99 and Company 2013

[Agent99]

Thanks so much for the nice comments! So relieved that thing were resolved but count me among the skeptics that these guys were acting alone.

We love an uncrowded Trunk Bay so yesterday we were up early, packed a picnic lunch courtesy of sandwiches from Sam and Jack's Deli and off to Trunk we go. I guess Friday is the day to go to Trunk. We easily found a parking spot and walked toward the left of the beach. Shortly we came upon an alcove of shade cast by Sea Grape trees and settled in. We felt as though we had the beach to ourselves. I do not think there was a cruise ship in because there was not a yellow vest to be seen. There was a gusty wind though, and the day trippers may have been counseled that there was a bit of a chop for snorkeling. With all that shade we were able to stay several hours. The gusts of wind were very strong though, as they were the day before so we opted not to snorkel out to the island, which is not our favorite snorkel on the island anyway.

We spent the rest of the day exploring various parts of the island. Ordered a great pizza from Joe's Rum hut, watched a stunning sunset, then a movie and an early night. Can't believe I forgot to take a Trunk pic!





Today has been overcast all day so we explored some more- down to Rendezvous Bay and on to Reef to watch the surfers. Check out the little specks just above the bush. Next shot zooms in to show them close up.





We noodled around town and are hanging out watching My Cousin Vinny with the doors thrown open to the breeze. Nice day to just chill. Lord knows we can use a break from the sun. Not sure about later.

[Kentuckygirl]

Beautiful sunset! and love seeing the surfers

[Agent99]

Thanks KG! We were so high up on the hill that the surfers looked like little specks to us. That old Canon G10 is still trucking along and has a great little zoom and the Apple photo software let us zoom even more without losing the quality. The sunset was one of the prettiest I've seen. Nobody could stop shooting. Ever second it was prettier.

[augie]

Great trip report!

I envy the energy that you have to be able to do it real time - some of mine have taken months to show up...

[Agent99]

I suppose a glitch free vacation would be asking too much. Beaucoup technical difficulties. I work with the Macbook Air and lately I've been getting warnings that my disk is full. I usually delete some documents and it leaves me alone for a while. I have no business messing with anything file wise because I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE HELL I AM DOING. So naturally I accidentally deleted IPhoto, Safari and I don't even know what else and proceeded to dump the trash before I realized what I was dumping. I managed to stop the dump midway but don't want to mess with it anymore lest I make it worse. I know my dear friends at the Genius Bar will come to my rescue again but meanwhile I am experiencing minor frustrations. Thank goodness I'm not the only Apple in the family and Pete's is newer and not the Air so he has lots of room. I've momentarily usurped his computer to wrap up the trip report but had trouble logging in to this forum. It said "Too many connections" for a while. But I'm in now so will catch up as best I can. By the way- it's a beautiful morning so I'll cope.

Today is our last day. I'll think about that tomorrow. Meanwhile I will tell you about yesterday. Early out to Honeymoon and had the place to ourselves until about noon.





Could there be a more beautiful place on the planet? If so, it's just down the street with a white picket fence dripping with bougainvillea called Gibney. Toss a coin. These two are tops in my book. Lots of boats at Honeymoon though. Back to the Beach Bar- the guys wanted more sushi so we split that and a burger- Surf and Turf. All was excellent and our experience with Caneel was the same as last time. Super cordial and gracious. More security than I've seen before, also.

After lunch we snorkeled from the main beach around the point and on to Scott to see the turtles and conch. Didn't get a good shot of the one turtle we saw due to mask leakage but you all know what they look like. Fun to see.





Aroud 3:30 we packed up to head home to Gallows for our silvery afternoon hang in the pool. As we approached Cruz Bay from the Northshore Road we noticed the smoke and the Road in front of Cafe Roma blocked. So sorry to hear but I know they will be back better than ever.

This was our night for Zozo's. I'm not the mad fan many are. The setting is the best. Great service but otherwise I think it's just ok. Pete and I shared the Rack of Lamb special which was just ok and on the tough side. We've been having a hard time up our way finding good lamb these days so maybe it's not just a regional problem. Luke had the Mahi and said it was fine, although he felt the Mahi at La Plancha was outstanding. Not meaning to sound cheap but it is many $$$$ for just ok.

It was a beautiful night so we did the hot tub pool hot tub hop then turned in to watch a movie. We all fell asleep before it was over.

No need to think about today. It's a last day tradition. Jake's for breakfast. Gibney Beach then a late Coral Bay lunch- then maybe a do-over crash the Westin pool adventure since it didn't work out the first time.

[MadCityMom]

Loving your report! Gorgeous sunset pictures! Enjoy your last day!

[mnfun2bme]

Thanks for the fun stories. I agree with you about Honeymoon/Solomon. Stunning!

Good luck you crazy pool crasher!

[Agent99]

Good luck you crazy pool crasher!

Ha! Hope Westin security does not read this forum or they'll be on the lookout for the mom with the lousy pedicure.

[Agent99]

Was just sitting here catching up on email and hear this guy out on a dingy shouting. He had spotted a couple of dolphin and was sort of chasing them on the dingy. I imagine they find that annoying. Anyway, just was able to capture the littler of the two on their way into the harbor. I think they are still in there. Have never seen dolphins here before. I know some of you have. Glad to be in the club!



More "wild"life although they seem pretty tame at Caneel yesterday. Can't tell if the little one is still on wobbly legs or something else.

[ColumbiaSCTraveler]

I have a new MacBook Pro, and I'm trying to adjust, so I feel your pain. (Never had a Mac before, so WOWEE!!!!)

Honeymoon is GORGEOUS! May have to go back again this year. Last time, though, we ended up lost, and it took WAY too long, and I was WAY too unhappy once we arrived. Think we'll forgo the Lind Point Trail and go the Caneel route. Paying $20 for an easy, straightforward hike is worth it in my opinion. (We don't pay the $20 per se....we buy drinks instead!) AND this will allow us to snorkel over to Scott, which I've been eyeing forever!

THANKS again for taking the time to post pictures and goings-on!

[Agent99]

Oh no, oh no- the dreaded Walk of Woe. It doesn't get any easier with each passing year. So they say, "All good things must end." Why? I mean honestly, why? Nevermind. I know anyway and I will not spend my last few precious hours whining, fretting or complaining. I'm so grateful that we have been able to do this each year and hope we will continue to have the privilege in years to come.

Thanks so much to all of you who chimed in for your nice comments and for coming along on this year's trip. Pia, it was so nice to see you yesterday. We missed Ruth and Ron but send our very best. At least we're going home loaded with Kiss of the Jumbie coffee and your famous Cruz Bay Grill Rub.

Yesterday we said goodbye to Gibney, Shipwreck Landing, (sorry Dew, I forgot Miss Lucy's is closed on Monday), and had a successful crash of the Westin pool. Back to Gallows for our last beautiful sunset, pool, hot tub hop and the always entertaining Tourist on dvd.

One last snorkel and then off we go...to the Walk of Woe. Until next time....99 Out.

[liamsaunt]

Thank you so much for the wonderful trip report. I have really needed a trip report this week.

Safe travels home. I hate to tell you but you are coming back to lousy weather.

[loverotties]

I'm not sure how I missed reading your trip reports till now but they made my day : ) !! Loved your beautiful pics & think we might check out Gallows for a future trip . Thanks for the great read .. .

[MadCityMom]

Just checking the Spice Cam and I see your "99 Out ! Thanks for the great trip reports and pictures along the way! I really enjoyed them!

[cocosmom]

I just saw your 99 out on the spice cam too. Since I haven't had a trip in forever I don't know how to post pics. I can email it if you want it