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We are SOonthebeach 2010 Part 3
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SOonthebeach
- Posts: 1707
- Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 am
- Location: Texas
We are SOonthebeach 2010 Part 3
Part 3: Days 6, 7 and 8
Part 1 here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Part 2 here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Day 6: Woke up to some nice rain. I say "nice" because it has been nothing like what some of ya'll had to endure a few weeks ago. The last few days we have had some showers overnight and early morning. Clear by 9 am. Perfect!
On this day- Waterlemon! Embarrassed to say it’s a first for us. Wow- we’ll be back! So beautiful! We had a great start- saw Pia in the Annaberg parking lot. She was walking the dogs that morning- and recognized our car and the girls from my other posts. So great to meet you Pia! Hope you enjoyed your beach day. This was our first “big” snorkel (we’re still really newbies) and it was fantastic! We walked past the beach to the point by the Cay and snorkeled from there over to the Cay and around the shore side of it.
We saw 2 rays, 1 turtle, tons of black stars, and tons of fish. Again, my underwater camera, I have discovered, is TERRIBLE, but here’s one turtle shot. Oops, and it's too big, too. Sorry!
After the snorkel, we hiked up the Johnny Horn trail to the 2 sets of ruins and the amazing overlooks.
It took about 10-15 minutes from the sign at the beach to the lower ruins, and 10 more minutes to the upper ruins via a spur trail that is a sharp left off the main trail. The view from both is absolutely amazing. I am going to try to stitch together a panorama from up there like jmhouse did, but I have never done that before, so for now here are a few separate shots. There is a hidden picnic table up there. Next time the girls want to bring a snack up with us and hang out there for a while. Sounds like a great plan to me. I could never get tired of this view.
Lower ruins:
Upper ruins:
It took us about 45 minutes to walk down from the upper ruins back to the parking lot at Annaberg, with a few more photo op stops. I neglected to bring my big zoom for some better shots- will have to do that next time for sure.
There are the upper ruins at the top of that hill- where you can see those two trees with a little space between them- at least I think that's them!
After Waterlemon, we went over to Shipwreck Landing for lunch. When we got out of the car, the girls spotted the donkeys on the rocky beach.
After all were named and "oohed and ahhed" over (they will never get tired of seeing the donkeys), we crossed the street for lunch. Gazpacho and garlic bread for me was perfect!
I followed it with a chicken sandwich that was also great but not needed- I filled up on the gazpacho- need to remember that next time. Hubby had “fantastic” crab quesadillas, and the kids had shrimp and burgers. As we drove back over the hill, One Particular Harbour, my favorite JB song, came on the radio- perfection!
After cleaning up at the room, we headed to High Tide for the “BB” forum gathering. GoBucs came over from STT and brought her mom and sister (both STJ/STT newbies and both seeming to love it after just one day). Had a great time with you guys! SoggyDog came at end- great to meet you too! Thanks so much to Ruth for the goodies and pictures she provided. I forgot to get a screen shot of SpiceCam but got one of the kids to take a pic:
This is me (in the shirt) with little SO Jr and GoBucs:
A guy on the pier pointed out this guy and said it was a young barracuda. Newbies to the fish world here so I don't know, but there was a fairly large group of people looking, so I guess it was:
Pretty sunset today:
After the gathering, we decided on take out from Café Roma. Warning- it took 1.5 hours! They did warn us as soon as we ordered, and we decided what the heck and went to Woody’s to wait- the kids love to hang out on the barstools there. There was a really sweet waitress there that showed the girls the silly bands she had (if you have kids you’ll be familiar with the obsession with silly bands)…. that kept them entertained for a while. Finally got our food and headed home. It was a LATE night for us- not back to the condo until almost 9 pm! I know, kind of pathetic. I think that’s part of the reason we love STJ, it’s not a late night place. Wolfed down the pizza and salad and collapsed into bed.
Day 7: Out with Captain Brandi
We were so excited to be going out with Captain Brandi on Palm Tree Charters! There was a bit of a panicky start with a call from Sue- engine trouble- oh no! John saved the day when he ran to STT for help from the mechanic who fixed it right up. Panic averted. Hugs all around with Sue and off we went on our sea cruise!
After a nice trip up the North Shore, we headed to Norman Island and the Indians- very cool! SO Jr and I jumped in to check out the Indians. She was terrified of getting too shallow- think I talked too much about not touching the coral. Now it completely freaks her out to get too close! So we had to steer clear of the shallower parts, but we loved seeing all the beautiful sea life under there.
After the snorkel, we cruised by Pirates, which is closed for the season- so sad as we wanted to stop there for a first time. Oh, well, on the list for next time. We had lunch and a jump on the Willy T (hubby, the older SO Jr, and I all jumped off the top deck!) Burgers all around. Painkiller for me. Yummmm.
We cruised past the caves but wanted to spend a little more time at SDB so we put that on the list for next time as well. Passed a very cool looking storm over Tortola on the way over to Sandy Spit.
Rain showers were popping up today but John expertly avoided all the big ones.
The girls and I jumped out and circumnavigated the island. SO Jr did some flips off the side of the boat- and made sure Captain Brandi got it all on film. Even little SO Jr jumped off the boat for the first time. The girls just had a ball on the boat.
On to SDB for some good limin’ and some ring toss. We always love our time at SDB, even when it's a little overcast. The girls did some gymnastics on the beach and a little snorkeling around the boat- we saw a spotted eagle ray from the boat on the way in and another ray near the boat as we anchored- the kids were so excited! As we headed home, Captain Brandi let each of the girls take a turn at the wheel. They still have not stopped talking about it. What a great day!
Bye John! Another awesome day! We visited the birds at the Westin- Ripo, Max and Esmeralda- then spent a little time by the pool, and had leftover pizza for dinner. I am SOOOOOO happy we switched from regular adjoining rooms to the villa- we have needed that kitchen! 3 dinners of leftovers and 2 newly cooked ones so far which have been great.
Ripo:
Esmeralda:
Max:
Esmeralda attacks the lens! She was tired of pictures, I think. I took a step back and the lens was saved.
Day 8: Salt Pond/East End day.
We got a late start this morning and stopped at Chocolate Hole- just to see it as we have not been down there. Then got stuck in some MAJOR construction traffic on Gift Hill and behind a truck hauling a tractor going about 8 mph. I think it took us about an hour or more to get to Shipwreck Landing from Chocolate Hole! So by the time we got out to the Salt Pond area it was lunch time. Tourist Trap! TouristTrapCheryl was not there- sad to have missed you Cheryl! But they took really good care of us. Of course I had to try the “Drink Right, Keep Left”- yumm. Kids LOVED the nachos- ordered them twice, PLUS their entrees. Hubby and I loved our food, too- lobster role for hubby and ribs for me. Thanks Larry and Cheryl!
After lunch we headed to Salt Pond for more snorkeling.
Awwww- sometimes, for brief moments, they can be sweet to each other:
This time little SO Jr joined big SO Jr and me (hubby prefers to babysit the bags while reading his book). So great to snorkel here after the Indians the day before. I loved seeing the different environments. We were in luck again today! Of course, being new at this, we think every day we see at least one little fish is lucky. But rays and turtles are definitely great in our book! Again, awful camera but here goes:
Kind of fun one of a part of a mooring ball:
We saw 2 stingrays, tons of fish, a turtle and I THINK a barracuda. Not sure but he looks like one. About 3-4 feet long, skinny, under bite. Sorry for the crappy picture (a new underwater camera is in my future), but I need expert opinions- is this a barracuda? Saw him twice right by the shore. Looks a lot like the shots jmhouse got of one:
After snorkeling, we walked over in the hopes to do the Drunk Bay trail, but no luck. Trail was still underwater. On the list for next time for sure.
So we went back to the car and then out the roller coaster ride to East End to Sloop Jones. The girls absolutely love it there and they are starting to have a nice little collection of Sloopwear. We added to it today. Sloop took pictures of them in some of his new designs- who knows- maybe they’ll end up on the website! They are so nice there- we love to talk to them. Sloop told us about this beautiful black bamboo he had growing in the back and let the girls smell the blooms on the ylang ylang tree. Hung out there until they were about to close.
Back up the roller coaster.
Stopped at Skinny Legs on the way back for a little limin’. This was our last day in Coral Bay on this trip. Sigh. May have to rent a house over here sometime….
The obligatory sign picture. I have a collection! Notice little SO Jr's new Sloop Jones dress. She likes to put them on right there in the store and wear them out. She has three of his dresses now!
We were in the mood for ultra casual so we took the North Shore Road back over and had dinner at Woody’s. No food porn- forgot! Shrimp for the kiddos, blackened chicken for me, and fish for hubby. Then home, baths, bed.
Part 4 will be the finale! Days 9, 10 and 11 will include visiting the ACC and taking the doggies some treats, Cinnamon, Maho, Francis on a major beach hopping day, donating books to the Sprauve school, and some more chillaxin by the pool after we have to turn the car in, then the sad walk of woe on departure day. Can’t believe we only have 3 days left already! We’re going to make the most of it. So I say goodnight from my little perch on our porch, listening to the frogs.
Part 1 here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Part 2 here: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Day 6: Woke up to some nice rain. I say "nice" because it has been nothing like what some of ya'll had to endure a few weeks ago. The last few days we have had some showers overnight and early morning. Clear by 9 am. Perfect!
On this day- Waterlemon! Embarrassed to say it’s a first for us. Wow- we’ll be back! So beautiful! We had a great start- saw Pia in the Annaberg parking lot. She was walking the dogs that morning- and recognized our car and the girls from my other posts. So great to meet you Pia! Hope you enjoyed your beach day. This was our first “big” snorkel (we’re still really newbies) and it was fantastic! We walked past the beach to the point by the Cay and snorkeled from there over to the Cay and around the shore side of it.
We saw 2 rays, 1 turtle, tons of black stars, and tons of fish. Again, my underwater camera, I have discovered, is TERRIBLE, but here’s one turtle shot. Oops, and it's too big, too. Sorry!
After the snorkel, we hiked up the Johnny Horn trail to the 2 sets of ruins and the amazing overlooks.
It took about 10-15 minutes from the sign at the beach to the lower ruins, and 10 more minutes to the upper ruins via a spur trail that is a sharp left off the main trail. The view from both is absolutely amazing. I am going to try to stitch together a panorama from up there like jmhouse did, but I have never done that before, so for now here are a few separate shots. There is a hidden picnic table up there. Next time the girls want to bring a snack up with us and hang out there for a while. Sounds like a great plan to me. I could never get tired of this view.
Lower ruins:
Upper ruins:
It took us about 45 minutes to walk down from the upper ruins back to the parking lot at Annaberg, with a few more photo op stops. I neglected to bring my big zoom for some better shots- will have to do that next time for sure.
There are the upper ruins at the top of that hill- where you can see those two trees with a little space between them- at least I think that's them!
After Waterlemon, we went over to Shipwreck Landing for lunch. When we got out of the car, the girls spotted the donkeys on the rocky beach.
After all were named and "oohed and ahhed" over (they will never get tired of seeing the donkeys), we crossed the street for lunch. Gazpacho and garlic bread for me was perfect!
I followed it with a chicken sandwich that was also great but not needed- I filled up on the gazpacho- need to remember that next time. Hubby had “fantastic” crab quesadillas, and the kids had shrimp and burgers. As we drove back over the hill, One Particular Harbour, my favorite JB song, came on the radio- perfection!
After cleaning up at the room, we headed to High Tide for the “BB” forum gathering. GoBucs came over from STT and brought her mom and sister (both STJ/STT newbies and both seeming to love it after just one day). Had a great time with you guys! SoggyDog came at end- great to meet you too! Thanks so much to Ruth for the goodies and pictures she provided. I forgot to get a screen shot of SpiceCam but got one of the kids to take a pic:
This is me (in the shirt) with little SO Jr and GoBucs:
A guy on the pier pointed out this guy and said it was a young barracuda. Newbies to the fish world here so I don't know, but there was a fairly large group of people looking, so I guess it was:
Pretty sunset today:
After the gathering, we decided on take out from Café Roma. Warning- it took 1.5 hours! They did warn us as soon as we ordered, and we decided what the heck and went to Woody’s to wait- the kids love to hang out on the barstools there. There was a really sweet waitress there that showed the girls the silly bands she had (if you have kids you’ll be familiar with the obsession with silly bands)…. that kept them entertained for a while. Finally got our food and headed home. It was a LATE night for us- not back to the condo until almost 9 pm! I know, kind of pathetic. I think that’s part of the reason we love STJ, it’s not a late night place. Wolfed down the pizza and salad and collapsed into bed.
Day 7: Out with Captain Brandi
We were so excited to be going out with Captain Brandi on Palm Tree Charters! There was a bit of a panicky start with a call from Sue- engine trouble- oh no! John saved the day when he ran to STT for help from the mechanic who fixed it right up. Panic averted. Hugs all around with Sue and off we went on our sea cruise!
After a nice trip up the North Shore, we headed to Norman Island and the Indians- very cool! SO Jr and I jumped in to check out the Indians. She was terrified of getting too shallow- think I talked too much about not touching the coral. Now it completely freaks her out to get too close! So we had to steer clear of the shallower parts, but we loved seeing all the beautiful sea life under there.
After the snorkel, we cruised by Pirates, which is closed for the season- so sad as we wanted to stop there for a first time. Oh, well, on the list for next time. We had lunch and a jump on the Willy T (hubby, the older SO Jr, and I all jumped off the top deck!) Burgers all around. Painkiller for me. Yummmm.
We cruised past the caves but wanted to spend a little more time at SDB so we put that on the list for next time as well. Passed a very cool looking storm over Tortola on the way over to Sandy Spit.
Rain showers were popping up today but John expertly avoided all the big ones.
The girls and I jumped out and circumnavigated the island. SO Jr did some flips off the side of the boat- and made sure Captain Brandi got it all on film. Even little SO Jr jumped off the boat for the first time. The girls just had a ball on the boat.
On to SDB for some good limin’ and some ring toss. We always love our time at SDB, even when it's a little overcast. The girls did some gymnastics on the beach and a little snorkeling around the boat- we saw a spotted eagle ray from the boat on the way in and another ray near the boat as we anchored- the kids were so excited! As we headed home, Captain Brandi let each of the girls take a turn at the wheel. They still have not stopped talking about it. What a great day!
Bye John! Another awesome day! We visited the birds at the Westin- Ripo, Max and Esmeralda- then spent a little time by the pool, and had leftover pizza for dinner. I am SOOOOOO happy we switched from regular adjoining rooms to the villa- we have needed that kitchen! 3 dinners of leftovers and 2 newly cooked ones so far which have been great.
Ripo:
Esmeralda:
Max:
Esmeralda attacks the lens! She was tired of pictures, I think. I took a step back and the lens was saved.
Day 8: Salt Pond/East End day.
We got a late start this morning and stopped at Chocolate Hole- just to see it as we have not been down there. Then got stuck in some MAJOR construction traffic on Gift Hill and behind a truck hauling a tractor going about 8 mph. I think it took us about an hour or more to get to Shipwreck Landing from Chocolate Hole! So by the time we got out to the Salt Pond area it was lunch time. Tourist Trap! TouristTrapCheryl was not there- sad to have missed you Cheryl! But they took really good care of us. Of course I had to try the “Drink Right, Keep Left”- yumm. Kids LOVED the nachos- ordered them twice, PLUS their entrees. Hubby and I loved our food, too- lobster role for hubby and ribs for me. Thanks Larry and Cheryl!
After lunch we headed to Salt Pond for more snorkeling.
Awwww- sometimes, for brief moments, they can be sweet to each other:
This time little SO Jr joined big SO Jr and me (hubby prefers to babysit the bags while reading his book). So great to snorkel here after the Indians the day before. I loved seeing the different environments. We were in luck again today! Of course, being new at this, we think every day we see at least one little fish is lucky. But rays and turtles are definitely great in our book! Again, awful camera but here goes:
Kind of fun one of a part of a mooring ball:
We saw 2 stingrays, tons of fish, a turtle and I THINK a barracuda. Not sure but he looks like one. About 3-4 feet long, skinny, under bite. Sorry for the crappy picture (a new underwater camera is in my future), but I need expert opinions- is this a barracuda? Saw him twice right by the shore. Looks a lot like the shots jmhouse got of one:
After snorkeling, we walked over in the hopes to do the Drunk Bay trail, but no luck. Trail was still underwater. On the list for next time for sure.
So we went back to the car and then out the roller coaster ride to East End to Sloop Jones. The girls absolutely love it there and they are starting to have a nice little collection of Sloopwear. We added to it today. Sloop took pictures of them in some of his new designs- who knows- maybe they’ll end up on the website! They are so nice there- we love to talk to them. Sloop told us about this beautiful black bamboo he had growing in the back and let the girls smell the blooms on the ylang ylang tree. Hung out there until they were about to close.
Back up the roller coaster.
Stopped at Skinny Legs on the way back for a little limin’. This was our last day in Coral Bay on this trip. Sigh. May have to rent a house over here sometime….
The obligatory sign picture. I have a collection! Notice little SO Jr's new Sloop Jones dress. She likes to put them on right there in the store and wear them out. She has three of his dresses now!
We were in the mood for ultra casual so we took the North Shore Road back over and had dinner at Woody’s. No food porn- forgot! Shrimp for the kiddos, blackened chicken for me, and fish for hubby. Then home, baths, bed.
Part 4 will be the finale! Days 9, 10 and 11 will include visiting the ACC and taking the doggies some treats, Cinnamon, Maho, Francis on a major beach hopping day, donating books to the Sprauve school, and some more chillaxin by the pool after we have to turn the car in, then the sad walk of woe on departure day. Can’t believe we only have 3 days left already! We’re going to make the most of it. So I say goodnight from my little perch on our porch, listening to the frogs.
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SOonthebeach
- Posts: 1707
- Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 am
- Location: Texas
augie wrote:What a great trip!
And, good call - that's a barracuda alright - and you can take that to the bank (unless Maggy corrects me!)
OMG - I'm getting the reputation of being the forum "fishpolice"! I really hope I have not offended anyone.I'm so enjoying your reports So and all the pictures. They are great and you seem to have such a great time. Are these photos taken with your G11?
I'm certainly not offended - I like the fact that if I misidentify something, I can expect that "fact" to get corrected. I learn from it, and my misinformation doesn't get propagated down the line...Maggy wrote:
Keep up the good work!
Come see us!
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SOonthebeach
- Posts: 1707
- Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 am
- Location: Texas
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msgcolleen
- Posts: 1497
- Joined: Thu Oct 05, 2006 8:33 am
- Location: Allen, Texas
Love your live reporting and pics! Y'all are having way too much fun! 
Last Sunday I checked the webcam to see if there was any forum action and I think I caught a pic of you girls.
Hate to hear your trip is coming to an end. Make the most of it! I know you will~~~~
Last Sunday I checked the webcam to see if there was any forum action and I think I caught a pic of you girls.
Hate to hear your trip is coming to an end. Make the most of it! I know you will~~~~
I've got 2 tickets to paradise~Pack your bags we'll leave tonight!
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
[url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/]
What a joy your trip reports are. I love the pics and that Sloop dress for SO jr. is BEYOND adorable!
We always enjoy a visit to Sloops. He was even kind enough to let us watch him work mixing paints and coming up with designs. He's a really neat guy.
Can't wait for the next installment!
We always enjoy a visit to Sloops. He was even kind enough to let us watch him work mixing paints and coming up with designs. He's a really neat guy.
Can't wait for the next installment!
*Another fine scatterbrained production
Great job! Gotta take a trip with Capt. Brandi. Had the pleasure of meeting him at the beach bar a couple years ago. Those caves you passed are a very cool stop. Packed with fish.
Trip report 2009
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
Trip report 2008
So good, so good, so good!
http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... highlight=
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SOonthebeach
- Posts: 1707
- Joined: Tue Jan 19, 2010 10:01 am
- Location: Texas
jmq- I think it was even greener in person. The whole island is just so lush. The nice result of all that crazy rain.
Colleen- thanks for the screen shots!!! You got us!
Glad ya'll like the TRs! It's fun writing them. I am saving them on a Word doc since I can never remember details of the trip after we get home. This will be fun to keep! Working on the next installment now sitting on my little porch. Will try to post tomorrow night, but may wait until Sunday from home to include the walk of woe
Is it really just one day left? Flies by....
Colleen- thanks for the screen shots!!! You got us!
Glad ya'll like the TRs! It's fun writing them. I am saving them on a Word doc since I can never remember details of the trip after we get home. This will be fun to keep! Working on the next installment now sitting on my little porch. Will try to post tomorrow night, but may wait until Sunday from home to include the walk of woe
Is it really just one day left? Flies by....Love the TR, especially the pics of your girls together. Moments like that are priceless. Just think of the memories you are creating for them. Our 3 boys talk all year long about their trips to STJ. They are already planning their packing list for March 2011!!! (they're 6, 5 and 3!!) Thanks for sharing your trip with us.