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Part 2: Because apparently, the thing is too darn long...
Part 2: Because apparently, the thing is too darn long...
Sorry for the hiccup, folks, but apparently, I win the MOST LONG WINDED TRIP REPORT award. I seem to have exceeded the forum's maximum post length. As such, here is the rest:
I was tired but happy. It had been a long day. I was tuckered out from drinks, sun, sand, and I was starting to get “boat battered.”
Boat Lesson #26: If some of your body parts don’t hurt, you haven’t spent 6 days on a boat.
By this point, my butt was raw from sitting on the rough seats up top or from too much swimsuit elastic too much of the day; my head was sore where I kept hitting the same spot over and over on the low corner of my cabin roof; I had sand in pretty much everything I owned, including my skivvies; my back was sore from constantly leaning against the hard edges of the boat; and my toes were skinned and bruised from going where I shouldn’t without shoes.
I was getting broken in, and I found that I liked it.
We all turned in early, as was becoming standard practice, everyone retiring to their little piece of the boat and reading, watching a movie, or catching some early zzzzzzssssss. Since getting on the boat, I hadn’t known what time it was. I got up when the sun came up. I slept when the sun went down. I felt drawn by the sun and the waves, the tide and the stars. I was becoming unplugged and it was heaven.
Monday, December 14
Boat Lesson #27: You can shower with a handi-wipe. Oh, yes you can.
Early in the trip, I was all about the shower. You never feel 100% clean on a boat because your showers are brief and usually involve some clothing left on and within minutes of the shower, you are salty or sweaty again. In the first few days of the trip, I looked forward to those 10 minutes that I could feel fresh and clean.
On the morning of my seventh day, I had lost the need for that “shower fresh feeling” and realized I was pretty ok as long as my hair looked reasonably clean and I couldn’t smell myself. I took my shower that morning with a handi-wipe and I liked it.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220174233/" title="Sydney by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/422 ... 8b5354.jpg" width="389" height="500" alt="Sydney"></a>
We headed into Sydney’s for t-shirts before leaving Jost that morning. Sydney was in a chair stringing nets and someone was frying bacon and brewing coffee. We made our purchases, said our goodbyes to Jost, and we were on our way back to St. John.
We pulled into Cruz Bay to clear customs, but first things first, we went Customs AWOL and went to find the first lady of St. John. We headed straight for St. John Spice. RUTH!!! We popped in to say “hi” to Ruth and Ron and to soak in the delicious air conditioning for a minute. Gromit got the honor of wearing the birthday Chicken Hat and I got the honor of wearing Kelleana’s cowboy hat, as we swayed unconsciously back and forth.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220941524/" title="Kala is rockin' the chicken hat by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/422 ... 9f3922.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Kala is rockin' the chicken hat"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220944276/" title="Ruth! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/422 ... 3ef7c0.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="Ruth!"></a>
We left to clear customs and came back so that Ron could take us on the Grateful Shed Tour. Ruth and Ron’s house is AWESOME and they were so sweet to drive us up for a look. We then spent our afternoons in Cruz Bay visiting our favorite haunts and saying “hi” to our favorite people. Scubagirl and Mr. Scubagirl joined Matt and I at the Beach Bar for some lunch. I am happy to report that, although it seemed smaller than normal, the Tuna Down Now was as good as ever. So were the Lime n’ Coconuts. I also had an amazing burger with bacon and gouda. I would say, “It tasted GOUDa,” but that would be corny. So I won’t.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220183329/" title="Lunch at the Beach Bar by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/422 ... 0cc526.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Lunch at the Beach Bar"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220949906/" title="Coconut Bar from Deli Grotto by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/422 ... e76686.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Coconut Bar from Deli Grotto"></a>
We did some shopping and grabbed a coconut bar at Deli Grotto and before we knew it, it was time to head back to the boat. Scubagirl and Mr. Scubagirl had taken it on down to Francis Bay, so the rest of us grabbed a cab and headed that way. Mr. Scubagirl picked us up on shore in the dinghy and the water was rough. Getting in the tender from the beach was a challenge.
We all got quick showers (with more than a handi-wipe) on the boat, and we headed back to Francis Bay. As luck would have it, the owners of what I refer to as “my” villa, Sunnyledge, were there and since we were sleeping in their back yard, they invited us up for a drink and a gracious “hello.”
The water was rough, so we made two trips in the tender, Mr. Scubagirl dropping me, Scubagirl, and Matt off first. When he came back with Gromit and Mr. Gromit, I watched as the tender came to shore, Gromit and Mr. Gromit jumped out, a wave struck, and Mr. Scubagirl literally flipped backward up and out of the tender. At least a double gainer. I felt like I should hold up an Olympic scorecard… IT’S A 10!....but I was pretty sure that in that moment he would not find the humor in it.
Boat Lesson #28: Mr. Scubagirl, in addition to being an excellent captain, has the soul of a saint and the patience of Job.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4221646749/" title="Keith by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/422 ... 0daf6b.jpg" width="404" height="500" alt="Keith"></a>
I have to insert here that, no matter what stupid or frustrating thing we did, from using a $300,000 boat to find a $10 hat to jamming the outdoor table so that we all had to eat indoors to flooding the dinghy to flipping him out of the dinghy, Mr. Scubagirl always had a smile and took it all in stride. How he put up with us newbies, I’m not sure I’ll ever know.
While he headed back to the boat to dry off, the rest of us were met by a smiling face on Francis Beach. I heard a familiar voice, “You must be Vicki.” Dave!
Dave took us up to the house where we met the other voice I knew so well from the other end of the phone….Bonnie! They offered us cocktails and snacks and we chatted the evening away as the sun set over Francis Bay. Being in Sunnyledge is like being home for me, and I was so happy to see it while I was there. Added to that was now the knowledge that Dave and Bonnie and truly wonderful people.
As night came, we knew we needed to head back and a dry and still smiling Mr. Scubagirl came back to the beach to pick us up.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220188473/" title="Sydney's Kick A$$ Taco Salad by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/422 ... a6a382.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sydney's Kick A$$ Taco Salad"></a>
Boat Lesson #29: You can make some surprisingly good food on a boat.
That night, Scubagirl made her Kick A$$ Taco Salad, and kick a$$ it was. That was some seriously good stuff. Get the recipe from her if you can. It’s a keeper!
Tuesday, December 15
We woke up in Francis Bay to a beautiful sunrise. Tomorrow was our last day, and we still had tons of food. Hence, we pulled out what I like to call the “See How Much Random Crap You Can Eat For Breakfast Buffet.” Gromit won the Creativity Award of the morning with her peanut butter, jelly, and bacon bagel.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220191615/" title="Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Bacon Bagel. by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/422 ... 27a1c2.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Bacon Bagel."></a>
After breakfast, we swam from the boat toward Mary Point for a snorkel. The swim was good, but the water was so muddled up, it was very hard to see anything. Despite that, I was lucky enough to see my second octopus! He blended well with the surroundings, but he was moving about, so I was able to spot him quickly. I was rushing over to find Scubagirl to show her when I nearly ran into the biggest turtle I have ever seen! It was about that time that I started worrying about running into other things I couldn’t see and decided I was ready to head back to the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220195209/" title="My second octopus! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/422 ... 8f1869.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My second octopus!"></a>
After our snorkel, Gromit and Mr. Gromit headed to the beach to meet Pia. We were going to head into the beach too, but Mr. Scubagirl needed some extra fuel for the tender and Pia was sweet enough to drive him into Coral Bay to get some. By the time they got back, total laziness and lethargy had set in as we sunned ourselves on the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220961792/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/422 ... dfd8c5.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Boat Lesson #30: The BEST boat day is when you spend 24 hours on the boat without getting off.
This day was when Boat Time clicked in for me. You know you “Get It” when you realize you’d rather stay ON the boat than get OFF. That finally hit Matt and I on the last day. We realized we had zero desire to leave the boat. We were totally relaxed and content to lay on the decks and soak up the glorious sun, watching the blue waters of the bay and the sugary sand of the beach from where we were.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220202387/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/422 ... 1acc2e.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Loathe to move a muscle, we declined when Pia, Gromit, and Mr. Gromit headed to the Tourist Trap for lunch. I don’t think I could have peeled myself off that deck for a million dollars at that point….and I loved it. Scubagirl made us lobster salad and egg salad on the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220206907/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/422 ... d36bf4.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Boat Lesson #31: Remora like lobster but don’t like peanuts.
Scubagirl provided the after lunch entertainment by baiting in a remora with the leftover lobster. She tried peanuts first, but it would just take them and spit them out. After the remora feeding, we did another snorkel to break the lethargy.
Sun drenched and sea kissed, I headed in for a nap. I loved not having somewhere to go, or something to do. I was more relaxed than I think I have ever been on any vacation. I also had time to grab my second “real” shower of the trip (the first “real shower” being the pathetic attempt at the marina when I pulled the curtain down around me feet). By “real shower” I mean that I was able to remove my swimsuit. I still had to shower in under 60 seconds, but at least I didn’t have 5 people watching me scrub my butt.
That night we pulled out hamburgers to grill and Gromit took the leftover hot dogs and crescent rolls and made us some darn good, darn big, pigs in blankets. I tried to get her to make a foot long….but the foot long pig in a blanket was a miserable failure and she and I are very sensitive about it…..so we just don’t want to talk about that, okay?
Boat Lesson #32: You cannot make a foot long pig in a blanket on a boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220973670/" title="Sunset at Francis by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/422 ... 6cf0de.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sunset at Francis"></a>
Wednesday, December 16
I woke up and couldn’t believe this was it. This was the last day. Was the trip really over? I had come to love the boat, to love my companions, to love the relaxed rhythm of our days as they drifted with the winds and the waves. I hated that it was almost over.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220976888/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/422 ... 133ee7.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
We made our way from Francis Bay back toward Frenchtown Marina on St. Thomas.
As we rounded St. Thomas, we saw a little boat that was obviously stranded, being tossed mercilessly as the wake of the ferries hit it again and again. Mr. Scubagirl headed to the rescue. We couldn’t help but laugh when we saw the name of the boat was the S.S. Minnow….maybe not an optimal boat name choice? We pulled the little boat toward St. Thomas as a friend of his was headed our way. When his friend neared, we untied him and waved good bye and good luck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220980960/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/422 ... 9b6477.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220984196/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/422 ... 0e7d14.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
It was bittersweet as we pulled into the Frenchtown Marina. As we were greeted by the Frenchtown Welcoming Committee (the trio of iguanas that hang on the rocks), I was happy that I had just had a wonderful trip. I was sad that it was almost time to say goodbye.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220223501/" title="Welcome back! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/422 ... a865d3.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Welcome back!"></a>
As we hit land, Matt and I said our goodbyes to Gromit and Mr. Gromit who had an earlier flight than we did. After several rounds of hugs, we grabbed a cab and headed into Charlotte Amalie, somewhere I have not been once during all my trips to St. John. We had a few hours to kill so we strolled around downtown and did some shopping. We also had a great lunch at Gladys’ café, ordering so much food she actually laughed and asked us if we were hungry. We also had a couple of overpriced, under-rummed drinks at some bar that looked like a Cancun throwback that was ready for the cruise shippers. CA is not my cup of tea, but it was an ok place to kill some time.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220989812/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/422 ... 42a499.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220230497/" title="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/422 ... a1347b.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220996542/" title="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/422 ... 5a8396.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220236007/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/422 ... 00c597.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220239035/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/422 ... 59f431.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
We headed back to Frenchtown for one last shower, which I managed to accomplish without mishap, and a sandwich to go from the Frenchtown Deli. Then Scubagirl, Mr. Scubagirl, Matt and I said goodbye to Jay and the wonderful staff of CYOA and headed for the airport.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220242479/" title="Bye! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/422 ... b8df62.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Bye!"></a>
We flew together as far as Charlotte.
It was eventually time for us to part. As I waved goodbye to my new friends in the Charlotte airport, I smiled on the inside, warmed by the post vacation glow that only comes from a great trip.
I sat in my seat on the plane….thinking back on the past 9 days. I couldn’t believe that only 9 days ago Matt and I had climbed aboard Island Sister with 4 near-strangers. For those first couple of days, I was consumed with lack of space, wondering when my next chance to escape the boat confines and get on land would be, dreaming of my next shower and worrying about just how bad my hair looked, and anxiously waiting to see if we’d all get along. Somewhere, somehow, sometime during our voyage, everything shifted. I was consumed with nothing but the waves and the wind and the sun, wondering when my next chance to feel the wind in my hair at the front of the boat as we soared through the sea would be, dreaming of plunging my sun soaked body into the cool water beside the boat and not worrying about how I looked, and anxiously waiting until the day that I would be forced leave my wonderful new friends.
I had learned another lesson.
Boat Lesson # 33: Agree to spend a week on a boat with strangers and be prepared to make friends for life.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4219862729/" title="Our crew by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/421 ... 517dbc.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Our crew"></a>
I was tired but happy. It had been a long day. I was tuckered out from drinks, sun, sand, and I was starting to get “boat battered.”
Boat Lesson #26: If some of your body parts don’t hurt, you haven’t spent 6 days on a boat.
By this point, my butt was raw from sitting on the rough seats up top or from too much swimsuit elastic too much of the day; my head was sore where I kept hitting the same spot over and over on the low corner of my cabin roof; I had sand in pretty much everything I owned, including my skivvies; my back was sore from constantly leaning against the hard edges of the boat; and my toes were skinned and bruised from going where I shouldn’t without shoes.
I was getting broken in, and I found that I liked it.
We all turned in early, as was becoming standard practice, everyone retiring to their little piece of the boat and reading, watching a movie, or catching some early zzzzzzssssss. Since getting on the boat, I hadn’t known what time it was. I got up when the sun came up. I slept when the sun went down. I felt drawn by the sun and the waves, the tide and the stars. I was becoming unplugged and it was heaven.
Monday, December 14
Boat Lesson #27: You can shower with a handi-wipe. Oh, yes you can.
Early in the trip, I was all about the shower. You never feel 100% clean on a boat because your showers are brief and usually involve some clothing left on and within minutes of the shower, you are salty or sweaty again. In the first few days of the trip, I looked forward to those 10 minutes that I could feel fresh and clean.
On the morning of my seventh day, I had lost the need for that “shower fresh feeling” and realized I was pretty ok as long as my hair looked reasonably clean and I couldn’t smell myself. I took my shower that morning with a handi-wipe and I liked it.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220174233/" title="Sydney by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/422 ... 8b5354.jpg" width="389" height="500" alt="Sydney"></a>
We headed into Sydney’s for t-shirts before leaving Jost that morning. Sydney was in a chair stringing nets and someone was frying bacon and brewing coffee. We made our purchases, said our goodbyes to Jost, and we were on our way back to St. John.
We pulled into Cruz Bay to clear customs, but first things first, we went Customs AWOL and went to find the first lady of St. John. We headed straight for St. John Spice. RUTH!!! We popped in to say “hi” to Ruth and Ron and to soak in the delicious air conditioning for a minute. Gromit got the honor of wearing the birthday Chicken Hat and I got the honor of wearing Kelleana’s cowboy hat, as we swayed unconsciously back and forth.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220941524/" title="Kala is rockin' the chicken hat by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/422 ... 9f3922.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Kala is rockin' the chicken hat"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220944276/" title="Ruth! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/422 ... 3ef7c0.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt="Ruth!"></a>
We left to clear customs and came back so that Ron could take us on the Grateful Shed Tour. Ruth and Ron’s house is AWESOME and they were so sweet to drive us up for a look. We then spent our afternoons in Cruz Bay visiting our favorite haunts and saying “hi” to our favorite people. Scubagirl and Mr. Scubagirl joined Matt and I at the Beach Bar for some lunch. I am happy to report that, although it seemed smaller than normal, the Tuna Down Now was as good as ever. So were the Lime n’ Coconuts. I also had an amazing burger with bacon and gouda. I would say, “It tasted GOUDa,” but that would be corny. So I won’t.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220183329/" title="Lunch at the Beach Bar by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/422 ... 0cc526.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Lunch at the Beach Bar"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220949906/" title="Coconut Bar from Deli Grotto by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/422 ... e76686.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Coconut Bar from Deli Grotto"></a>
We did some shopping and grabbed a coconut bar at Deli Grotto and before we knew it, it was time to head back to the boat. Scubagirl and Mr. Scubagirl had taken it on down to Francis Bay, so the rest of us grabbed a cab and headed that way. Mr. Scubagirl picked us up on shore in the dinghy and the water was rough. Getting in the tender from the beach was a challenge.
We all got quick showers (with more than a handi-wipe) on the boat, and we headed back to Francis Bay. As luck would have it, the owners of what I refer to as “my” villa, Sunnyledge, were there and since we were sleeping in their back yard, they invited us up for a drink and a gracious “hello.”
The water was rough, so we made two trips in the tender, Mr. Scubagirl dropping me, Scubagirl, and Matt off first. When he came back with Gromit and Mr. Gromit, I watched as the tender came to shore, Gromit and Mr. Gromit jumped out, a wave struck, and Mr. Scubagirl literally flipped backward up and out of the tender. At least a double gainer. I felt like I should hold up an Olympic scorecard… IT’S A 10!....but I was pretty sure that in that moment he would not find the humor in it.
Boat Lesson #28: Mr. Scubagirl, in addition to being an excellent captain, has the soul of a saint and the patience of Job.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4221646749/" title="Keith by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2780/422 ... 0daf6b.jpg" width="404" height="500" alt="Keith"></a>
I have to insert here that, no matter what stupid or frustrating thing we did, from using a $300,000 boat to find a $10 hat to jamming the outdoor table so that we all had to eat indoors to flooding the dinghy to flipping him out of the dinghy, Mr. Scubagirl always had a smile and took it all in stride. How he put up with us newbies, I’m not sure I’ll ever know.
While he headed back to the boat to dry off, the rest of us were met by a smiling face on Francis Beach. I heard a familiar voice, “You must be Vicki.” Dave!
Dave took us up to the house where we met the other voice I knew so well from the other end of the phone….Bonnie! They offered us cocktails and snacks and we chatted the evening away as the sun set over Francis Bay. Being in Sunnyledge is like being home for me, and I was so happy to see it while I was there. Added to that was now the knowledge that Dave and Bonnie and truly wonderful people.
As night came, we knew we needed to head back and a dry and still smiling Mr. Scubagirl came back to the beach to pick us up.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220188473/" title="Sydney's Kick A$$ Taco Salad by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/422 ... a6a382.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sydney's Kick A$$ Taco Salad"></a>
Boat Lesson #29: You can make some surprisingly good food on a boat.
That night, Scubagirl made her Kick A$$ Taco Salad, and kick a$$ it was. That was some seriously good stuff. Get the recipe from her if you can. It’s a keeper!
Tuesday, December 15
We woke up in Francis Bay to a beautiful sunrise. Tomorrow was our last day, and we still had tons of food. Hence, we pulled out what I like to call the “See How Much Random Crap You Can Eat For Breakfast Buffet.” Gromit won the Creativity Award of the morning with her peanut butter, jelly, and bacon bagel.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220191615/" title="Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Bacon Bagel. by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/422 ... 27a1c2.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Peanut Butter, Jelly, and Bacon Bagel."></a>
After breakfast, we swam from the boat toward Mary Point for a snorkel. The swim was good, but the water was so muddled up, it was very hard to see anything. Despite that, I was lucky enough to see my second octopus! He blended well with the surroundings, but he was moving about, so I was able to spot him quickly. I was rushing over to find Scubagirl to show her when I nearly ran into the biggest turtle I have ever seen! It was about that time that I started worrying about running into other things I couldn’t see and decided I was ready to head back to the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220195209/" title="My second octopus! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/422 ... 8f1869.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="My second octopus!"></a>
After our snorkel, Gromit and Mr. Gromit headed to the beach to meet Pia. We were going to head into the beach too, but Mr. Scubagirl needed some extra fuel for the tender and Pia was sweet enough to drive him into Coral Bay to get some. By the time they got back, total laziness and lethargy had set in as we sunned ourselves on the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220961792/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/422 ... dfd8c5.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Boat Lesson #30: The BEST boat day is when you spend 24 hours on the boat without getting off.
This day was when Boat Time clicked in for me. You know you “Get It” when you realize you’d rather stay ON the boat than get OFF. That finally hit Matt and I on the last day. We realized we had zero desire to leave the boat. We were totally relaxed and content to lay on the decks and soak up the glorious sun, watching the blue waters of the bay and the sugary sand of the beach from where we were.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220202387/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/422 ... 1acc2e.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Loathe to move a muscle, we declined when Pia, Gromit, and Mr. Gromit headed to the Tourist Trap for lunch. I don’t think I could have peeled myself off that deck for a million dollars at that point….and I loved it. Scubagirl made us lobster salad and egg salad on the boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220206907/" title="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/422 ... d36bf4.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Limin' at Francis Bay, St. John"></a>
Boat Lesson #31: Remora like lobster but don’t like peanuts.
Scubagirl provided the after lunch entertainment by baiting in a remora with the leftover lobster. She tried peanuts first, but it would just take them and spit them out. After the remora feeding, we did another snorkel to break the lethargy.
Sun drenched and sea kissed, I headed in for a nap. I loved not having somewhere to go, or something to do. I was more relaxed than I think I have ever been on any vacation. I also had time to grab my second “real” shower of the trip (the first “real shower” being the pathetic attempt at the marina when I pulled the curtain down around me feet). By “real shower” I mean that I was able to remove my swimsuit. I still had to shower in under 60 seconds, but at least I didn’t have 5 people watching me scrub my butt.
That night we pulled out hamburgers to grill and Gromit took the leftover hot dogs and crescent rolls and made us some darn good, darn big, pigs in blankets. I tried to get her to make a foot long….but the foot long pig in a blanket was a miserable failure and she and I are very sensitive about it…..so we just don’t want to talk about that, okay?
Boat Lesson #32: You cannot make a foot long pig in a blanket on a boat.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220973670/" title="Sunset at Francis by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2485/422 ... 6cf0de.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sunset at Francis"></a>
Wednesday, December 16
I woke up and couldn’t believe this was it. This was the last day. Was the trip really over? I had come to love the boat, to love my companions, to love the relaxed rhythm of our days as they drifted with the winds and the waves. I hated that it was almost over.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220976888/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/422 ... 133ee7.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
We made our way from Francis Bay back toward Frenchtown Marina on St. Thomas.
As we rounded St. Thomas, we saw a little boat that was obviously stranded, being tossed mercilessly as the wake of the ferries hit it again and again. Mr. Scubagirl headed to the rescue. We couldn’t help but laugh when we saw the name of the boat was the S.S. Minnow….maybe not an optimal boat name choice? We pulled the little boat toward St. Thomas as a friend of his was headed our way. When his friend neared, we untied him and waved good bye and good luck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220980960/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/422 ... 9b6477.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220984196/" title="Sailing back to St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2679/422 ... 0e7d14.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Sailing back to St. Thomas"></a>
It was bittersweet as we pulled into the Frenchtown Marina. As we were greeted by the Frenchtown Welcoming Committee (the trio of iguanas that hang on the rocks), I was happy that I had just had a wonderful trip. I was sad that it was almost time to say goodbye.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220223501/" title="Welcome back! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/422 ... a865d3.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Welcome back!"></a>
As we hit land, Matt and I said our goodbyes to Gromit and Mr. Gromit who had an earlier flight than we did. After several rounds of hugs, we grabbed a cab and headed into Charlotte Amalie, somewhere I have not been once during all my trips to St. John. We had a few hours to kill so we strolled around downtown and did some shopping. We also had a great lunch at Gladys’ café, ordering so much food she actually laughed and asked us if we were hungry. We also had a couple of overpriced, under-rummed drinks at some bar that looked like a Cancun throwback that was ready for the cruise shippers. CA is not my cup of tea, but it was an ok place to kill some time.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220989812/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/422 ... 42a499.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220230497/" title="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2753/422 ... a1347b.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220996542/" title="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2546/422 ... 5a8396.jpg" width="341" height="500" alt="Gladys' Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220236007/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/422 ... 00c597.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220239035/" title="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/422 ... 59f431.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas"></a>
We headed back to Frenchtown for one last shower, which I managed to accomplish without mishap, and a sandwich to go from the Frenchtown Deli. Then Scubagirl, Mr. Scubagirl, Matt and I said goodbye to Jay and the wonderful staff of CYOA and headed for the airport.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4220242479/" title="Bye! by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/422 ... b8df62.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Bye!"></a>
We flew together as far as Charlotte.
It was eventually time for us to part. As I waved goodbye to my new friends in the Charlotte airport, I smiled on the inside, warmed by the post vacation glow that only comes from a great trip.
I sat in my seat on the plane….thinking back on the past 9 days. I couldn’t believe that only 9 days ago Matt and I had climbed aboard Island Sister with 4 near-strangers. For those first couple of days, I was consumed with lack of space, wondering when my next chance to escape the boat confines and get on land would be, dreaming of my next shower and worrying about just how bad my hair looked, and anxiously waiting to see if we’d all get along. Somewhere, somehow, sometime during our voyage, everything shifted. I was consumed with nothing but the waves and the wind and the sun, wondering when my next chance to feel the wind in my hair at the front of the boat as we soared through the sea would be, dreaming of plunging my sun soaked body into the cool water beside the boat and not worrying about how I looked, and anxiously waiting until the day that I would be forced leave my wonderful new friends.
I had learned another lesson.
Boat Lesson # 33: Agree to spend a week on a boat with strangers and be prepared to make friends for life.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42427255@N00/4219862729/" title="Our crew by Vicki_H, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/421 ... 517dbc.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt="Our crew"></a>
Vicki,
My wife was looking at your pictures and loved the red starfish shaped necklace, mind if I ask where you got it? Would make a good b-day present.
As always, a great trip report.
My wife was looking at your pictures and loved the red starfish shaped necklace, mind if I ask where you got it? Would make a good b-day present.
As always, a great trip report.
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michigancouple
- Posts: 609
- Joined: Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:37 pm
- Location: West Michigan
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California Girl
I got it at a little store in Knoxville, TN called "Bliss." I am not sure who made it (some items in there are made by local jewelers but some aren't). I gave Gromit and Scubagirl each a necklace made by the same place/person, so maybe one of them still has the card that came on it? Girls? Anyone?DnD wrote: My wife was looking at your pictures and loved the red starfish shaped necklace, mind if I ask where you got it? Would make a good b-day present.
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IslandElle
- Posts: 72
- Joined: Sun Nov 15, 2009 8:21 pm
- Location: Dallas
Another great TR from your group. Thanks again. I laughed so hard! It sounds like you all had a great time and really got a chance to bond. Couple of questions though.
1. You are a professional photographer right? I mean you have to be with shots like that! Your photos are absolutely beautiful!
2. I think your camera is a Canon? Which one if you don't mind me asking?
3. Did you use any color saturation on your photos?
1. You are a professional photographer right? I mean you have to be with shots like that! Your photos are absolutely beautiful!
2. I think your camera is a Canon? Which one if you don't mind me asking?
3. Did you use any color saturation on your photos?
