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Drumbikers Trip Report - Day 6
Drumbikers Trip Report - Day 6
Friday 5/29
On Maho Beach by 8:30am along with maybe 4 other early birds.
This is a recurring theme so far, and one of the joys of St. John. If you want privacy, it is easy to find. There are wide beaches with plenty of room so that you are not on top of anyone, or small, less popular places that just don’t have anybody there.
I went for a long snorkel along the reef on the far right side of the beach, came in, took some photos and was enjoying sitting in the surf with Julie and the day’s first beer. I looked up at the 3 people wandering in circles for that perfect spot when a rarity for me – heck, call it what it is – a miracle happened. I put a name and face together. “Hey, are you Pia?” Sure enough, we had chosen the same little stretch of Maho (a very long beach) at the same time as the forums own Pia! We stood in the sun on the sand and got to know each other, recounting our trip thus far.
I told Pia that my quest for sea turtles was so far a dud and she recommended the left side of Maho and gave me location of a reef shark’s home nearby. Armed with her directions I grabbed my gear and left Julie and Pia standing in waist deep water to continue the girl talk. It turns out that Pia brings me luck. Not 50 yards into the water I encounter not only my first sea turtle, but also a ray feeding on the bottom in about 8 feet of water. The Nurse shark wasn’t home, so I headed back to the ladies, who were getting a little crispy standing in the water by this time.
We said our goodbyes to Pia (what a wonderfully nice person!) and packed up to head to Salt Pond. This is our first trip through the whole of Coral Bay, and Julie and I decidedly like Cruz much more. We’re happy we decided to stay on that end of the island. Maybe it's the "city folk" in us. I think Coral Bay is much more for boaters than beachgoers or those looking for at least a little bit of nightlife. No offense to those that love Coral Bay, just our impression and preference. Much to Julies delight, there are a whole lot more goats on Salt Pond Rd. than anywhere else we have been. Julie wonders if anyone would notice the little black one in her carry on?
After a U turn at Lameshur, we arrive at Salt Pond to find that we do not have the proper footwear for the trail. The going is slow, but not too bad and we’re not in a hurry now that we have fully adapted to “island time”. I get Julie in into the water with me to snorkel. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot to see and I really wish she would have snorkeled Maho instead.
Back Centerline Rd., this time not missing the turn off for Gift Hill, cutting our return drive significantly. We get back in the Villa just in time for some pretty good thunderstorms to hit. Time for showers and to fire up the grill again. Brat’s for dinner tonight, a couple more Cruzan 151 night caps and we’re asleep by 9:30.
On Maho Beach by 8:30am along with maybe 4 other early birds.
This is a recurring theme so far, and one of the joys of St. John. If you want privacy, it is easy to find. There are wide beaches with plenty of room so that you are not on top of anyone, or small, less popular places that just don’t have anybody there.
I went for a long snorkel along the reef on the far right side of the beach, came in, took some photos and was enjoying sitting in the surf with Julie and the day’s first beer. I looked up at the 3 people wandering in circles for that perfect spot when a rarity for me – heck, call it what it is – a miracle happened. I put a name and face together. “Hey, are you Pia?” Sure enough, we had chosen the same little stretch of Maho (a very long beach) at the same time as the forums own Pia! We stood in the sun on the sand and got to know each other, recounting our trip thus far.
I told Pia that my quest for sea turtles was so far a dud and she recommended the left side of Maho and gave me location of a reef shark’s home nearby. Armed with her directions I grabbed my gear and left Julie and Pia standing in waist deep water to continue the girl talk. It turns out that Pia brings me luck. Not 50 yards into the water I encounter not only my first sea turtle, but also a ray feeding on the bottom in about 8 feet of water. The Nurse shark wasn’t home, so I headed back to the ladies, who were getting a little crispy standing in the water by this time.
We said our goodbyes to Pia (what a wonderfully nice person!) and packed up to head to Salt Pond. This is our first trip through the whole of Coral Bay, and Julie and I decidedly like Cruz much more. We’re happy we decided to stay on that end of the island. Maybe it's the "city folk" in us. I think Coral Bay is much more for boaters than beachgoers or those looking for at least a little bit of nightlife. No offense to those that love Coral Bay, just our impression and preference. Much to Julies delight, there are a whole lot more goats on Salt Pond Rd. than anywhere else we have been. Julie wonders if anyone would notice the little black one in her carry on?
After a U turn at Lameshur, we arrive at Salt Pond to find that we do not have the proper footwear for the trail. The going is slow, but not too bad and we’re not in a hurry now that we have fully adapted to “island time”. I get Julie in into the water with me to snorkel. Unfortunately, there is not a whole lot to see and I really wish she would have snorkeled Maho instead.
Back Centerline Rd., this time not missing the turn off for Gift Hill, cutting our return drive significantly. We get back in the Villa just in time for some pretty good thunderstorms to hit. Time for showers and to fire up the grill again. Brat’s for dinner tonight, a couple more Cruzan 151 night caps and we’re asleep by 9:30.
Counting down the minutes.....
You guy's are wonderfully nice too - it was soo fun getting to know you 
I was with my MIL and her significant other and you can see them waving in the background of the photo - too funny.
Sorry, I should have warned you about the trail to Saltpond
and hopefully my friend the nurse shark will be home on your next trip
Pia
I was with my MIL and her significant other and you can see them waving in the background of the photo - too funny.
Sorry, I should have warned you about the trail to Saltpond
and hopefully my friend the nurse shark will be home on your next trip Pia
Realtor - St John Properties
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Bob & Anita
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