usvi-on-line
10 more days in paradise, part one
10 more days in paradise, part one
Up early—5 AM, to finish packing in the pitch black and head to the airport. Navigating the luggage down our driveway—which was covered with about an inch of ice—without causing great personal injury, was a challenge, to say the least. Flight was on time (hooray!) and we were able to get seats together at the gate (double hooray!), and it was smooth sailing all the way to St. Thomas. This was our first on-season trip, and so our first non-stop flight. What a difference!!
Stepping off that plane into the warm, drizzling air felt so amazing after the months of cold and snow we had been enduring. We could not stop grinning as we made our way to the terminal. The Cruzan ladies
were offering samples, folks were handing out guidebooks, tropical music was playing…it was so terrific.
All of our bags made it—all THREE checked bags (yes, I suck as a packer), and we were on our way. We missed the 3 PM ferry by a few minutes, which gave us time to check out the spiffy new Red Hook ferry
terminal (Bathrooms! Cold beer! There's even blender drinks!). One Virgin Islands Mango Ale later and the boat was ready to go. We scored seats on the top deck and settled in for a bumpy and really fun ride over to St. John.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284965524/" title="6 Red Hook yacht by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/328 ... 69d75a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="6 Red Hook yacht"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284963190/" title="5 Red Hook marina 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/328 ... d29531.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="5 Red Hook marina 2"></a>
Gallows' taxi was waiting for us at the dock, and they whisked us and the other new arrivals up to the resort. John skipped the ride and walked up to St. John Car Rental to get the jeep. When we passed him
on the road and I waved, all the other folks got very concerned because they thought he missed the taxi and was having to walk to Gallows. Ha ha.
I was first to check in—we rented an ocean upper unit, and were assigned 2C. I only glanced around while the luggage was being delivered and then headed down to meet John at SJCR. I was blown away
by the views, and thought to myself that it was just as good as the other ocean upper we had rented a few years before.
Our car was ready to pick up from the nice folks at SJCR—an almost new bright yellow Wrangler with only 400 miles on it and nary a scratch on the body. We knew we would have to be extra careful with this car!
After shopping at Starfish and Starfish Gourmet, we headed back to Gallows to unpack and spend more time gazing at the incredible views.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284968458/" title="8 Gallows catamaran by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/328 ... 44808b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="8 Gallows catamaran"></a>
There was a great breeze and we were able to open the unit all up to take advantage. We must have been in the room for a couple of hours before we realized we were actually in the very same unit we had previously rented—we were thrown off by the renovated bathroom—now very nice with a dual shower—one a rainfall head, and large raised bowl sink.
After some relaxing on the deck, watching the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine, it was time for dinner.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284970018/" title="9.3 Gallows sunset with BB by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/328 ... 3ba79a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="9.3 Gallows sunset with BB"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284836938/" title="256 gallows sunset with becky by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/328 ... a3cde1.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="256 gallows sunset with becky"></a>
I did not feel like cooking (a theme that repeated itself through the vacation), so we headed into town and had a delicious dinner at Rhumblines. Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5717.shtml
I forgot the camera so no food porn, sorry!
Back to Gallows for booktime and sleep. It was really incredible to be able to sleep with the louvers all open, listening to the sound of the surf.
Day two
Up early and after a light breakfast out on the deck:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284016191/" title="261 Gallows breakfast by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/328 ... 2d6fe2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="261 Gallows breakfast"></a>
we headed to the beach. Our first stop was Gibney. We arrived at about 9:30 and were the first there. There was not much beach on the Oppenheimer side, so
we headed down to the far end, past the beach cottages and the Gibney home to the end.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284814352/" title="11 Gibney dog toys 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/328 ... e17023.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="11 Gibney dog toys 2"></a>
We immediately picked up a canine friend.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284009197/" title="21 Gibney dog by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/328 ... 3b07f2.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="21 Gibney dog"></a>
I usually dislike dogs. I am allergic to them, and no less importantly was also attacked by a German Shepard in college. However, this dog was such a riot that even I, the anti-dog queen, could not resist playing with it. There was a ball on the beach, so I threw it to him (her?). He pounced on it and tore a huge hole in it! He spent some time tearing up and eating various washed up palm fronds, and playing catch with us using sticks. He chased and ate a huge grasshopper, and then promptly threw it up on the beach (URK!). After that, he must have tuckered himself out, because he dug a huge hole:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284823698/" title="17 Gibney dog digging by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/328 ... 2656f8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="17 Gibney dog digging"></a>
and then settled down into it for a nap.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284007427/" title="20 Gibney dog leaving by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/328 ... 5bf6fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="20 Gibney dog leaving"></a>
What a crazy dog!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284826390/" title="19 Gibney dog sleeping by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/328 ... ff3f1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="19 Gibney dog sleeping"></a>
We tried to swim but decided it was a bit too chilly, so just hung on the beach with books and our new buddy for the morning. This is as far in the water as John got!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284010901/" title="22 Gibney John water by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/328 ... 0eed94.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="22 Gibney John water"></a>
After a while we decided to drive around the island, checking out the views, and stopped at Miss Lucy's for lunch.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284013661/" title="24 Miss Lucys view 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/328 ... 9b8452.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="24 Miss Lucys view 2"></a>
Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5555.shtml
Friis Bay platter:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284015933/" title="26 Miss Lucys Friis Bay plate by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/328 ... d3e11f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="26 Miss Lucys Friis Bay plate"></a>
Crunch fish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284836296/" title="25 Miss Lucys crunch fish plate by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/328 ... e35c24.jpg" width="500" height="285" alt="25 Miss Lucys crunch fish plate"></a>
We had chickens all around us at this meal. They were so funny. They kept sauntering by, waiting to see if we would feed them (NO!). Eventually, though, their persistence paid off. Both John's grouper
and mine had a couple of worms in it (NOTE: this does not mean that the fish was not fresh—all slow moving bottom feeding fish get worms in them. Especially fish like grouper and cod. The worms are
harmless. Really! Just pick them out and throw them away). Well, we were not going to eat the worms of course so I casually dropped mine on what I thought was the ground. I did not realize that the worm did
not quite make it to its destination, but instead stuck to my skirt! This was not lost on the chicken, though…it came right over, looked at me for a minute, and ate the worm off my skirt! It was really funny.
After lunch we decided to head to Little Lameshur.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284923338/" title="28 Little Lameshur left side by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/328 ... 4e64c2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="28 Little Lameshur left side"></a>
It was kind of crowded, but we found a spot out of the way to set up. I did, however, overhear the following conversation between a dad and his (I'm guessing) 10 year old son in the water that I must share with you:
Dad: How was your hike with PawPaw?
Son: Good. I pooped on the trail.
Dad: You pooped on the trail?
Son: Yup.
Dad: Did anyone step in it after you pooped?
Son: No…
Dad: Too bad. That would have been hilarious.
OK!! Time to go snorkeling!! The water was warmer here than at Gibney so after a little bit of goading each other we were able to get in and snorkel the left side as well as the rocks in the right center.
We did not find anything special, but did enjoy seeing so many of the "regulars" hanging out in the rocks.
Smooth trunkfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284951314/" title="41 Little Lameshur trunkfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/328 ... 018d59.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="41 Little Lameshur trunkfish"></a>
Squirrelfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284940214/" title="39 Little Lameshur squirrelfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/328 ... b88747.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="39 Little Lameshur squirrelfish"></a>
Feather worm:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284936980/" title="36 Little Lameshur feather wom by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/328 ... e446a4.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="36 Little Lameshur feather wom"></a>
Arrow crab:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284110361/" title="33 Little Lameshur crustacean by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/328 ... 6ab6e9.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="33 Little Lameshur crustacean"></a>
Queen Helmet:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284930004/" title="32 Little Lameshur queen helmet by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/328 ... 44cea2.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="32 Little Lameshur queen helmet"></a>
Grunt and angelfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284926582/" title="30 Little Lameshur grunt and angel by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/328 ... 439f84.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="30 Little Lameshur grunt and angel"></a>
Back to Gallows for another sunset:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284960436/" title="487.01 Gallows sunset 6 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/328 ... fd044e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="487.01 Gallows sunset 6"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284130269/" title="43.2 Gallows sunset with wine by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/328 ... e88632.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="43.2 Gallows sunset with wine"></a>
Dinner was at Hinds. Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5636.shtml
Here is a photo of the country salad. It was really great.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284133747/" title="46 Hinds country salad 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/328 ... 85f601.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="46 Hinds country salad 2"></a>
Back to Gallows for stargazing, booktime, and bed.
Day Three:
We started at Cinnamon.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284142203/" title="52 Cinnamon Bay beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/328 ... d18634.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="52 Cinnamon Bay beach"></a>
Again we decided the water was too cold to snorkel, so we just hung out on the beach, reading books.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284140381/" title="49 Cinnamon Bay right side beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/328 ... 4af560.jpg" width="500" height="356" alt="49 Cinnamon Bay right side beach"></a>
We did pledge that after this morning we were going to man up and get in the water with our gear NO MATTER WHAT!
Lunch was at Waterfront Bistro.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284964102/" title="54 Waterfront Bistro view side by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/328 ... 7ff907.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="54 Waterfront Bistro view side"></a>
Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5155.shtml
We had the fish tacos.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284964884/" title="56 Waterfront Bistro fish tacos by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/328 ... 81a8cf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="56 Waterfront Bistro fish tacos"></a>
This afternoon, we snorkeled Frank Bay. We found huge schools of tang:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284143923/" title="60 Frank tang school by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/328 ... 7ccfe8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="60 Frank tang school"></a>
and many other small fish.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284014153/" title="243 FRank Bay sms by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/328 ... 3a9579.jpg" width="500" height="466" alt="243 FRank Bay sms"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284144353/" title="63 Frank elkhorn 2 (2) by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/328 ... 7bbe56.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="63 Frank elkhorn 2 (2)"></a>
John had a close encounter with a spotted eagle ray when heading to the dock to get out. Right as he
was about to stand up and take his gear off, he saw a large ray heading right for him! It swerved out of the way. Being well trained by me (heh heh), John got a picture:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284144789/" title="65.2 Gallows eagle ray 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/328 ... 432040.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="65.2 Gallows eagle ray 3"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284966710/" title="65.3 Gallows eagle ray 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/328 ... 0b2919.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="65.3 Gallows eagle ray 2"></a>
Another beautiful sunset:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284145119/" title="66 Gallows sunset widescreen by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/328 ... f34739.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="66 Gallows sunset widescreen"></a>
I actually cooked dinner tonight. I made honey-soy glazed chicken with josephine's greens and noodles.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284967090/" title="68 gallows chicken with soy by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/328 ... 3806cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="68 gallows chicken with soy"></a>
It was pretty good. We spent the night just watching the stars and relaxing.
Stepping off that plane into the warm, drizzling air felt so amazing after the months of cold and snow we had been enduring. We could not stop grinning as we made our way to the terminal. The Cruzan ladies
were offering samples, folks were handing out guidebooks, tropical music was playing…it was so terrific.
All of our bags made it—all THREE checked bags (yes, I suck as a packer), and we were on our way. We missed the 3 PM ferry by a few minutes, which gave us time to check out the spiffy new Red Hook ferry
terminal (Bathrooms! Cold beer! There's even blender drinks!). One Virgin Islands Mango Ale later and the boat was ready to go. We scored seats on the top deck and settled in for a bumpy and really fun ride over to St. John.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284965524/" title="6 Red Hook yacht by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3449/328 ... 69d75a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="6 Red Hook yacht"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284963190/" title="5 Red Hook marina 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/328 ... d29531.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="5 Red Hook marina 2"></a>
Gallows' taxi was waiting for us at the dock, and they whisked us and the other new arrivals up to the resort. John skipped the ride and walked up to St. John Car Rental to get the jeep. When we passed him
on the road and I waved, all the other folks got very concerned because they thought he missed the taxi and was having to walk to Gallows. Ha ha.
I was first to check in—we rented an ocean upper unit, and were assigned 2C. I only glanced around while the luggage was being delivered and then headed down to meet John at SJCR. I was blown away
by the views, and thought to myself that it was just as good as the other ocean upper we had rented a few years before.
Our car was ready to pick up from the nice folks at SJCR—an almost new bright yellow Wrangler with only 400 miles on it and nary a scratch on the body. We knew we would have to be extra careful with this car!
After shopping at Starfish and Starfish Gourmet, we headed back to Gallows to unpack and spend more time gazing at the incredible views.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284968458/" title="8 Gallows catamaran by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/328 ... 44808b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="8 Gallows catamaran"></a>
There was a great breeze and we were able to open the unit all up to take advantage. We must have been in the room for a couple of hours before we realized we were actually in the very same unit we had previously rented—we were thrown off by the renovated bathroom—now very nice with a dual shower—one a rainfall head, and large raised bowl sink.
After some relaxing on the deck, watching the sunset with a glass of sparkling wine, it was time for dinner.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284970018/" title="9.3 Gallows sunset with BB by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/328 ... 3ba79a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="9.3 Gallows sunset with BB"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284836938/" title="256 gallows sunset with becky by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/328 ... a3cde1.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="256 gallows sunset with becky"></a>
I did not feel like cooking (a theme that repeated itself through the vacation), so we headed into town and had a delicious dinner at Rhumblines. Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5717.shtml
I forgot the camera so no food porn, sorry!
Back to Gallows for booktime and sleep. It was really incredible to be able to sleep with the louvers all open, listening to the sound of the surf.
Day two
Up early and after a light breakfast out on the deck:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284016191/" title="261 Gallows breakfast by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3447/328 ... 2d6fe2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="261 Gallows breakfast"></a>
we headed to the beach. Our first stop was Gibney. We arrived at about 9:30 and were the first there. There was not much beach on the Oppenheimer side, so
we headed down to the far end, past the beach cottages and the Gibney home to the end.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284814352/" title="11 Gibney dog toys 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/328 ... e17023.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="11 Gibney dog toys 2"></a>
We immediately picked up a canine friend.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284009197/" title="21 Gibney dog by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/328 ... 3b07f2.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="21 Gibney dog"></a>
I usually dislike dogs. I am allergic to them, and no less importantly was also attacked by a German Shepard in college. However, this dog was such a riot that even I, the anti-dog queen, could not resist playing with it. There was a ball on the beach, so I threw it to him (her?). He pounced on it and tore a huge hole in it! He spent some time tearing up and eating various washed up palm fronds, and playing catch with us using sticks. He chased and ate a huge grasshopper, and then promptly threw it up on the beach (URK!). After that, he must have tuckered himself out, because he dug a huge hole:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284823698/" title="17 Gibney dog digging by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3471/328 ... 2656f8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="17 Gibney dog digging"></a>
and then settled down into it for a nap.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284007427/" title="20 Gibney dog leaving by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/328 ... 5bf6fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="20 Gibney dog leaving"></a>
What a crazy dog!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284826390/" title="19 Gibney dog sleeping by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/328 ... ff3f1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="19 Gibney dog sleeping"></a>
We tried to swim but decided it was a bit too chilly, so just hung on the beach with books and our new buddy for the morning. This is as far in the water as John got!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284010901/" title="22 Gibney John water by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/328 ... 0eed94.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="22 Gibney John water"></a>
After a while we decided to drive around the island, checking out the views, and stopped at Miss Lucy's for lunch.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284013661/" title="24 Miss Lucys view 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3618/328 ... 9b8452.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="24 Miss Lucys view 2"></a>
Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5555.shtml
Friis Bay platter:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284015933/" title="26 Miss Lucys Friis Bay plate by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/328 ... d3e11f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="26 Miss Lucys Friis Bay plate"></a>
Crunch fish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284836296/" title="25 Miss Lucys crunch fish plate by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/328 ... e35c24.jpg" width="500" height="285" alt="25 Miss Lucys crunch fish plate"></a>
We had chickens all around us at this meal. They were so funny. They kept sauntering by, waiting to see if we would feed them (NO!). Eventually, though, their persistence paid off. Both John's grouper
and mine had a couple of worms in it (NOTE: this does not mean that the fish was not fresh—all slow moving bottom feeding fish get worms in them. Especially fish like grouper and cod. The worms are
harmless. Really! Just pick them out and throw them away). Well, we were not going to eat the worms of course so I casually dropped mine on what I thought was the ground. I did not realize that the worm did
not quite make it to its destination, but instead stuck to my skirt! This was not lost on the chicken, though…it came right over, looked at me for a minute, and ate the worm off my skirt! It was really funny.
After lunch we decided to head to Little Lameshur.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284923338/" title="28 Little Lameshur left side by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3470/328 ... 4e64c2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="28 Little Lameshur left side"></a>
It was kind of crowded, but we found a spot out of the way to set up. I did, however, overhear the following conversation between a dad and his (I'm guessing) 10 year old son in the water that I must share with you:
Dad: How was your hike with PawPaw?
Son: Good. I pooped on the trail.
Dad: You pooped on the trail?
Son: Yup.
Dad: Did anyone step in it after you pooped?
Son: No…
Dad: Too bad. That would have been hilarious.
OK!! Time to go snorkeling!! The water was warmer here than at Gibney so after a little bit of goading each other we were able to get in and snorkel the left side as well as the rocks in the right center.
We did not find anything special, but did enjoy seeing so many of the "regulars" hanging out in the rocks.
Smooth trunkfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284951314/" title="41 Little Lameshur trunkfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/328 ... 018d59.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="41 Little Lameshur trunkfish"></a>
Squirrelfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284940214/" title="39 Little Lameshur squirrelfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3501/328 ... b88747.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="39 Little Lameshur squirrelfish"></a>
Feather worm:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284936980/" title="36 Little Lameshur feather wom by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3145/328 ... e446a4.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="36 Little Lameshur feather wom"></a>
Arrow crab:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284110361/" title="33 Little Lameshur crustacean by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/328 ... 6ab6e9.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="33 Little Lameshur crustacean"></a>
Queen Helmet:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284930004/" title="32 Little Lameshur queen helmet by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/328 ... 44cea2.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="32 Little Lameshur queen helmet"></a>
Grunt and angelfish:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284926582/" title="30 Little Lameshur grunt and angel by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/328 ... 439f84.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="30 Little Lameshur grunt and angel"></a>
Back to Gallows for another sunset:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284960436/" title="487.01 Gallows sunset 6 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/328 ... fd044e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="487.01 Gallows sunset 6"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284130269/" title="43.2 Gallows sunset with wine by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3276/328 ... e88632.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="43.2 Gallows sunset with wine"></a>
Dinner was at Hinds. Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5636.shtml
Here is a photo of the country salad. It was really great.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284133747/" title="46 Hinds country salad 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/328 ... 85f601.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="46 Hinds country salad 2"></a>
Back to Gallows for stargazing, booktime, and bed.
Day Three:
We started at Cinnamon.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284142203/" title="52 Cinnamon Bay beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3441/328 ... d18634.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="52 Cinnamon Bay beach"></a>
Again we decided the water was too cold to snorkel, so we just hung out on the beach, reading books.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284140381/" title="49 Cinnamon Bay right side beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/328 ... 4af560.jpg" width="500" height="356" alt="49 Cinnamon Bay right side beach"></a>
We did pledge that after this morning we were going to man up and get in the water with our gear NO MATTER WHAT!
Lunch was at Waterfront Bistro.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284964102/" title="54 Waterfront Bistro view side by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/328 ... 7ff907.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="54 Waterfront Bistro view side"></a>
Review here:
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/s ... 5155.shtml
We had the fish tacos.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284964884/" title="56 Waterfront Bistro fish tacos by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/328 ... 81a8cf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="56 Waterfront Bistro fish tacos"></a>
This afternoon, we snorkeled Frank Bay. We found huge schools of tang:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284143923/" title="60 Frank tang school by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3374/328 ... 7ccfe8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="60 Frank tang school"></a>
and many other small fish.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284014153/" title="243 FRank Bay sms by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/328 ... 3a9579.jpg" width="500" height="466" alt="243 FRank Bay sms"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284144353/" title="63 Frank elkhorn 2 (2) by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/328 ... 7bbe56.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="63 Frank elkhorn 2 (2)"></a>
John had a close encounter with a spotted eagle ray when heading to the dock to get out. Right as he
was about to stand up and take his gear off, he saw a large ray heading right for him! It swerved out of the way. Being well trained by me (heh heh), John got a picture:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284144789/" title="65.2 Gallows eagle ray 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3143/328 ... 432040.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="65.2 Gallows eagle ray 3"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284966710/" title="65.3 Gallows eagle ray 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/328 ... 0b2919.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="65.3 Gallows eagle ray 2"></a>
Another beautiful sunset:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284145119/" title="66 Gallows sunset widescreen by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/328 ... f34739.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="66 Gallows sunset widescreen"></a>
I actually cooked dinner tonight. I made honey-soy glazed chicken with josephine's greens and noodles.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/3284967090/" title="68 gallows chicken with soy by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3131/328 ... 3806cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="68 gallows chicken with soy"></a>
It was pretty good. We spent the night just watching the stars and relaxing.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
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Jo Ann - VA
- Posts: 756
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:56 am
- Location: Virginia
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
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California Girl
Awesome report as always...and your photos are very nice too.thanks for the TR.
STJ Villa Map:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie ... 2&t=h&z=14
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Teresa_Rae
- Posts: 2053
- Joined: Mon Oct 09, 2006 5:44 pm
- Location: Downstate IL
Becki, great trip report. Your sunset shots are fantastic. We missed seeing good sunsets this trip as they weren't setting at the Beach Bar because of the time of the year.
We were in Cafe Roma on thursday night and saw you and John pop in. My husband got up to say 'hi' but by time I decided it was definitely you, you had decided not to stay. It was wonderful - we actually ate there 3 times this trip.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.
We were in Cafe Roma on thursday night and saw you and John pop in. My husband got up to say 'hi' but by time I decided it was definitely you, you had decided not to stay. It was wonderful - we actually ate there 3 times this trip.
Looking forward to the rest of your report.
NancyB
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Scott in BHM
- Posts: 22
- Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2007 8:51 pm
- Location: Birmingham, AL
Glad to hear (and now see) that you and John had a great stay at Gallows. This is my wife's favorite place on STJ because of the balance between privacy and proximity to town.
I was recently going through some old paper work from our first trips to STJ in the mid/late 90's. Unit 2C sold for $273,000 back in May of 1996! 2A sold for $185,000 in June of 1994!!
Looking forward to more great pictures.
Thx, Scott & Renee
I was recently going through some old paper work from our first trips to STJ in the mid/late 90's. Unit 2C sold for $273,000 back in May of 1996! 2A sold for $185,000 in June of 1994!!
Looking forward to more great pictures.
Thx, Scott & Renee
Thanks for the report. I enjoy the restaurant reviews as much as anyting. If you ask me your dish looks as good or better than the restaurant shots.
I too, was taken aback by the worms in the bottom-feeders info. I love grouper and never knew and therefore never thought to look. Perhaps that's a good thing. I'll be looking from now on!!!
Sorry in advance because I know that you have answered this q before. Which camera are you using for underwater shots? Great pics all.
I too, was taken aback by the worms in the bottom-feeders info. I love grouper and never knew and therefore never thought to look. Perhaps that's a good thing. I'll be looking from now on!!!
Sorry in advance because I know that you have answered this q before. Which camera are you using for underwater shots? Great pics all.