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Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Ram Head Trail
Umbrella Drink Tour - 2009 / Ram Head Trail
Saturday, November 14 – 6:30am
“Take me Away, A secret Place, A sweet escape . . .”
Natasha Bedingfield is somehow serenading me over and over. Oh yeah, that’s my alarm ringtone. Today was Ram Head Trail day. I wanted to be sure we got an early start.
I have no idea what possessed me to want to do this – I’m no hiker. After my dinghy escapades, I’m not even sure I’m as fit as I thought. Don was pretty impressed that I actually followed through; he figured I forget about it. The plan was to hike the trail, then hit Donkey Diner for breakfast. By everything I read, we should be able to do the round trip in ~2hrs.
I did a weather check – nice cloud cover, but nothing threatening. It’s been about 10 years since we visited Salt Pond. I remember burrs getting stuck on the towels and pinching my a$$ for the rest of the trip. Not a memory that screams “oooh, let’s go back there”.
I was surprised that we weren’t the only car on the road. Not exactly rush hour, but we saw more than I expected. Passed Miss Lucy’s (next time), the Tourist Trap (I really wanted to try this place), Concordia and then what looked to be the Salt Pond parking lot. I pulled out FF&F and it mentioned a trail with a gate – this must be it. It was ~7:15am – we were the first car. Cameras, sunscreen (with bug stuff), lots of water, trail bars and we were on our way.
The first part of the trail down to the beach is pretty darn boring. OMG – am I going to have to hike the whole way before I get any rewards?
As we are near the bottom, you can see the water.
When we reached the beach, there was no one there. Just a couple of sailboats.
Hmmm – is that Ram Head – out there? Not so bad. I did a 5K and 10K walks last month, how hard can a little 2 mile trail be?
For most of the trail, the views are wonderful. Take 2 steps, take 2 pictures, 4 more steps, 4 more pictures. Obviously, whoever clocked this hike wasn’t photographing every rock and drop of water along the way.
For once this trip, we were thankful for the cloud cover; otherwise, it would have been HOT!
There were a few places where the footing was tricky and a few loooong steps and a few times I wanted to hold on to something, but the only thing available was cactii.
We eventually made it out to the cobblestone beach. I could have stood there all day and listened to the water crinkle along the rocks.
But we had been at it for almost an hour and I don’t think we were half way there.
Finding the trail from here can be tricky. I tried a couple of inlets, but they led to no where. We finally spotted what looked to be trail markings;
continued up,
then looked back,
and down.
Almost there –
It was getting warmer and the breeze disappeared. However, I certainly couldn't complain since this WAS my idea. I thought we had reached the top a few times, but finally we did.
There was no one else around; not even any goats or mosquitoes. I stood and stared really hard at the beauty around me. This is a memory I want to keep.
What goes up, must come down.
And enjoy the same views all over again.
A very large cactus
As we were headed back, the clouds started to thicken, so we picked up the pace.
I think the worst part of the trail is the path to/from the parking lot. I was more than thrilled when we reached the top – happy gate!
It was 10:40am when we finally got back to the car. So much for the Ram Head hike; this was more the Ram Head stroll.
Since it was later than we planned, we decided to stop at the Tourist Trap for a quick lunch. When we got there we found Larry in the “kitchen”.
“Are you open?”
“I can be; I open in 10 minutes anyway.”
“We’ll just sit here until you open – maybe a couple of diet cokes while we wait?”
“No problem”.
Don and I found a table and made ourselves comfortable while Larry did his thing.
Boy, what a great spot up here.
About a minute later, this woman comes rushing in – “Geez, you beat, I’m just a minute late; I’m your waitress”. It was Mary.
She chatted, explained some of the menu, chatted some more, explained some more.
We decided to start with some nachos; and we’d figure the rest out later.
Maybe it was the view, maybe it was STJ, maybe it was Ram Head – but these were the best nachos. Larry puts celery in them, because that’s how he likes them.
Mary and Larry were all excited because the Tourist Trap was going to be in an article in the NY Times. Has anyone seen it?
We chatted, we ate, we chatted, we ordered, we chatted, we ate, we chatted, we drank.
Lobster roll for me; pork sandwich for Don.
And my first Drink Right – Keep Left. (OK, this is really my second; that first one went down really easy).
We weren’t at a restaurant; we were having lunch with friends in their backyard.
Larry’s tree
A lobster Mary brought back from a trip to Boston. “I get to Boston and the first thing I buy is a stupid plastic lobster!”.
Mary offered to take our picture so that our friends and family would believe we actually traveled together.
Two hours later, we finish our “quick” lunch. If you haven’t visited the Tourist Trap, you’re missing out.
We headed back to Anchorage Aweigh for some pool and a few last looks around
Post Ram Head Syndrome.
I love these wall hangings
It was back to Skinny’s for burgers and the drink of the day (Mango Tango).
This was our last day in Coral Bay and it was a wicked good one.
Tomorrow we say goodbye to Anchorage aweigh and hello to Grande Bay.
“Take me Away, A secret Place, A sweet escape . . .”
Natasha Bedingfield is somehow serenading me over and over. Oh yeah, that’s my alarm ringtone. Today was Ram Head Trail day. I wanted to be sure we got an early start.
I have no idea what possessed me to want to do this – I’m no hiker. After my dinghy escapades, I’m not even sure I’m as fit as I thought. Don was pretty impressed that I actually followed through; he figured I forget about it. The plan was to hike the trail, then hit Donkey Diner for breakfast. By everything I read, we should be able to do the round trip in ~2hrs.
I did a weather check – nice cloud cover, but nothing threatening. It’s been about 10 years since we visited Salt Pond. I remember burrs getting stuck on the towels and pinching my a$$ for the rest of the trip. Not a memory that screams “oooh, let’s go back there”.
I was surprised that we weren’t the only car on the road. Not exactly rush hour, but we saw more than I expected. Passed Miss Lucy’s (next time), the Tourist Trap (I really wanted to try this place), Concordia and then what looked to be the Salt Pond parking lot. I pulled out FF&F and it mentioned a trail with a gate – this must be it. It was ~7:15am – we were the first car. Cameras, sunscreen (with bug stuff), lots of water, trail bars and we were on our way.
The first part of the trail down to the beach is pretty darn boring. OMG – am I going to have to hike the whole way before I get any rewards?
As we are near the bottom, you can see the water.
When we reached the beach, there was no one there. Just a couple of sailboats.
Hmmm – is that Ram Head – out there? Not so bad. I did a 5K and 10K walks last month, how hard can a little 2 mile trail be?
For most of the trail, the views are wonderful. Take 2 steps, take 2 pictures, 4 more steps, 4 more pictures. Obviously, whoever clocked this hike wasn’t photographing every rock and drop of water along the way.
For once this trip, we were thankful for the cloud cover; otherwise, it would have been HOT!
There were a few places where the footing was tricky and a few loooong steps and a few times I wanted to hold on to something, but the only thing available was cactii.
We eventually made it out to the cobblestone beach. I could have stood there all day and listened to the water crinkle along the rocks.
But we had been at it for almost an hour and I don’t think we were half way there.
Finding the trail from here can be tricky. I tried a couple of inlets, but they led to no where. We finally spotted what looked to be trail markings;
continued up,
then looked back,
and down.
Almost there –
It was getting warmer and the breeze disappeared. However, I certainly couldn't complain since this WAS my idea. I thought we had reached the top a few times, but finally we did.
There was no one else around; not even any goats or mosquitoes. I stood and stared really hard at the beauty around me. This is a memory I want to keep.
What goes up, must come down.
And enjoy the same views all over again.
A very large cactus
As we were headed back, the clouds started to thicken, so we picked up the pace.
I think the worst part of the trail is the path to/from the parking lot. I was more than thrilled when we reached the top – happy gate!
It was 10:40am when we finally got back to the car. So much for the Ram Head hike; this was more the Ram Head stroll.
Since it was later than we planned, we decided to stop at the Tourist Trap for a quick lunch. When we got there we found Larry in the “kitchen”.
“Are you open?”
“I can be; I open in 10 minutes anyway.”
“We’ll just sit here until you open – maybe a couple of diet cokes while we wait?”
“No problem”.
Don and I found a table and made ourselves comfortable while Larry did his thing.
Boy, what a great spot up here.
About a minute later, this woman comes rushing in – “Geez, you beat, I’m just a minute late; I’m your waitress”. It was Mary.
She chatted, explained some of the menu, chatted some more, explained some more.
We decided to start with some nachos; and we’d figure the rest out later.
Maybe it was the view, maybe it was STJ, maybe it was Ram Head – but these were the best nachos. Larry puts celery in them, because that’s how he likes them.
Mary and Larry were all excited because the Tourist Trap was going to be in an article in the NY Times. Has anyone seen it?
We chatted, we ate, we chatted, we ordered, we chatted, we ate, we chatted, we drank.
Lobster roll for me; pork sandwich for Don.
And my first Drink Right – Keep Left. (OK, this is really my second; that first one went down really easy).
We weren’t at a restaurant; we were having lunch with friends in their backyard.
Larry’s tree
A lobster Mary brought back from a trip to Boston. “I get to Boston and the first thing I buy is a stupid plastic lobster!”.
Mary offered to take our picture so that our friends and family would believe we actually traveled together.
Two hours later, we finish our “quick” lunch. If you haven’t visited the Tourist Trap, you’re missing out.
We headed back to Anchorage Aweigh for some pool and a few last looks around
Post Ram Head Syndrome.
I love these wall hangings
It was back to Skinny’s for burgers and the drink of the day (Mango Tango).
This was our last day in Coral Bay and it was a wicked good one.
Tomorrow we say goodbye to Anchorage aweigh and hello to Grande Bay.
janet
NICE NICE NICE trip report! You really brought me back to the Ram's Head hike--it really was my favorite. My boys (teens) repeated over and over "this better be worth it" and the pressure was on. I didn't take as many pictures as you--so as I was looking at them I was thinking "oh yeah I remember that".
I love your writing style. You really wore the Don out!
I laughed at your story yesterday about getting back into the dingy. It may not have been easy but you did it!!
I am looking forward to hearing about Grande Bay. We postponed our St. John trip until next year because we want to stay at Grande Bay but only one the pool is complete.
GG
I love that Natasha Bedingfield song!
I love your writing style. You really wore the Don out!
I laughed at your story yesterday about getting back into the dingy. It may not have been easy but you did it!!I am looking forward to hearing about Grande Bay. We postponed our St. John trip until next year because we want to stay at Grande Bay but only one the pool is complete.
GG
I love that Natasha Bedingfield song!
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mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
I can't wait to get to the Tourist Trap ! It looks so laid back and friendly !!
Good for you doing all these things !! The dinghy and Rams Head. you're a better person than I... I'm going to sit,swim,snorkel,eat,relax and do it all over again the next day !!
Good for you doing all these things !! The dinghy and Rams Head. you're a better person than I... I'm going to sit,swim,snorkel,eat,relax and do it all over again the next day !!
No ticker anymore. Next vac will prob. be the Fl Keys.
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Randy in MD
- Posts: 395
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 8:04 am
- Location: Shady Side, MD
Hi Janet, Nice trip report, I have read all of your installments. What a great day with both the Tourist Trap and Skinny's. I was just trying to decide which one I want to visit first. I love that Larry has been able to expand his little restaurant.
I'm interested to hear how you liked the Grande Bay. We are staying in the same unit you did starting Thursday. We you easily able to get a hold of Kim the broker?
I'm interested to hear how you liked the Grande Bay. We are staying in the same unit you did starting Thursday. We you easily able to get a hold of Kim the broker?
Going "home" again October 26th!
Thank you for bringing me back to the Ram Head Hike - one of my favorites! I love the views and your pictures are great. The best 'treat' is when you hit that one spot close to the top and there are wicked breezes coming up from the cliffs.
Love the Tourist Trap too.
Thanks again for your great trip reports!
Love the Tourist Trap too.
Thanks again for your great trip reports!
NancyB
