A Story About Oppenheimer

The beach below has been featured in several other newsletters as it’s my favorite beach. But with so many on the island why did this particular location hold so much meaning to me? It was not until recently I found the answer. So, flip a cap or add some ice to your favorite beverage and let me tell you the story – I promise it will be short but of interest to anyone drawn to this small island.

Oppenheimer Beach

Back in the mid 50’s a husband, wife and two children moved to St. John and built a home on this beach. Not unlike many since have done to escape their former unhappy lives. See, he had lost almost everything due to government unjust persecution. The family spent days on the beach and sailing the calm warm waters. No one knew them and just like today, not a soul cared about their past. This family struck up a friendship with a St. Thomas couple with small children and similar circumstances although, in this case, they were escaping the IRS. The couples would frequently meet at various beaches just talking while the children played. It is reputed the husbands would drink a bottle of gin while sipping martinis and smoke 100 cigarettes EACH!   

Now the rest of the story:

Until recently, I was not aware of the above information. The man with the IRS problem – my father. The man oppressed by the government; Robert Oppenheimer known as the Father of the Atomic Bomb...
This month, “Oppenheimer” the movie is due for release maybe it will say something about his time on St. John, maybe it won’t – we’ll see. Anyway, there are many books about Oppenheimer, equally interesting is his wife Kitty who had a most scandalous life. Lastly, I believe his son Peter is still alive.

SHAMELESS MARKETING:

Been doing a lot of improvements at Sopra Mare most of which you won’t see. New hot water heater, air conditioner and complete sewer system plus needed landscape work. As always, both villas are in top condition just waiting your arrival at discounted prices for prime weeks of July and August. Let’s make a deal!  
 
For more on St. John and Mulley’s St. John Villas, Click below:

One Of My Favorite Beaches In St. John

Well as my favorite ole singer Willie Nelson so aptly put it years ago “Let’s Get Back To The Basic of Life!" Looks like this virus thing is beginning to run it’s course. If you’re like me I suspect you have been personally touched by this epidemic. I know I have by losing an old friend, and several acquaintances as the virus ran rampant around me and frankly scarred the “Shit” outta me. 

To the good news, as of my latest update of March 11th (don’t know why they haven’t updated the last week or so) there is one confirmed active case on St. John and it’s been in single digits for nearly two months. Great news for island restaurants, bars, villa owners and of course, you.   

I don’t know about you, but with two shots of Moderna and a couple of extra weeks since the last one; I’m more than ready to get the HELL outta here for someplace warm, sunny, relaxing with great beaches. Hey! That spells St. John to me – how about you?

SPEAKING OF BEACHES!

Been a whole lotta changes at this beach over the last year or so. Most don’t like em but unfortunately, we have to accept “progress” such as it is. Let me know what you personally think?

Now here’s what you wanta do if the above makes your teeth grate or you just don’t want see what’s called progress. Just turn your back on the above pics and focus straight ahead at THIS!

You know where you are yet? Why Maho Bay of course? Always lots of turtles and generally pretty quiet in the morning til about 11:00 am or when the hordes “may” descend upon you. But just put it into perspective – a crowd at this beach is no comparison to crowds in the Summer on the East Coast! So, what ya waiting for? Pack your coolers, chairs and head to this famous St. John Beach.

Spring is just around the corner and virus in our rear view mirror. I’ll “Leave The Lite On For You” at your island home – Bordo Mare or Sopra Mare.

A Beach To Drink Wine and Relax At

DID YOU MISS ME?

Naw, you were too excited to be back out in the world; bbqing with friends, family or taking that long delayed road trip to see grandma lightin up her joint while cracking open a new box of Frazia wine for you and wifey. As a result, this little piece of pure Nobel Prize journalism was not issued last month.

Man, this Summer has really gotten away from me and now we are well into eight months of the year. One moment, I was still writing 2020 on top of my January 2021 checks (yes, some of us ole guys still use checks) suddenly now without a thought 2021 is on the top right line.

READY FOR A BEACH BREAK?

At the roundabout in Cruz Bay take Route 10 up the hill and enjoy the view on your left going toward Coral Bay which is about twenty minutes away with lots of twists, turns and donkeys in the road. Watch out for them, they are “cute”, but have been known to bite.

As you come to the foot of a steep hill turn right just before the large church on the left. Now go about four miles and you will see parking on the left. Hike downhill for about ten minutes and you have arrived!​

Remember this is a two-way trip so don’t take more than you need or it will be a long “damn” day by the time you get back to your villa. Have Fun!

OH, WHERE ARE YOU?

SALT POND OF COURSE!

TRAVEL TIPS

Of course, bring all paperwork with you as well as vaccination records if you have them. If you’re too stupid or stubborn not to have gotten both shots by now start thinking of everyone else around you.  

My opinion is pretty soon, you won’t be able to board a plane to anywhere without proof of vaccinations. I’m not here to say that’s right or wrong – just sayin

Absolutely get your rental car reserved immediately after villa. Don’t care if it’s a year off then reconfirm with agency about a month ahead and get an email confirmation.

SHAMELESS MARKETING

I want to sincerely thank a number of you for recommending both Sopra Mare and Bordo Mare to your friends and family. As a result, I have very few weeks (actually four) left to rent over the next four months of 2021. In fact, 2022 is now 40% rented for the year.

Next month to me, as always, is “peak” hurricane month. I will be down there just in case things get exciting with a bottle of Heineken or two in hand. Can't wait, been far too long without my St John FiX – actually nineteen months! Can you believe that? In almost twenty years of building or renting, its never been this long – GOD DAMN VIRUS!

SUMMARY

This newsletter is coming to you from Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic where the first of two villas will be done this week 100%. Next week, open house for realtors, lawyers, high-muck-a-mucks. I will put out a special report and of course, pictures on this project later this month when I have time. This is not like any building project undertaken by me in the past. Ultra-modern and huge! In fact, it got out of my control more than a little during the building process. Too late now to turn back! HA! 

Have a great August and I’ll be seeing you during hurricane month. I’ll “Leave The Lite On For You” at your island home – Bordo Mare or Sopra Mare.