this trip was the direct flight from Boston to St. Thomas- it takes less than 3 and one half hours- we leave at 10:15 and are at Estate Lindholm before 4:00 P. M. this is heaven after years of San Juan troubles. Estate Lindholm was wonderful. It is a B & B at the top of the first hill overlooking Cruz Bay harbor. The room was new and very comfortable- wet bar, nice deck. We had reserved a garden room and are surprised to find that we have a great view of the outer part of the harbor and St. Thomas from the deck. The breakfast was wonderful the owners are extremely nice, the grounds were beautiful and we loved the proximity to Crux Bay which is where we like to go at night. The first night we walked down the hill to Cruz Bay- very easy- it was daylight but took a cab back because the walk at night could be dangerous- it is very dark. Over the next few days we visited Cinammon, Jumbie, Hawksnest Maho and Honeymoon beaches- all just as beautiful as ever. The Estate had a book- St. John Off the Beaten Track- which mentioned a Brown Bay- we had never been- the book did neglect to mention that the hike to Brown Bay is over a mountain- it took about 45 minures but was worth it- the beach is sandy (not comparable with Cinamon etc) and the Bay is beautiful but the most excitement was the several hundred LIVE CONCHS in the water. We had never seen live ones- the hike back- about 40 minutes was hot but we aren't young and did it without trouble- well worth it. <br>Restautants: Lime Inn had the usual great service and superior food- We missed the pizza at Cafe Roma (only takeout now) but the meal was excellent. The last night we ate at the Banana Deck?- it is across from Wharfside next to the Stone Terrace- understaffed- very poor service- meal was lukewarm- we think that it won't last. We were amazed at the new Starfish Market. LUnch at Skinny Legs and Shipwreck Landing- For years both my wife and I felt Shipwreck had hamburgers to die for and Skinny Legs couldn't compete- we still feel that way although we had a good lunch at Skinny Legs. Sunday we eat at the deli at Mongoose Junction- wonderful sandwiches. On Sunday we leave by ferry for Tortolla- conclusion- St. John is a beautiful as ever- we will go back again. <br><br>