We are family tour - day 3

Karla · Post by **Karla** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:35 pm

Started our day once again by checking conditions at Haulover north. Still kind of rough. We decide to try Francis Bay. In 8 years of St. John trips, we have probably only been to Francis 2 or 3 times. Not sure why, but it has never been at the top of our list. We are practically the only ones on the beach so head down to the right along the rocks. We haven't gone too far before I spot a bunch of shells beside a big rock. I search for a minute and sure enough - there is an octopus under the rock. Doesn't look like he is interested in coming out, but I show my husband where it is. In previous years, he's had good luck by setting his camera outside a shy creature's hiding spot and backing off a little ways to see if he'll come out. Decides to give that a try. Has to weight his little GoPro camera down so it doesn't float away and he and I hover nearby to see if the Octopus will make an appearance. After a few seconds, sure enough - his eyes peek out from under the rock to investigate. Next thing you know, out come 2 tentacles and as quick as a flash, he grabs the camera and takes it back to his den. My husband and I look at each other totally shocked wondering "now what do we do?"

: The thief

My husband is the last person on earth to hurt any kind of creature, so if needed, he is prepared to let the camera go. (Not that that is a good option either, but neither of us are keen on the idea of blindly reaching under the rock for it). He spots part of the camera stap that is still visible and hooks it with his little finger. After a few seconds of tug-of-war, the octopus lets it go. The camera has been running the whole time, so we should have some interesting footage. Anyway, lesson learned - don't leave a camera unattended near any creature with 8 arms.

After retrieving the camera, we head on down toward Mary Point. Come across another Octopus that is mostly hidden. This time Jim keeps the camera securely in his grasp. We also find good size nurse shark resting under a ledge.

: Queen Angel

The coral out towards Mary Point is impressive and our snorkel lasts about 2 hours. We are hungry and anxious to see the footage from the Octopus incident so head back to the villa. We examine the camera on the way home and other than a few scratches (I think the octopus was trying to break it open like a clam) it was no worse for wear.

At lunch, we discuss our snorkel and agree that Francis Bay needs to move up on our list!

Our PM snorkel choice is Honeymoon/Solomon. It is the 4th of July and our theory is that everyone will be at the parade and we'll have the beach to ourselves. Once we pull into the visitor lot at Caneel, we realize that everyone else has the same idea. We continue the hike to Honeymoon and find a good spot with a bit of shade. We snorkel from Honeymoon to the far side of Solomon and back. Run across a very large nurse shark, porcupine fish, eels, and and extra large scrawled cow fish.

After our snorkel we take a "sister's picture" of our duct-taped toes. A friend told us that duct tape is what wind surfers use to keep from getting blisters. This has worked great for us for several years - it stays on much better than band-aids and most importantly - in comes in cool patterns and colors!

: inexpensive pedicure

On the way back to the parking lot, we stop to get some drinks to validate our parking ticket. I thought we'd probably get watered down drinks, but nothing could be further from the truth. Those are some powerful drinks. Since I'm driving, one sip is plenty!

Since we're close to town we run into the National Park Headquarters to see about getting some Lionfish markers. They don't have them there, but pointed us across the street for some.
Across the island for food, shower and a few games of scrabble before heading for bed.

Tomorrow: Waterlemon and first eagleray sighting!

News of St. John · Post by **News of St. John** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:55 pm

I just watched that video three times. Wow. That was so fun to watch!

DonnaM · Post by **DonnaM** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:06 pm

Awesome video!

Charlie2001 · Post by **Charlie2001** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:28 pm

Glad to see that video! My wife and I were there on Francis with your guys that same morning, we chatted with Jim about the experience and you guys told us where to look for the octopus. We were sitting by ourselves down toward the end of the beach where you all were set up.

Nice to see you here on VIOL and to get to see the video.

Shannon

ColumbiaSCTraveler · Post by **ColumbiaSCTraveler** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:43 pm

W O W !!!!!

That story / video = AMAZING!!!!!

Cannot WAIT to snorkel Francis this year! Hope we have some good sightings there like y'all!

lprof · Post by **lprof** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:18 pm

Wow! Incredible footage! Thank you for making it available to everyone!

jayseadee · Post by **jayseadee** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:25 pm

That video is crazy! What an experience.

Duct tape pedi? That's a new one.

Myheart'sinSTJ · Post by **Myheart'sinSTJ** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 8:37 pm

What are the odds of a octopus stealing your camera?? That is just crazy and the video is awesome, what a memory!

loverotties · Post by **loverotties** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:10 pm

Love the video . Thanks for sharing .

mnfun2bme · Post by **mnfun2bme** » Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:48 pm

Oh WOW.... thanks for sharing this video!! The pics are great too but your story and video were so much fun that I had to watch several times and take the laptop into my husband's office to show him. I must say, I got a good chuckle out of how you told the story.

Like you, I have not spent much time snorkeling at Francis but I will plan it for December. Do you stay near the right side shoreline?

Thanks again!

EagleRayLover · Post by **EagleRayLover** » Thu Jul 25, 2013 9:19 pm

I love this video!! So glad you got the camera back, but what a fun experience and story to tell forever!!

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