11 more days in paradise, part 2

[liamsaunt]

Day four

Up early, made big breakfast

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594262748/" title="ljc breakfast by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/459 ... 844fed.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="ljc breakfast"></a>


Packed a picnic and we headed to Cinnamon Bay. The wind was really howling today! The chop was up and right away we decided we would not snorkel the Cay. It turned out that we could not even get in the water! It was COLD. I made it to my waist, and John only to his knees. We decided to bag the picnic on the beach idea and headed back to La Jolla Caribe for lunch there.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593649705/" title="ljc wave by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/459 ... 1aaf03.jpg" width="500" height="308" alt="ljc wave"></a>

Playing with my zoom lens…hello rock monster!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594271010/" title="presidio del mar by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/459 ... 1cafd1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="presidio del mar"></a>

The far end of Cinnamon beach:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593616741/" title="cinnamon cove by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1255/459 ... 15c96a.jpg" width="500" height="331" alt="cinnamon cove"></a>


We just relaxed until it was time to go to the beach bar for the forum gathering. Turnout was pretty good for this gathering. It’s always nice to meet new folks. We had a fun time, and saw a beautiful sunset.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594232412/" title="beach bar sunset 6 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/459 ... cd281e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="beach bar sunset 6"></a>


Headed back to LJC for dinner—forgot to take a picture—and an early bedtime to prepare for our boat trip.

Day five

Boat trip day with Captain John Brandi from Palm Tree Charters and bjayer and payer from this forum. We skipped breakfast, which turned out to be a good thing, because the ride was bumpy!

The water was choppy sue to an incoming North swell. In fact, as we were driving by Trunk Bay we saw the lifeguard hoisting the red flag (I think that means the snorkel trail is closed?). Our first stop was at the tip of Mary Point, but the visibility was terrible so we quickly moved on. Nice views of Tortola from the boat:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593657995/" title="tortola view by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/459 ... b2e6dd.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="tortola view"></a>

We got checked in to customs at Sopers Hole and then headed over to the Indians.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594253760/" title="indians rocks by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/459 ... 67cc3f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="indians rocks"></a>

I CANNOT BELIEVE I have never gone to the Indians before! This place is amazing! You put your head in the water to see perfect visibility and tons of fish! I could have stayed here all day! We ran in to some technical difficulties (John’s big camera housing spring a leak—luckily the camera itself survived—and Pam’s mask was giving her a little trouble), but none of that mattered, we loved snorkeling here. I even found a new-to-me fish, the black durgeon. Here are some pictures from the Indians:

Yellowtail snapper:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593638125/" title="indians snapper looking by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3400/459 ... 47bce3.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="indians snapper looking"></a>

Rock beauty:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594253624/" title="indians rock beauty (2) by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1151/459 ... 812a96.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="indians rock beauty (2)"></a>

Fire coral:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593635081/" title="indians butterflyfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/459 ... 01de4f.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="indians butterflyfish"></a>

The black durgeon (behind the sergeant major)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594249752/" title="indians black durgeon by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1390/459 ... 6a85be.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt="indians black durgeon"></a>

Fan and finger corals:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594252106/" title="indians fan and fingr coral by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/459 ... fb18ff.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="indians fan and fingr coral"></a>

Star corals:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593638395/" title="indians star coral by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/459 ... d40f66.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="indians star coral"></a>


Next snorkel stop was spyglass wall. Again, this was a great snorkel spot. I found a large jack that was being cleaned:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593655119/" title="spyglass jack at cleaning station by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1091/459 ... cf932e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="spyglass jack at cleaning station"></a>


tarpon, a huge school of blue tang:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593656227/" title="spyglass tang 5 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1351/459 ... bb67d4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="spyglass tang 5"></a>

large dog snapper (I think…I am writing this without my trusty reef guide in front of me):

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593655249/" title="spyglass snapper by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/459 ... 21ba0e.jpg" width="500" height="412" alt="spyglass snapper"></a>

and lots of corals and sponges.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593655389/" title="spyglass sponge by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/459 ... a54fdc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="spyglass sponge"></a>

We got caught in a rainstorm between spyglass and our lunch destination of Foxy’s taboo. Food here was OK—I really liked their hummus and salsa. While here, we discovered the most amazing sign of the North Swell. It was where the Atlantic meets, and waves were breaking about 15 feet high! I’ve never seen anything like that before in the Caribbean. I tried to take photos, but we were a ways away, so this shots can’t show how tall and powerful the waves were. Truly amazing.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594256382/" title="jost waves by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3570/459 ... f945ae.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="jost waves"></a>

Next stop was the Soggy Dollar, where the Ayers were to collect some painkillers xislandgirl left for them. Well, when they got there, someone else had claimed them! Painkiller thieves!!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593639463/" title="jost ayers stolen painkiller by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/459 ... bcfba7.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="jost ayers stolen painkiller"></a>

After a drink:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593639749/" title="jost painkiller by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1271/459 ... 2f975f.jpg" width="448" height="500" alt="jost painkiller"></a>

We rejoined Captain Brandi on the boat

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594256036/" title="jost captain brandi by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/459 ... e7ffb5.jpg" width="500" height="374" alt="jost captain brandi"></a>


And were on our way to the next snorkel spot, Lovongo Cay. Unfortunately, the visibility here was also very poor. Although John found this interesting piece of…something? Underwater.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594266834/" title="lovongo shipwreck by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1067/459 ... ff0885.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="lovongo shipwreck"></a>

We ended the day with a quick tour of some of the South Shore of St. John. We got to see the status of the Pond Bay construction, as well as this HUGE house that is being built on the outside piece of Great Cruz Bay. I mean, it is really, really huge. It might even be bigger than the rock monster!

This was an incredibly fun day. A “must do” for sure. Captain Brandi, I hope you liked our company, because we want to go out with you again in July!

We decided to go to Rhumblines for dinner, which was only OK. I was really dehydrated from the boat day (I brought all this water for us to drink, probably 20 bottles, and only drank 2, I think. Really stupid). Plus, Rhumblines was really hot for some reason. John really enjoyed his Caribbean lobster, but I barely ate my meal. The mahi I ordered was overcooked and also watery??). I have had other things here that I really liked, but this is the second time I’ve ordered the mahi and not enjoyed it here. Oh well.

Back to the house for reading on the deck and star gazing.

Day six

Snorkel today was Great Lameshur to Tektite.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593626385/" title="great lameshure straight on by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/459 ... b9eecf.jpg" width="500" height="390" alt="great lameshure straight on"></a>

We ran into the Ayers again on the beach—Pam told us she saw a black tipped reef shark! We did not see the reef shark, but we did find a good sized nurse shark. Also found mutton snapper, grey snappers:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594258276/" title="lameshur grey snapper by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/459 ... 72fe1d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="lameshur grey snapper"></a>

Rays, Spanish hogfish:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593643649/" title="lameshur spanish hogfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/459 ... baf48b.jpg" width="500" height="304" alt="lameshur spanish hogfish"></a>

arrow crabs

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593640383/" title="lameshur arrow crab by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/459 ... ecae82.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="lameshur arrow crab"></a>

and a moray eel. No eagle rays, which was disappointing. We did find a turtle though:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593644229/" title="lameshur turtle rising2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/459 ... bc7710.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="lameshur turtle rising2"></a>

We rested for a while at Donkey Bight before continuing on to Tektite:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593641563/" title="lameshur fins by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/459 ... d14666.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="lameshur fins"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594255466/" title="john at monkey bight by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/459 ... c169da.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="john at monkey bight"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593617465/" title="donkey bight by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1050/459 ... 9e1c9b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="donkey bight"></a>

We have found turtles, sharks, and eagle rays out at tektite in the past, but there wasn’t anything swimming around today. We poked around the corals and sponges for a while

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593657081/" title="tektite corals by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/459 ... 5fc5a2.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="tektite corals"></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593641271/" title="lameshur elkhorn by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/459 ... 094b8e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="lameshur elkhorn"></a>


Then headed back to shore.

Lunch at Miss Lucys. Love the view here.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593654297/" title="miss lucys ocean view by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/459 ... 3b75be.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="miss lucys ocean view"></a>

Friis Bay platter

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594270450/" title="miss lucys friis bay platter by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/459 ... 0689a5.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="miss lucys friis bay platter"></a>

and grouper reuben.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593654067/" title="miss lucys grouper reuben by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3459/459 ... b198bb.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="miss lucys grouper reuben"></a>

Our waitress told us that this specimen is known as “attack chicken.” She grew up at Miss Lucys and has gotten very bold about stealing food. If you see her coming, guard your meal!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594270344/" title="miss lucys attack chicken by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/459 ... 148151.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="miss lucys attack chicken"></a>

Back to the house for relaxing on the deck and booktime. Fed the bananaquits (and this odd interloper):

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593646169/" title="ljc bananaquits plus interloper by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1282/459 ... 0dd1e6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="ljc bananaquits plus interloper"></a>

And enjoyed the view:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593649113/" title="ljc mary point by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4020/459 ... 719308.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="ljc mary point"></a>

With a tasty cocktail:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4593650087/" title="ljc with friend by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/459 ... 94ea19.jpg" width="500" height="317" alt="ljc with friend"></a>


No dinner tonight, still full from Miss Lucy’s. We enjoyed sitting outside watching what looked to be the full moon (though it was actually tomorrow).

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/4594264140/" title="ljc full moon 6 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/459 ... 931f88.jpg" width="500" height="294" alt="ljc full moon 6"></a>

We also watched someone night snorkeling at Cinnamon. They went all the way out and halfway around the cay. Braver than me!!

[BRY1105]

Your pictures are amazing! What camera did you take them with? 8 weeks til Im there....!

[Maggy]

What a stunning view from the villa. I out of words. I'm glad you had a great day with captain John and I agree, the Indians is a great snorkeling site. A little surpriced though, that you haven't seen the black durgeon before. I think I see them all the time. Seriously. Maybe just bad luck or a coincidence for you.

Well, I'm really enjoying the reports and I'm glad I got to see the island the period I was supposed to be there myself.

Looking forward to the next installment.

Maggy

[alw1977]

Aren't the Indians the best? I was amazed the first time I put my mask in the water. Glad you finally got there.

[mbw1024]

the Ayers are great people. we enjoyed spending time with them. looks like a good few days for you. hope you were feeling better by then!

[Barb Y]

As usual I am loving your report and pictures. I see others are looking to hire you for their trips I hope you don't forget that I wanted to hire you a couple of years ago as a snorkeling guide as well as a chef (of course I have to hit the lotto first but a girl can dream). I look forward to more TR. Thanks for sharing.

[LysaC]

MMMM... Grouper Reuben at Miss Lucy's.

Keep the reports coming! I love food porn!

[ifloat]

I think the darker colored bird is an Antillean Bullfinch.

Great trip report, fabulous photos as always, thank you thank you!

[SOonthebeach]

Awesome shots! What camera and lens are you using? Especially love the one of the drinks on the rail with the bannanaquit next to them- perfect!

[sailorgirl]

Great report! John's underwater artifact looks to me like a sailboat winch.

[SusanNJ]

I love the underwater pics. Funny the one of the spanish hogfish reminds me when I went to Key West back in March, I tried hogfish for the first time. It was delicious. I am not sure if it is the same type of fish but interesting that, if so, that's what it looks like.

Also love the picture of the "Tasty Cocktail"!!

[msgcolleen]

I can't believe those pirates stole the Ayers painkillers! Mic needs to ask for ID!

[Kentuckygirl]

We're going to have to go to the Indians next trip! We'll probably have the kids with us and I think they'll love the snorkeling.
Too bad about the Ayer's painkillers. Bummer!
Your sunset shot from the Beach Bar is beautiful! I'm going to have to compare villa notes with you sometime! We've stayed at LJC and I also have questions about Cinnamon Tarn.

[Terry]

Another great trip report...thanks! Grouper Rueben! Our favorite. Your weather could be worse...it's snowing here today. Yes, snow...on 5/11.

[Pickle]

Wonderful reports as always. You make me really wish I could go on a boat trip. Darn motion sickness. Could anyone just warp me to the Indians and back?

Wish your TRs would never end.