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Trip Tome - Part 2
Trip Tome - Part 2
Sunday, March 29
OH MY GOODNESS, what a WONDERFUL night’s sleep! The trip to the islands from the west coast, is long and very tiring (yet SO worth it). All the stiffness and fatigue just seemed to melt away the minute we sank into the lush softness of our king-size, pillow-top bed. Caressed by a delightful cool breeze, we soon drifted into a peaceful, care-free sleep.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3448931878/" title="St. John 329 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/344 ... f70a0b.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt="St. John 329"></a>
At day break – literally – we were awakened by a golden shaft of light streaming through our bedroom window as the sun peeked up over the outer islands.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442767074/" title="First St. John Sunrise by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/344 ... 49b005.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="First St. John Sunrise"></a>
Then, just to be sure we were fully awake our self-assigned “Wake-Up Committee” began its reverie. (At home it’s the geese; here it’s the roosters and chickens.)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442766266/" title="Wake Up Committee by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/344 ... d6d65c.jpg" width="500" height="381" alt="Wake Up Committee"></a>
Feeling SO rested, we happily slipped out of bed to enjoy a hot cup of coffee out on the deck while we planned our first full day in “paradise”. It was partly cloudy, and a bit breezy, so we decided this would be a great day for a “road trip”.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441952111/" title="First Pot of Coffee by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/344 ... 1c11fb.jpg" width="500" height="418" alt="First Pot of Coffee"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441953053/" title="Morning Coffee in Gazebo by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/344 ... 7ef54e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Morning Coffee in Gazebo"></a>
After breakfast, we set off to explore the island. We stopped at every beautiful beach and overlook we came across. The idyllic palm-lined stretches and secluded coves - each one seemingly more beautiful than the last – elicited our “requisite” oohs and ahhs. Most of the time the sun co-operated by coming out from behind the clouds just long enough for us to get a picture. I was in my glory!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441954289/" title="Maho Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/344 ... b4470a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Maho Bay"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442771186/" title="Hawksnest by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/344 ... 6eed2a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Hawksnest"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442772996/" title="Trunk Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/344 ... 78794f.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Trunk Bay"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442773964/" title="Bougainvillea by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/344 ... 38de9c.jpg" width="305" height="500" alt="Bougainvillea"></a>
In Cruz Bay, we toured whimsical little pastel-painted shops just up from the harbor. We met Ron and Ruth at St. John Spice, and wrote our “obligatory” note in the sand for the Spice Cam: “We Get It! Linward”
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441960167/" title="St. John Spice by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/344 ... ea41b2.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="St. John Spice"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3446220846/" title="We Got It! Thanks STJohnRuth by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/344 ... 706e4d.jpg" width="425" height="300" alt="We Got It! Thanks STJohnRuth"></a>
Thanks Joshie, and Ruth
It was fun visiting the places we’d seen pictures of on the Forum. We also stopped by the ambulance bay - talked to two of the medics, and did a shirt exchange (one of theirs, for one of HT’s Waldport Ambulance t-shirts).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441970073/" title="Cruz Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/344 ... 1e64be.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Cruz Bay"></a>
Following Center Line Road to the eastern part of the island, we stopped at Skinny Legs where we enjoyed some delicious hamburgers that were so big we could hardly get our mouths around them.
Mo, one of the owners, stopped by our table to chat. Turns out his wife has relatives who live in Waldport. Small world!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442776828/" title="Skinny Legs by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/344 ... 438d95.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Skinny Legs"></a>
Continuing our drive, we saw a deer, and passed several goats meandering along - and in - the road.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441961901/" title="1st Deer Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/344 ... 8f9e_m.jpg" width="121" height="240" alt="1st Deer Encounter"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442778928/" title="1st Goat Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/344 ... f9e6_m.jpg" width="240" height="135" alt="1st Goat Encounter"></a>
And then we came upon a cute little donkey that walked across the road in front of us, and then right up to my window – so close that I got to scratch his nose.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442779934/" title="1st Donkey Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/344 ... f7b9d9.jpg" width="500" height="438" alt="1st Donkey Encounter"></a>
We stopped by Vie’s. Her stand was closed for the day, but she was out in the yard, so we got to visit with her for a bit. Lovely woman.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442781538/" title="Miss Vie's Cat Stand by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/344 ... 9226e5.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Miss Vie's Cat Stand"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442782204/" title="School Boat? by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/344 ... dabc2c.jpg" width="500" height="259" alt="School Boat?"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442783518/" title="Haulover Bay South by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/344 ... 4901ee.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt="Haulover Bay South"></a>
Driving on east end road is akin to being on a roller coaster: The road – barely wide enough for 2 cars – hugs the coast line as it climbs up and up – and up and up, precipitously sweeping around blind switch backs. Cresting at the top, it seems to drop out from under you - leaving you “hanging suspended” for a second, unable to see the road below – before swooping down, down, down. We nicknamed our jeep “Nellie” - as in “WHOA Nellie”.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441971501/" title="East End Road by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/344 ... 9c7708.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="East End Road"></a>
We took a short detour off the main road, to Josephine’s farm to pick up some mint. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Josephine, but did meet her Uncle Alex. Stopped by Miss Lucy’s, but she too was closed.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442788102/" title="Mint From Josephines by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/344 ... 22f206.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Mint From Josephines"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441973931/" title="Miss Lucy's by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/344 ... ee9529.jpg" width="257" height="500" alt="Miss Lucy's"></a>
Back at the Villa, we enjoyed mint-flavored Mojitos on the deck, and a glorious sunset.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442789514/" title="Mojito Mama by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/344 ... 20489d.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Mojito Mama"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441975513/" title="Another Evening in Paradise by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/344 ... ae3f5a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Another Evening in Paradise"></a>
Dinner: Barbequed prawns again (simple, fast, more time for decking) with corn on the cob. (Corn was to be our “veggie of the week”, since we bought a whole bag of it at Cost U Less.)
While I sat writing in my journal, the Banaquits feasted from the sugar bowl on the railing nearby. Evidently, they’ve called their friends, cuz now there are often more than a dozen of them smacking away!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442789710/" title="These Guys Don't Quit by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/344 ... a428cb.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="These Guys Don't Quit"></a>
St. John is everything I imagined it to be, and then some! The pace is “laid back”; the people friendly and care-free; the temperate climate delightful; the island beauty unmatched.
Monday, March 30
Last night we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the wind blowing through the palms and rustling the dried pods of the Flamboyant trees. Woke up SO refreshed! We slept clear through to 0800 – even though we’d gone to bed by 2100. (Alas, missed the sunrise.)
By 1000 - after breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried potatoes, we headed for Francis Bay – only ¼ miles from our villa. Walking onto the white, sandy beach - lined with Sea Grape trees, we gazed out upon this beautiful bay. In true Caribbean form, the color of the water was a striated variety of jewel-like blue/green hues – from aquamarine to turquoise, to azure. Ahhh – FINALLY – St. John sand beneath my bare feet!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3448930376/" title="St. John 365 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/344 ... 496c8d.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="St. John 365"></a>
To add to our delight even further, two big brown pelicans bobbed near the shore. We stood watching them, fascinated, as one lifted into the air, soared gracefully over the water, then abruptly turned and dove down into the surf coming up with a fish in its bill.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442233275/" title="Maho Bay Pelicans by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/344 ... 6c7d5b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Maho Bay Pelicans"></a>
Standing at the water’s edge, we could see large schools of small, silvery fry swimming by. Occasionally, larger fish streaked by in pursuit – sometimes breaching the surface of the water to “fly” through the air before splashing back down.
We donned our snorkeling gear – rather ungracefully – at the water’s edge. The first rush of cold water was a bit of a shock, but we soon acclimated and became “as one” with our aquatic surroundings - floating effortlessly with the gentle current.
There wasn’t much to see at first – just a few fish here and there swimming over the sandy bottom. But over to the right of the bay we found a shallow reef with a nice variety of sea-life, including a flounder, a skate, schools of butter-yellow French Grunts, schools of Blue Tang, neon purple and yellow Fairy Basslets, 2 good-size white Angel Fish, a small Barracuda, some large, black Sea Urchins, etc. (Unfortunately, we have no underwater pictures to share: We learned, the hard way, that disposable underwater cameras do NOT take quality pictures! Next year, we’ll invest in a housing for my camera.)
Suspended over that beautiful undersea world, I felt so peaceful, so blessed to be on this “magical” island – with truly not a “care in the world”.
Returning to the villa that afternoon, we were hot, tired and sandy. Later - showered and slathered with lotion, we retired to the deck to write, read, and enjoy the view. Dinner: barbequed spare ribs (and surprise, corn) – yummy!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442966334/" title="Best Food Out of Town by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/344 ... d954a1.jpg" width="500" height="476" alt="Best Food Out of Town"></a>
To be continued
OH MY GOODNESS, what a WONDERFUL night’s sleep! The trip to the islands from the west coast, is long and very tiring (yet SO worth it). All the stiffness and fatigue just seemed to melt away the minute we sank into the lush softness of our king-size, pillow-top bed. Caressed by a delightful cool breeze, we soon drifted into a peaceful, care-free sleep.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3448931878/" title="St. John 329 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/344 ... f70a0b.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt="St. John 329"></a>
At day break – literally – we were awakened by a golden shaft of light streaming through our bedroom window as the sun peeked up over the outer islands.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442767074/" title="First St. John Sunrise by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/344 ... 49b005.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="First St. John Sunrise"></a>
Then, just to be sure we were fully awake our self-assigned “Wake-Up Committee” began its reverie. (At home it’s the geese; here it’s the roosters and chickens.)
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442766266/" title="Wake Up Committee by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3649/344 ... d6d65c.jpg" width="500" height="381" alt="Wake Up Committee"></a>
Feeling SO rested, we happily slipped out of bed to enjoy a hot cup of coffee out on the deck while we planned our first full day in “paradise”. It was partly cloudy, and a bit breezy, so we decided this would be a great day for a “road trip”.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441952111/" title="First Pot of Coffee by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/344 ... 1c11fb.jpg" width="500" height="418" alt="First Pot of Coffee"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441953053/" title="Morning Coffee in Gazebo by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/344 ... 7ef54e.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Morning Coffee in Gazebo"></a>
After breakfast, we set off to explore the island. We stopped at every beautiful beach and overlook we came across. The idyllic palm-lined stretches and secluded coves - each one seemingly more beautiful than the last – elicited our “requisite” oohs and ahhs. Most of the time the sun co-operated by coming out from behind the clouds just long enough for us to get a picture. I was in my glory!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441954289/" title="Maho Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/344 ... b4470a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Maho Bay"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442771186/" title="Hawksnest by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/344 ... 6eed2a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Hawksnest"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442772996/" title="Trunk Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3642/344 ... 78794f.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Trunk Bay"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442773964/" title="Bougainvillea by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3591/344 ... 38de9c.jpg" width="305" height="500" alt="Bougainvillea"></a>
In Cruz Bay, we toured whimsical little pastel-painted shops just up from the harbor. We met Ron and Ruth at St. John Spice, and wrote our “obligatory” note in the sand for the Spice Cam: “We Get It! Linward”
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441960167/" title="St. John Spice by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/344 ... ea41b2.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="St. John Spice"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3446220846/" title="We Got It! Thanks STJohnRuth by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/344 ... 706e4d.jpg" width="425" height="300" alt="We Got It! Thanks STJohnRuth"></a>
Thanks Joshie, and Ruth
It was fun visiting the places we’d seen pictures of on the Forum. We also stopped by the ambulance bay - talked to two of the medics, and did a shirt exchange (one of theirs, for one of HT’s Waldport Ambulance t-shirts).
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441970073/" title="Cruz Bay by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/344 ... 1e64be.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Cruz Bay"></a>
Following Center Line Road to the eastern part of the island, we stopped at Skinny Legs where we enjoyed some delicious hamburgers that were so big we could hardly get our mouths around them.
Mo, one of the owners, stopped by our table to chat. Turns out his wife has relatives who live in Waldport. Small world!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442776828/" title="Skinny Legs by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/344 ... 438d95.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Skinny Legs"></a>
Continuing our drive, we saw a deer, and passed several goats meandering along - and in - the road.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441961901/" title="1st Deer Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3610/344 ... 8f9e_m.jpg" width="121" height="240" alt="1st Deer Encounter"></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442778928/" title="1st Goat Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/344 ... f9e6_m.jpg" width="240" height="135" alt="1st Goat Encounter"></a>
And then we came upon a cute little donkey that walked across the road in front of us, and then right up to my window – so close that I got to scratch his nose.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442779934/" title="1st Donkey Encounter by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/344 ... f7b9d9.jpg" width="500" height="438" alt="1st Donkey Encounter"></a>
We stopped by Vie’s. Her stand was closed for the day, but she was out in the yard, so we got to visit with her for a bit. Lovely woman.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442781538/" title="Miss Vie's Cat Stand by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/344 ... 9226e5.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Miss Vie's Cat Stand"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442782204/" title="School Boat? by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/344 ... dabc2c.jpg" width="500" height="259" alt="School Boat?"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442783518/" title="Haulover Bay South by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/344 ... 4901ee.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt="Haulover Bay South"></a>
Driving on east end road is akin to being on a roller coaster: The road – barely wide enough for 2 cars – hugs the coast line as it climbs up and up – and up and up, precipitously sweeping around blind switch backs. Cresting at the top, it seems to drop out from under you - leaving you “hanging suspended” for a second, unable to see the road below – before swooping down, down, down. We nicknamed our jeep “Nellie” - as in “WHOA Nellie”.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441971501/" title="East End Road by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/344 ... 9c7708.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="East End Road"></a>
We took a short detour off the main road, to Josephine’s farm to pick up some mint. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Josephine, but did meet her Uncle Alex. Stopped by Miss Lucy’s, but she too was closed.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442788102/" title="Mint From Josephines by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/344 ... 22f206.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="Mint From Josephines"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441973931/" title="Miss Lucy's by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/344 ... ee9529.jpg" width="257" height="500" alt="Miss Lucy's"></a>
Back at the Villa, we enjoyed mint-flavored Mojitos on the deck, and a glorious sunset.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442789514/" title="Mojito Mama by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/344 ... 20489d.jpg" width="357" height="500" alt="Mojito Mama"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3441975513/" title="Another Evening in Paradise by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/344 ... ae3f5a.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Another Evening in Paradise"></a>
Dinner: Barbequed prawns again (simple, fast, more time for decking) with corn on the cob. (Corn was to be our “veggie of the week”, since we bought a whole bag of it at Cost U Less.)
While I sat writing in my journal, the Banaquits feasted from the sugar bowl on the railing nearby. Evidently, they’ve called their friends, cuz now there are often more than a dozen of them smacking away!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442789710/" title="These Guys Don't Quit by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/344 ... a428cb.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt="These Guys Don't Quit"></a>
St. John is everything I imagined it to be, and then some! The pace is “laid back”; the people friendly and care-free; the temperate climate delightful; the island beauty unmatched.
Monday, March 30
Last night we were lulled to sleep by the sound of the wind blowing through the palms and rustling the dried pods of the Flamboyant trees. Woke up SO refreshed! We slept clear through to 0800 – even though we’d gone to bed by 2100. (Alas, missed the sunrise.)
By 1000 - after breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried potatoes, we headed for Francis Bay – only ¼ miles from our villa. Walking onto the white, sandy beach - lined with Sea Grape trees, we gazed out upon this beautiful bay. In true Caribbean form, the color of the water was a striated variety of jewel-like blue/green hues – from aquamarine to turquoise, to azure. Ahhh – FINALLY – St. John sand beneath my bare feet!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3448930376/" title="St. John 365 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/344 ... 496c8d.jpg" width="281" height="500" alt="St. John 365"></a>
To add to our delight even further, two big brown pelicans bobbed near the shore. We stood watching them, fascinated, as one lifted into the air, soared gracefully over the water, then abruptly turned and dove down into the surf coming up with a fish in its bill.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442233275/" title="Maho Bay Pelicans by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/344 ... 6c7d5b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Maho Bay Pelicans"></a>
Standing at the water’s edge, we could see large schools of small, silvery fry swimming by. Occasionally, larger fish streaked by in pursuit – sometimes breaching the surface of the water to “fly” through the air before splashing back down.
We donned our snorkeling gear – rather ungracefully – at the water’s edge. The first rush of cold water was a bit of a shock, but we soon acclimated and became “as one” with our aquatic surroundings - floating effortlessly with the gentle current.
There wasn’t much to see at first – just a few fish here and there swimming over the sandy bottom. But over to the right of the bay we found a shallow reef with a nice variety of sea-life, including a flounder, a skate, schools of butter-yellow French Grunts, schools of Blue Tang, neon purple and yellow Fairy Basslets, 2 good-size white Angel Fish, a small Barracuda, some large, black Sea Urchins, etc. (Unfortunately, we have no underwater pictures to share: We learned, the hard way, that disposable underwater cameras do NOT take quality pictures! Next year, we’ll invest in a housing for my camera.)
Suspended over that beautiful undersea world, I felt so peaceful, so blessed to be on this “magical” island – with truly not a “care in the world”.
Returning to the villa that afternoon, we were hot, tired and sandy. Later - showered and slathered with lotion, we retired to the deck to write, read, and enjoy the view. Dinner: barbequed spare ribs (and surprise, corn) – yummy!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/3442966334/" title="Best Food Out of Town by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/344 ... d954a1.jpg" width="500" height="476" alt="Best Food Out of Town"></a>
To be continued
Life is an adventure.
Treasure each moment.
Treasure each moment.
You sure managed to pack a lot into your first day on STJ! Our first night's sleep on an island is always memorable too. I don't think you can get more relaxed than when you finally have all the planning and traveling behind you and you just fall into bed with the whole lovely vacation ahead of you. 
AH
AH
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WSUbeachcoug
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