usvi-on-line
Our 'First Look' Trip Report Part 1
Our 'First Look' Trip Report Part 1
I am not much of a writer and have been told that English may not be my first language, so please ignore any grammatical or spelling errors.
We are back from our first ever trip to USVI. We stayed on St.Thomas at the Sapphire Resort. We rented a condo from vrbo and had no problems at all. We spent 9 nights there and could easily make it another 9 nights!
A quick background. We (my wife and 2 daughters aged 16 and 13) are from Maryland . As a family, our beach destinations have been Hawaii , Cozumel (3 times) and some East Coast beaches (too many to count). We have also had some non-beach destinations under our belts, but this is about the beaches!
We left BWI to Charlotte to St. Thomas. All went off without an issue. We also took a cooler with food. It was painless and yes, just as many have stated, the food stayed frozen! This was a nice cost saving, but the reality was, it was a huge time savings for us. When we stayed at Sapphire, we did not need to shower and head out for dinner, but hung on the beach while things heated up or waited until dark to eat. I felt like we really maximized our beach time. Having said that, you will not find much about restaurants in this review.
One suggestion of something we did that made this a tad nicer was that we made up some of the dinners ahead of time and froze them, so all we had to do was defrost and heat. For example, we made lasagna (enough for 2 meals) in a throw away aluminum pan (think dollar store) at home the weekend before we left and froze it. All we had to do was heat it up. I also took steaks, seasoned them and froze them. That way did not need to pack seasoning. Both worked very well. We then used the cooler for the beaches and I used it to pack rum on the way home.
Yes, we took more luggage than many prefer to take, however, I will never be able to convince my wife to pack light anyway, so go with the flow~
Sorry for the detour..Now back to the report...
OK, we arrived at 3:30 sharp, received 2 shots of rum-pineapple and mango. Now that is a way to be welcomed! With our condo, transportation from the airport to condo was included and we were picked up by at the airport. Sam was a very nice guy and gave us some background. He took us to see Magans Bay from an overlook and gave me my bearings of the island. Was great! We rented a jeep, but I did not want drive the first day---too much to get use to and I wanted to look around myself.
Magens Beach
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J6 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXP5 ... 4.JPG"></a>
We then went to a grocery store to get something for breakfast, rum and some beer to make it through the night,etc. Got to our condo and got the once over and now it begins! Still plenty of light, so we quickly put away the grocery and frozen stuff, put on bathing suits and hit the beach at Sapphire! AWESOME!
The water was terrific, I took a quick snorkel and we hung on the beach for a while. We went back to the room and had a ready made meal and drinks!
Here is our view:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OE ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXPo ... 7.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQ ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXPt ... 3.JPG"></a>
View from the front
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ra ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXR4 ... 0.JPG"></a>
On the balcony
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t9 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSn ... 2.JPG"></a>
Day 2: Sapphire all day long. So we decided this day the only thing on my list to do was to pick up the rent a car (rented from dependable--no problems ) and go to plaza extra, which really had some better prices. There we picked up some fresh bread, milk, veggies, fruits, more rum and beer! We spent the rest of the day, on the beach, water, pool. We got off the beach at sunset again and cooked the steaks and drank. We bought some of Bacardi mixers and I would make up a virgin drink for the kids and the leftovers we added some rum for us!
We went snorkeling at Sapphire and it was much better than I was expecting! In many ways, this was the day we were all looking forward to. Just a day to do nothing but enjoy a beach.
Here are few pictures:
Sapphire Beach
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VT ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRA ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5V ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXQI ... 7.JPG"></a>
View underwater:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WI ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXQj ... 7.JPG"></a>
Anyone know what this fish is? The lips look human--and he was big!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WJ ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSR ... 1.JPG"></a>
Not sure what the yellow pencil looking thing is either:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7w ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRQ ... 7.JPG"></a>
Eel
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ud ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRn ... 3.JPG"></a>
Other random shots
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yz ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRK ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yo ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSU ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gV ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSg ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L0 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSu ... 7.JPG"></a>
Day 3: St John
We decided before the trip, we were going to St John early in the trip because I just knew we would like it and want to go back (we did). Against some advice on the board, I went with my plan with some revisions based on the feedback to my question of visiting 3 beaches in on day and Annaberg. I know some of you will cringe and some will say slow down and relax, however, we were all set for this and really was not as bad as you might think. I read so much on this board about the beaches of St John and I wanted to give everyone a flavor of the beaches. We choose 3 beaches. Besides, we decided that the focus for the day was snorkeling. So we called this our snorkel trip! We hit the 8am car ferry and yes, I got very nervous when the dump truck started rolling in and was parking next to me! My wiofe kept telling me to look at the view or the water not the dump truck. But like moth drawn to light, I could not help but look!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5C ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneiM ... 9.JPG"></a>
But all was good. Well, that is until I tried to find my way around once off the ferry. I figured just follow the people in front of me and I will get to town. Well, they were not going to town. So I stopped for a map and quick directions at the starfish market. We got ourselves straighten out and away we went! Our first official stop was to be Trunk Bay. However, we had to stop at the overlooks first,
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xG ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneiW ... 0.JPG"></a>
Then we hit Peace Hill. Well, I could not go by without checking it out. It was a good stop as we enjoyed the views.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XI ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneii ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0C ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneil ... 5.JPG"></a>
OK, this time Trunk Bay!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bR ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneir ... 3.JPG"></a>
We were the 3rd car parked there. We gathered up quickly and headed down. WOW! I know some don¡¦t like the crowds and I get that, but this is one terrific beach! The water was calm as could be. The swim to and from the trail as easy as it gets. There were only a couple people ahead of us on the snorkel trip, so we felt none of the crowd. However, on the trip back, several were coming inward and the beach did have many more people but it did not feel crowded. By the time we left, the lot was full.
I was trying to do one of those pictures half in water half of land. It is almost impossible with a smaller camera...here is my shot, the sky looks weird because it was on underwater mode. But I liked it anyway.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/51 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneTq ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p1 ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneT8 ... 8.JPG"></a>
We returned from the snorkel and I had to take some pictures. The girls just enjoyed hanging in the water. I took a picture at the palm tree I have seen many times on this board! It was like taking a picture of a celebrity! ļ
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bF ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snei3 ... 5.JPG"></a>
We hung for a little longer, and then moved on. Now, we were running later than I thought and at this point was thinking yeah, this might have been too much. We were getting hungry, but we brought lunch (to save time) so the next stop Maho for lunch. While crowded, I was lucky to get a parking spot right away and nice beach spot under a sea grape tree that was perfect! We enjoyed lunch and then just hung in the water.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hy ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejE ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Y ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejD ... 5.JPG"></a>
I am not sure how it was possible but Maho was even more calm than Trunk Bay ! The girls loved it. We have never been at a beach where the water is this flat. So I said this is a spot folks can see some turtles. At which I see a turtle pop up his head. Well, we decided we wanted to get the snorkel stuff on and head out. But we never found the turtle, or not much else. Just as well, we just enjoying hanging in the water just as much as anything. After a bit, we decide time to do to our last beach of the day. Waterlemon. OK, I just had to snorkel here. Now, when walking down, we ran into some folks and asked how was the snorkeling as this was our first time. He pointed out some markers for us and sent us on our way. We got in where he said and did the area he said and there really wasn¡¦t much going on. Now I know fish/turtles move around and it might have been a good area earlier in the day, but not much for us. We did see some fish and some starfish, which was cool. Before we even got to Waterlemon, I had told the girls we WILL see turtles and they were very excited about this. So, it was not looking good and looking like we might end the day on a little bit of a disappointment. As we started our walk back I was thinking back to this forum. I am sure this is better than what we saw. I know something is off but could not recall. I also remember folks talking of currents and stuff and the swim around the island looked a little rough¡Xso I did not want to attempt that, besides the guy said he saw turtle without going all the way out there. So as we got to the beach, I said, lets stop here a second and let me get a picture. As I take the picture, I swear I see a turtle stick up his head, but not 100 percent sure. As I say hold on I think I saw a turtle, one pops up not 20 feet from the beach and we all see it! Well, you never saw 4 people get into the water so fast¡Xthis became a quest after all and the prize was near! We quickly hop in, making way more noise than a turtle wanted to hear and as you might have guessed, it was long gone. So we quiet down and look on top of the surface and sure enough, up comes a head and we quietly headed that way. And there she is! Our first turtle of St. John/St Thomas. (We have snorkeled with turtles before in Hawaii , but it was much colder there (just hit a bad spell) and neither one of the girls got much of a chance to see them.) We hung in water about 20-30 feet off shore and saw 4 turtles and 3 rays! Success!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7w ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneas ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TG ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnebG ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SG ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnebI ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1r ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snea0 ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hx ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneU1 ... 3.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EA ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snea7 ... 2.JPG"></a>
Time to head back to the ferry, but it was on a high note! We were all excited about that snorkel. We actually made decent time, enough to park and stop by Woody to grab a couple happy hour beers and virgin drinks. We headed for the ferry to wait a couple minutes before loading. A busy but awesome day!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bs ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejG ... 3.JPG"></a>
OK, this has gotten long enough. Besides I need time to catch up on pictures (and we just fried our laptop Sunday with a cup of coffee).
Thanks! Paul
We are back from our first ever trip to USVI. We stayed on St.Thomas at the Sapphire Resort. We rented a condo from vrbo and had no problems at all. We spent 9 nights there and could easily make it another 9 nights!
A quick background. We (my wife and 2 daughters aged 16 and 13) are from Maryland . As a family, our beach destinations have been Hawaii , Cozumel (3 times) and some East Coast beaches (too many to count). We have also had some non-beach destinations under our belts, but this is about the beaches!
We left BWI to Charlotte to St. Thomas. All went off without an issue. We also took a cooler with food. It was painless and yes, just as many have stated, the food stayed frozen! This was a nice cost saving, but the reality was, it was a huge time savings for us. When we stayed at Sapphire, we did not need to shower and head out for dinner, but hung on the beach while things heated up or waited until dark to eat. I felt like we really maximized our beach time. Having said that, you will not find much about restaurants in this review.
One suggestion of something we did that made this a tad nicer was that we made up some of the dinners ahead of time and froze them, so all we had to do was defrost and heat. For example, we made lasagna (enough for 2 meals) in a throw away aluminum pan (think dollar store) at home the weekend before we left and froze it. All we had to do was heat it up. I also took steaks, seasoned them and froze them. That way did not need to pack seasoning. Both worked very well. We then used the cooler for the beaches and I used it to pack rum on the way home.
Yes, we took more luggage than many prefer to take, however, I will never be able to convince my wife to pack light anyway, so go with the flow~
Sorry for the detour..Now back to the report...
OK, we arrived at 3:30 sharp, received 2 shots of rum-pineapple and mango. Now that is a way to be welcomed! With our condo, transportation from the airport to condo was included and we were picked up by at the airport. Sam was a very nice guy and gave us some background. He took us to see Magans Bay from an overlook and gave me my bearings of the island. Was great! We rented a jeep, but I did not want drive the first day---too much to get use to and I wanted to look around myself.
Magens Beach
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J6 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXP5 ... 4.JPG"></a>
We then went to a grocery store to get something for breakfast, rum and some beer to make it through the night,etc. Got to our condo and got the once over and now it begins! Still plenty of light, so we quickly put away the grocery and frozen stuff, put on bathing suits and hit the beach at Sapphire! AWESOME!
The water was terrific, I took a quick snorkel and we hung on the beach for a while. We went back to the room and had a ready made meal and drinks!
Here is our view:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OE ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXPo ... 7.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQ ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXPt ... 3.JPG"></a>
View from the front
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ra ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXR4 ... 0.JPG"></a>
On the balcony
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t9 ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSn ... 2.JPG"></a>
Day 2: Sapphire all day long. So we decided this day the only thing on my list to do was to pick up the rent a car (rented from dependable--no problems ) and go to plaza extra, which really had some better prices. There we picked up some fresh bread, milk, veggies, fruits, more rum and beer! We spent the rest of the day, on the beach, water, pool. We got off the beach at sunset again and cooked the steaks and drank. We bought some of Bacardi mixers and I would make up a virgin drink for the kids and the leftovers we added some rum for us!
We went snorkeling at Sapphire and it was much better than I was expecting! In many ways, this was the day we were all looking forward to. Just a day to do nothing but enjoy a beach.
Here are few pictures:
Sapphire Beach
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VT ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRA ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5V ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXQI ... 7.JPG"></a>
View underwater:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WI ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXQj ... 7.JPG"></a>
Anyone know what this fish is? The lips look human--and he was big!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WJ ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSR ... 1.JPG"></a>
Not sure what the yellow pencil looking thing is either:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7w ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRQ ... 7.JPG"></a>
Eel
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ud ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRn ... 3.JPG"></a>
Other random shots
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yz ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXRK ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Yo ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSU ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gV ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSg ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L0 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnXSu ... 7.JPG"></a>
Day 3: St John
We decided before the trip, we were going to St John early in the trip because I just knew we would like it and want to go back (we did). Against some advice on the board, I went with my plan with some revisions based on the feedback to my question of visiting 3 beaches in on day and Annaberg. I know some of you will cringe and some will say slow down and relax, however, we were all set for this and really was not as bad as you might think. I read so much on this board about the beaches of St John and I wanted to give everyone a flavor of the beaches. We choose 3 beaches. Besides, we decided that the focus for the day was snorkeling. So we called this our snorkel trip! We hit the 8am car ferry and yes, I got very nervous when the dump truck started rolling in and was parking next to me! My wiofe kept telling me to look at the view or the water not the dump truck. But like moth drawn to light, I could not help but look!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5C ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneiM ... 9.JPG"></a>
But all was good. Well, that is until I tried to find my way around once off the ferry. I figured just follow the people in front of me and I will get to town. Well, they were not going to town. So I stopped for a map and quick directions at the starfish market. We got ourselves straighten out and away we went! Our first official stop was to be Trunk Bay. However, we had to stop at the overlooks first,
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xG ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneiW ... 0.JPG"></a>
Then we hit Peace Hill. Well, I could not go by without checking it out. It was a good stop as we enjoyed the views.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XI ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneii ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0C ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneil ... 5.JPG"></a>
OK, this time Trunk Bay!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bR ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneir ... 3.JPG"></a>
We were the 3rd car parked there. We gathered up quickly and headed down. WOW! I know some don¡¦t like the crowds and I get that, but this is one terrific beach! The water was calm as could be. The swim to and from the trail as easy as it gets. There were only a couple people ahead of us on the snorkel trip, so we felt none of the crowd. However, on the trip back, several were coming inward and the beach did have many more people but it did not feel crowded. By the time we left, the lot was full.
I was trying to do one of those pictures half in water half of land. It is almost impossible with a smaller camera...here is my shot, the sky looks weird because it was on underwater mode. But I liked it anyway.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/51 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneTq ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p1 ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneT8 ... 8.JPG"></a>
We returned from the snorkel and I had to take some pictures. The girls just enjoyed hanging in the water. I took a picture at the palm tree I have seen many times on this board! It was like taking a picture of a celebrity! ļ
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bF ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snei3 ... 5.JPG"></a>
We hung for a little longer, and then moved on. Now, we were running later than I thought and at this point was thinking yeah, this might have been too much. We were getting hungry, but we brought lunch (to save time) so the next stop Maho for lunch. While crowded, I was lucky to get a parking spot right away and nice beach spot under a sea grape tree that was perfect! We enjoyed lunch and then just hung in the water.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hy ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejE ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3Y ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejD ... 5.JPG"></a>
I am not sure how it was possible but Maho was even more calm than Trunk Bay ! The girls loved it. We have never been at a beach where the water is this flat. So I said this is a spot folks can see some turtles. At which I see a turtle pop up his head. Well, we decided we wanted to get the snorkel stuff on and head out. But we never found the turtle, or not much else. Just as well, we just enjoying hanging in the water just as much as anything. After a bit, we decide time to do to our last beach of the day. Waterlemon. OK, I just had to snorkel here. Now, when walking down, we ran into some folks and asked how was the snorkeling as this was our first time. He pointed out some markers for us and sent us on our way. We got in where he said and did the area he said and there really wasn¡¦t much going on. Now I know fish/turtles move around and it might have been a good area earlier in the day, but not much for us. We did see some fish and some starfish, which was cool. Before we even got to Waterlemon, I had told the girls we WILL see turtles and they were very excited about this. So, it was not looking good and looking like we might end the day on a little bit of a disappointment. As we started our walk back I was thinking back to this forum. I am sure this is better than what we saw. I know something is off but could not recall. I also remember folks talking of currents and stuff and the swim around the island looked a little rough¡Xso I did not want to attempt that, besides the guy said he saw turtle without going all the way out there. So as we got to the beach, I said, lets stop here a second and let me get a picture. As I take the picture, I swear I see a turtle stick up his head, but not 100 percent sure. As I say hold on I think I saw a turtle, one pops up not 20 feet from the beach and we all see it! Well, you never saw 4 people get into the water so fast¡Xthis became a quest after all and the prize was near! We quickly hop in, making way more noise than a turtle wanted to hear and as you might have guessed, it was long gone. So we quiet down and look on top of the surface and sure enough, up comes a head and we quietly headed that way. And there she is! Our first turtle of St. John/St Thomas. (We have snorkeled with turtles before in Hawaii , but it was much colder there (just hit a bad spell) and neither one of the girls got much of a chance to see them.) We hung in water about 20-30 feet off shore and saw 4 turtles and 3 rays! Success!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7w ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Sneas ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TG ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnebG ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SG ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnebI ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1r ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snea0 ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hx ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SneU1 ... 3.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EA ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/Snea7 ... 2.JPG"></a>
Time to head back to the ferry, but it was on a high note! We were all excited about that snorkel. We actually made decent time, enough to park and stop by Woody to grab a couple happy hour beers and virgin drinks. We headed for the ferry to wait a couple minutes before loading. A busy but awesome day!
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bs ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_lQNB-86Ha64/SnejG ... 3.JPG"></a>
OK, this has gotten long enough. Besides I need time to catch up on pictures (and we just fried our laptop Sunday with a cup of coffee).
Thanks! Paul
Paul
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2beachbums
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msgcolleen
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WOW! What a fun start! You are brave for a first timer staying on STT and driving all over to catch the car ferry and find your way around STJ!
So far so good . . .
So far so good . . .
I've got 2 tickets to paradise~Pack your bags we'll leave tonight!
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Not easy.
