Grande Bay Trip Report, Part Five

[Tracy in WI]

Link to Part One: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=18419
Link to Part Two: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=18420
Link to Part Three: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=18427
Link to Part Four: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=18457

Wednesday, October 27

Well, we got a late start today due to the previous night’s festivities. But, we had to get in some exercise and we hoped we would feel better after it was done! We decided to drive to the Westin to do some loops on their suggested running route. Here is a link:

http://www.seestjohn.com/images/sports/ ... un_map.jpg

We saw some beautiful villas with gorgeous landscaping and overlooks onto the ocean. This route has some minor hills and is not heavy on traffic so it was a good spot for today. Afterwards, we walked around the Westin grounds a bit and noticed lots of damage from TS Otto. At that point, the pool was empty, only one restaurant was open and there was a lot of work going on. The beach had a few guests and I was really surprised to see anyone there because there was a rather unpleasant smell.

After our exercise, we were feeling a bit refreshed so decided to hike out to Leinster Bay and do some snorkeling. We brought everything – chairs, cooler, snorkel gear, etc. and planned to spend the rest of the day.

The hike in was interesting – there is a mudslide part of the way to the bay and we had to go over it. On the way back, the tide was lower and we could walk along a narrow portion of the shoreline.

Mudslide

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yY ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8J9 ... G_0571.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

As we neared the beach, the path disappeared and we had to wade through some water to reach our destination

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0m ... site"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TOmBc ... G_0576.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

It ended up being another beautiful day and we got in the water to snorkel. When my husband and I first visited St. John, we would walk all the way out along the path to be closer to Waterlemon Cay. Now, we prefer to snorkel from Leinster Bay and along the shoreline and then around the Cay. The sea life along the shore is awesome and we always see interesting things. This time there were plenty of small fish but nothing out of the ordinary.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ph ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8J_ ... G_0584.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ka ... site"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TN8KA ... G_0594.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xe ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TOmGj ... G_0593.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

There is a flounder just above the urchins

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/g6 ... site"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TOmCc ... G_0609.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

As the day wore on, we started to become dinner for the no see ums and packed up to head home. As we were walking back, it began to rain and drenched us all but it was quite refreshing! We were fortunate that this was the only real rain storm we encountered all week.

Upon returning back to Grande Bay, we enjoy a few beverages while taking in the view and made the decision to go to Woody’s for dinner. My husband (for some odd reason) loves the table outside and next to the dumpster. Fortunately (?) for us, it was the only one available so we sat down for a delicious dinner!

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yN ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TOmBy ... G_0649.JPG" height="300" width="400"></a>

We once again enjoyed some live music at High Tide and then ended up at the Beach Bar before ending our day. Another great one in paradise.

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ss ... site"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_Xg75HwDwOEU/TOmJd ... G_0651.JPG" height="400" width="300"></a>

[brenda]

Really loving all of your installments . Lovely dumpster dining . We will soon be staying at Grande Bay too. Would definitely be interested in renting your unit at a later date.

[JJShaw]

Ive enjoyed reading your reports....Looks like everyone had a great time...

[toes in the sand]

Thanks for the great reports.

[augie]

Looks like another fantastic day!

It was interesting seeing how people were reacting to all of the new 'roadblocks" on the trails this trip - none moreso than on the Leinster Bay trail.