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Trip Report "30th Anniv." Part Four
Trip Report "30th Anniv." Part Four
5/15
It was cloudy and windy this morning, so we knew (now from experience) that the north shore bays would most likely be churned up again. HT suggested we try Haulover north or south – thinking that if one was bad, maybe the other would be better.
We parked off the road, next to Haulover south. It was quite choppy (with the wind blowing from the south). We could only hope Haulover north was calmer.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783083359/" title="IMG_0969 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/578 ... 8c11_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_0969"></a>
After walking across the road, we followed the narrow foot path through the trees to the beach. WA LA! The inviting blue bay was as flat as a pond. We were soon gliding across the water, surrounded by beautiful coral formations with vividly-hued fish darting around, over and through them.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783213793/" title="IMG_0914 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/578 ... 5c88_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_0914"></a>
We saw some interesting fish we hadn’t seen before – including a big one with fat, white lips that was “hiding” back in a cave.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783215551/" title="IMG_0943 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/578 ... 3d22_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0943"></a>
(See his white “smiley face” just to the left of the middle of the picture)
I had fun swimming with, and photographing a big school of beautiful Blue Tang, and several brilliantly colored Stop Light Parrotfish munching on the coral.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783151761/" title="IMG_0594 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/578 ... b755_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="IMG_0594"></a>
HT swam over to the right to see what it was like over there. After a while, as I was swimming over to join him, he called out “turtle!”. I swam faster! I soon spotted the turtle, and just as I lifted my camera to take a picture, it “fired up his afterburner” and – almost before I could blink – was gone! (I had no idea a turtle could swim that fast!)
I caught up with HT and told him about the turtle and he said, “Yeah, I think the snorkeling is better on the other side of the bay anyway”. So we headed back over to the left.
Much later – back on shore – HT said, “Well, now that we’re out of the water, I can tell you that, right after I told you about the turtle, I saw the biggest shark I’ve ever seen”! “It was a nurse shark wasn’t it?, I questioned hopefully. “OH NO” he replied. “It was reddish brown with a pointed head rather than a flat head, and it was over 8 feet long”! (Possibly a Lemon Shark??) We think the shark may have been what startled the turtle?? OH MY
!!!
Driving back to the villa, we spotted five donkeys – one of them a baby that was only about a week old. ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783485964/" title="IMG_0976 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/578 ... afaa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0976"></a>
It was rainy and windy that evening, but still pleasant out on the covered deck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783408969/" title="IMG_1920 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/578 ... a1db_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1920"></a>
5/16
We’ve discovered that the same iguana “hangs out” (literally) in the same tree, on the same branch every day – from early morning until late evening.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783964908/" title="IMG_1921 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/578 ... c00b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1921"></a>
This morning, when we got up, it was cloudy and very windy; there were white caps on the bay. The even darker clouds on the horizon promised more rain (or so we thought). We decided this would be a good day to “play tourist” in Cruz Bay, and then come back to do some “chores” (like laundry).
On the way to town, we noticed that the clouds seemed to be breaking up a little, so we decided to drive over to the north shore to check out which beach would be best for tomorrow’s snorkel. (I was still really hoping to have the chance to photograph a turtle).
Several of the bays did seem quite calm, even though it was still pretty breezy. We drove into Maho campground – hoping to get some information on where would be our best chance for a “turtle encounter”. An employee in the dining area told us that he sees at least one turtle every time he snorkels Waterlemon! Driving back towards Cruz Bay, the sky was becoming more blue than gray… We went in to a couple of shops in Mongoose Junction – where both proprietors suggested Waterlemon when we inquired about turtles. When the gal at St. John Spice also highly recommended Waterlemon, we decided to give it a try – even though we hadn’t seen one at Leinster a few days prior – nor had we seen one when we snorkeled Waterlemon Cay two years ago.
Now the question was – should we go today, or wait until tomorrow??? It was already 1:00, and we’d have to go back to the house to get our gear – decisions, decisions! But, when we walked back outside, and saw that the clouds had completely dissipated, we looked at each other and said, simultaneously, “Oh, let’s just go for it”! “After all”, I went on to say, “how bad can it be – we’re on St. John”!
An hour later, we parked the jeep at the Annaberg parking lot, and started our trek – following the little path around Waterlemon Bay.
Spotting a lot of sea grass, I wanted to enter the water at the sandy beach half-way around, but HT thought we should go further towards the point opposite the Cay. Reluctantly, I followed. After donning our gear, we were soon paddling out over… SAND !
! Bummer! I still thought we should be back where I’d first spotted the sea grass!
Ahead of me quite a ways – a little past the Cay – HT turned and motioned for me to swim to where he was. He’d found another patch of sea grass. And THEN he pointed, and exclaimed “TURTLE”! Sure enough, off in the murky distance, I spotted it – and it was BIG! Excited (to put it mildly), I swam towards it. As I drew closer, it began to ascend. It was even bigger than I’d first thought – and oh SO beautiful!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783440657/" title="IMG_0999 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/578 ... 09f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0999"></a>
And, it had two yellow remora “hitch hiking” on its shell. (Note one has a missing tail.) I “clicked off” picture after picture as it dove down to feed on the sea grass below – then, every few minutes, rose again to take a breath of air.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783438837/" title="IMG_0994 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/578 ... c582_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0994"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783456479/" title="turtle1_edited by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/578 ... 12e0_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="turtle1_edited"></a>
This is my very favorite picture. It makes me smile every time I look at it. He looks just like the turtle in "Finding Nemo". I can almost hear him saying, "Hey Dude"
I could have done this for hours – but I didn’t want the turtle to feel harassed – plus, for some reason, the LCD on my camera was “clouding up” which was making me a bit apprehensive.
Back on shore, we noticed that some very dark clouds had moved in, and we could hear thunder in the distance. YEP, it was time to head back! I was absolutely thrilled! I’d finally gotten my “turtle encounter”! ! And, one that had FAR exceeded my hopes!
Reading through my camera manual, after we had returned to the villa, I couldn’t find anything about a “cloudy LCD”. All the “doors” were tightly close; nothing appeared to be amiss” and by then the screen had cleared??
5/17
It rained again – with lots of thunder and lightning –throughout the evening and night. After we went to bed, one of the portable bedroom fans began surging, and then stopped. When HT unplugged it, it sparked – NOT GOOD – especially since there was water all over the floor from the rain pouring through the screened, but paneless, windows – at times even blowing across our bed!
5/18
It was still very cloudy this morning, but we would not be deterred: it was our last day to snorkel! We decided to go back to our favorite spot – Pelican Rock – off Hansen Bay. When we arrived, it was still cloudy and, once in the water, we discovered the visibility wasn’t as good as it was the first time we were there – but, it was still beautiful!
Right after we’d rounded the point, we spotted a little (comparatively) Hawksbill turtle !
! I followed it for quite a while – taking pictures as it swam among the intricate coral formations – nibbling on sponges here and there.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783551696/" title="IMG_1123 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/578 ... c6d4_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1123"></a>
After our snorkel, the rain began the minute after we’d climbed into the jeep. By the time we reached the house, it was a deluge!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783999396/" title="IMG_1969 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/578 ... 2538_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_1969"></a>
But the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits – nor could the fact that we’d be heading for home in the morning.
Though sad, of course, that our time on “The Rock” was coming to an end, we’d had a wonderful, memorable vacation in celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary – and lots, and lots of pictures to show for it
.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5784000000/" title="IMG_1993 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/578 ... 462b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1993"></a>
Bye – for now – SweeT JOHN. Until we meet again…
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783447069/" title="IMG_2010 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/578 ... 199f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2010"></a>
The Tetons, western Wyoming
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783448793/" title="IMG_2012 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/578 ... 738c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2012"></a>
Mt. Hood, Oregon – almost home...
The end - of an incredible, glorious adventure
It was cloudy and windy this morning, so we knew (now from experience) that the north shore bays would most likely be churned up again. HT suggested we try Haulover north or south – thinking that if one was bad, maybe the other would be better.
We parked off the road, next to Haulover south. It was quite choppy (with the wind blowing from the south). We could only hope Haulover north was calmer.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783083359/" title="IMG_0969 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2278/578 ... 8c11_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_0969"></a>
After walking across the road, we followed the narrow foot path through the trees to the beach. WA LA! The inviting blue bay was as flat as a pond. We were soon gliding across the water, surrounded by beautiful coral formations with vividly-hued fish darting around, over and through them.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783213793/" title="IMG_0914 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2660/578 ... 5c88_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_0914"></a>
We saw some interesting fish we hadn’t seen before – including a big one with fat, white lips that was “hiding” back in a cave.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783215551/" title="IMG_0943 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/578 ... 3d22_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="IMG_0943"></a>
(See his white “smiley face” just to the left of the middle of the picture)
I had fun swimming with, and photographing a big school of beautiful Blue Tang, and several brilliantly colored Stop Light Parrotfish munching on the coral.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783151761/" title="IMG_0594 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/578 ... b755_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="IMG_0594"></a>
HT swam over to the right to see what it was like over there. After a while, as I was swimming over to join him, he called out “turtle!”. I swam faster! I soon spotted the turtle, and just as I lifted my camera to take a picture, it “fired up his afterburner” and – almost before I could blink – was gone! (I had no idea a turtle could swim that fast!)
I caught up with HT and told him about the turtle and he said, “Yeah, I think the snorkeling is better on the other side of the bay anyway”. So we headed back over to the left.
Much later – back on shore – HT said, “Well, now that we’re out of the water, I can tell you that, right after I told you about the turtle, I saw the biggest shark I’ve ever seen”! “It was a nurse shark wasn’t it?, I questioned hopefully. “OH NO” he replied. “It was reddish brown with a pointed head rather than a flat head, and it was over 8 feet long”! (Possibly a Lemon Shark??) We think the shark may have been what startled the turtle?? OH MY
!!!Driving back to the villa, we spotted five donkeys – one of them a baby that was only about a week old. ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783485964/" title="IMG_0976 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/578 ... afaa_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0976"></a>
It was rainy and windy that evening, but still pleasant out on the covered deck.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783408969/" title="IMG_1920 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5188/578 ... a1db_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_1920"></a>
5/16
We’ve discovered that the same iguana “hangs out” (literally) in the same tree, on the same branch every day – from early morning until late evening.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783964908/" title="IMG_1921 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/578 ... c00b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1921"></a>
This morning, when we got up, it was cloudy and very windy; there were white caps on the bay. The even darker clouds on the horizon promised more rain (or so we thought). We decided this would be a good day to “play tourist” in Cruz Bay, and then come back to do some “chores” (like laundry).
On the way to town, we noticed that the clouds seemed to be breaking up a little, so we decided to drive over to the north shore to check out which beach would be best for tomorrow’s snorkel. (I was still really hoping to have the chance to photograph a turtle).
Several of the bays did seem quite calm, even though it was still pretty breezy. We drove into Maho campground – hoping to get some information on where would be our best chance for a “turtle encounter”. An employee in the dining area told us that he sees at least one turtle every time he snorkels Waterlemon! Driving back towards Cruz Bay, the sky was becoming more blue than gray… We went in to a couple of shops in Mongoose Junction – where both proprietors suggested Waterlemon when we inquired about turtles. When the gal at St. John Spice also highly recommended Waterlemon, we decided to give it a try – even though we hadn’t seen one at Leinster a few days prior – nor had we seen one when we snorkeled Waterlemon Cay two years ago.
Now the question was – should we go today, or wait until tomorrow??? It was already 1:00, and we’d have to go back to the house to get our gear – decisions, decisions! But, when we walked back outside, and saw that the clouds had completely dissipated, we looked at each other and said, simultaneously, “Oh, let’s just go for it”! “After all”, I went on to say, “how bad can it be – we’re on St. John”!
An hour later, we parked the jeep at the Annaberg parking lot, and started our trek – following the little path around Waterlemon Bay.
Spotting a lot of sea grass, I wanted to enter the water at the sandy beach half-way around, but HT thought we should go further towards the point opposite the Cay. Reluctantly, I followed. After donning our gear, we were soon paddling out over… SAND !
! Bummer! I still thought we should be back where I’d first spotted the sea grass! Ahead of me quite a ways – a little past the Cay – HT turned and motioned for me to swim to where he was. He’d found another patch of sea grass. And THEN he pointed, and exclaimed “TURTLE”! Sure enough, off in the murky distance, I spotted it – and it was BIG! Excited (to put it mildly), I swam towards it. As I drew closer, it began to ascend. It was even bigger than I’d first thought – and oh SO beautiful!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783440657/" title="IMG_0999 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/578 ... 09f4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0999"></a>
And, it had two yellow remora “hitch hiking” on its shell. (Note one has a missing tail.) I “clicked off” picture after picture as it dove down to feed on the sea grass below – then, every few minutes, rose again to take a breath of air.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783438837/" title="IMG_0994 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/578 ... c582_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_0994"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783456479/" title="turtle1_edited by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/578 ... 12e0_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt="turtle1_edited"></a>
This is my very favorite picture. It makes me smile every time I look at it. He looks just like the turtle in "Finding Nemo". I can almost hear him saying, "Hey Dude"
I could have done this for hours – but I didn’t want the turtle to feel harassed – plus, for some reason, the LCD on my camera was “clouding up” which was making me a bit apprehensive.
Back on shore, we noticed that some very dark clouds had moved in, and we could hear thunder in the distance. YEP, it was time to head back! I was absolutely thrilled! I’d finally gotten my “turtle encounter”!
! And, one that had FAR exceeded my hopes!Reading through my camera manual, after we had returned to the villa, I couldn’t find anything about a “cloudy LCD”. All the “doors” were tightly close; nothing appeared to be amiss” and by then the screen had cleared??
5/17
It rained again – with lots of thunder and lightning –throughout the evening and night. After we went to bed, one of the portable bedroom fans began surging, and then stopped. When HT unplugged it, it sparked – NOT GOOD – especially since there was water all over the floor from the rain pouring through the screened, but paneless, windows – at times even blowing across our bed!
5/18
It was still very cloudy this morning, but we would not be deterred: it was our last day to snorkel! We decided to go back to our favorite spot – Pelican Rock – off Hansen Bay. When we arrived, it was still cloudy and, once in the water, we discovered the visibility wasn’t as good as it was the first time we were there – but, it was still beautiful!
Right after we’d rounded the point, we spotted a little (comparatively) Hawksbill turtle !
! I followed it for quite a while – taking pictures as it swam among the intricate coral formations – nibbling on sponges here and there.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783551696/" title="IMG_1123 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/578 ... c6d4_z.jpg" width="426" height="640" alt="IMG_1123"></a>
After our snorkel, the rain began the minute after we’d climbed into the jeep. By the time we reached the house, it was a deluge!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783999396/" title="IMG_1969 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2681/578 ... 2538_z.jpg" width="480" height="640" alt="IMG_1969"></a>
But the rain couldn’t dampen our spirits – nor could the fact that we’d be heading for home in the morning.
Though sad, of course, that our time on “The Rock” was coming to an end, we’d had a wonderful, memorable vacation in celebration of our 30th wedding anniversary – and lots, and lots of pictures to show for it
.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5784000000/" title="IMG_1993 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/578 ... 462b_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="IMG_1993"></a>
Bye – for now – SweeT JOHN. Until we meet again…
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783447069/" title="IMG_2010 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/578 ... 199f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2010"></a>
The Tetons, western Wyoming
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36006979@N05/5783448793/" title="IMG_2012 by LinwardT, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3442/578 ... 738c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="IMG_2012"></a>
Mt. Hood, Oregon – almost home...
The end - of an incredible, glorious adventure
Life is an adventure.
Treasure each moment.
Treasure each moment.
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California Girl
-
mindehankins
- Posts: 3014
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 8:21 am
- Location: Western NY State
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USVIBamaFan
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 12:18 am
Congrats
Congrats on your 30th...we will be in St Thomas (with trips to St John) for our 30th in just 9 days. Thanks for the reports and I know you've started planning your next anniversary trip!
Loved your report. You remained so positive and made the best of all the rain. Your pictures were very clear. What did you use to photo correct?
I smiled when you arrived and even though you had been slowed down by all the traffic you husband picked you up and swung you around. How cool!We have been married 32 years and feel so blessed to still be in love.
Where did you get your snorkel carrying bag? I need a new one and that looks like it would be great.
Hart bay still need to get there any more details on where to enter water at?
Sun burn Ooch! I have to wear long sleeves or my elbows would look like yours!
Thanks again I hated for your report to end.
I smiled when you arrived and even though you had been slowed down by all the traffic you husband picked you up and swung you around. How cool!We have been married 32 years and feel so blessed to still be in love.
Where did you get your snorkel carrying bag? I need a new one and that looks like it would be great.
Hart bay still need to get there any more details on where to enter water at?
Sun burn Ooch! I have to wear long sleeves or my elbows would look like yours!
Thanks again I hated for your report to end.
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ColumbiaSCTraveler
- Posts: 528
- Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2011 9:33 pm
- Location: Columbia, SC
Linward,
Really enjoyed your TR, thank you. We also live in Oregon so I know a little rain isn't going to stop you, at least it was warm down there and not 50-55 like back at home.
The only part of STJ I don't like is the long red eye flights to get there. Glad you had a great time.
Really enjoyed your TR, thank you. We also live in Oregon so I know a little rain isn't going to stop you, at least it was warm down there and not 50-55 like back at home.
The only part of STJ I don't like is the long red eye flights to get there. Glad you had a great time.
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