camping

Your Kidding Right!

Well Lizard a little bit, but as I recall I think you said a person from Michigan could solve all crime. I know that was some sort of joke I didn't understand. I have seen the websites of some of the campgrounds and they seem nice enough and one would have to buy supplies etc and get a better idea about things than they would staying at a resort. I think the trying the visit the easy the move.

Unless you are planning on living outdoors in a tent when you move here, camping is not a very realistic way of emulating what life will be like on the islands. Which I believe is part of the point of a PMV. What you need for camping is probably not indicative of what you would need living in an apartment or house. Living here can be challenging, but not that challenging! One of the things you can often count on that makes living here less challenging is a solid roof over your head, walls and screens to keep away most bugs, nice bed to relax on after a hard work day, a stove, fridge, ceiling fan, hot shower, toilet etc etc...

Then again, maybe I'm one of those people who just doesn't get a big thrill out of camping...

I don't think it's a terrible idea. But then, I'm a camper. 🙂

My first visit to STX was a week of camping at Mt. Victory Camp. Although they have cute little screen houses you can stay in, we chose to take our own tent and other gear and just camp on their land, with access to their kitchen and bathroom facilities. We rented a car, so we were free to roam the island (and put over 400 miles on the car!). We went grocery shopping and bought fish and produce from roadside stands. We went to the library, the post office, the bank, etc. Sure, we also lounged on the beach and went out to restaurants a few times, but really... you have to live a little, and it's okay to see the fun parts of the island while you're there! In addition to learning what the daily grind will be, you also need to know what there is to do for fun and relaxation when you have time and money for it.

We have since gone back and spent a month on STX, working there, staying in an actual apartment, etc., and really, I don't think my initial impression from that first week changed much. So I'd say go for it!

Oh, and as for the robbery thing... we left our tent up with some not-so-important stuff inside it all day while we were gone, and it was fine. It would take a rather determined thief to get all the way up into Mt. Victory Camp. Even so, I probably wouldn't leave anything you can't live without.

IMO, one of the problem withs camping, on STX at least, is the distance between Mt. Victory and EVERYTHING else. As someone reocating from the states, you probably will not wind up living in the middle of the rain forest. It's a better idea to rent a condo. Club St. Croix or Sugar Beach will have something at a reasonable cost during the off season.

Part of a pre-move visit is to try to live as you might if you relocate. Camping will not accomplish that.

aeneas,
To equate camping and living on St Croix is a little over the top. Living here is not a burden, but it might be different. If you want to camp for a PMV that's your choice, but by no means would that give you the feel of living full time on the island. We have not recently discovered electric and indoor plumbing. Some of us even like the creature comforts like TV, AC, Refrigeration, Hot water, screens , and beds etc. BTW we don't shovel snow.

Thank you all, I know camping isn't real life. I thought that the little huts with a place to cook and sleep would be closer to living in a small apartment than being waited on in a resort. I live a simple lifestyle here and will anywhere I am. The distance from everything would maybe be a problem, I'll be driving around anyway. Thinking of this more as a work trip than vacation. Is that crazy? Thanks again for your help. Lizard, cold weather is why I'm moving,here in SE Virginia we don't have snow to shovel but once a decade and I still hate winter a little more each year.

Life on STX more closely resembles camping than just about anywhere else in the US. It isn't such a bad idea. Mt Victory is a great option.

rks,

Don't know where you live or how you live but I think it's time you move up*-)

I know someone that has "camped" for about 5 yrs on STX. He recently bought a yurt and put it on his land.

I personally like more comforts, but it can be done. I know others that live in a small camper and people in the rain forest that have built cottages. I installed Dish for a guy that converted 2 shipping containers into his home and lives pretty comfortably up in the rain forest. Outdoor primitive kitchen, water catch tank, septic etc.....

For a PMV I would recommend renting a comfortable place so you could concentrate more on the visit. Once you're here you could decide how many creature comforts you need. Not requiring AC or heat opens up so many options.

If you were to camp on your PMV Mt. Victory is a good choice. If you tried camping on a beach everything might be gone when you return.