Islanded in a Sea of Stars: Trip Report, Day 7 Part 1
Posted: Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:06 pm
Trip Report Day 7, Part 1
March 19, 2009
Islanded in a Sea of Stars
We were determined to enjoy our last full day on STJ. I started off this morning brushing my teeth in front of the sink at Bo Atabey, and hating to spit in it because it is so pretty.
Last month, N called the NPS office to make reservations for two for the Reef Bay Trail guided hike, with the boat pickup at the bottom of the hill. She was a little worried because the person taking the reservations didn’t seem to get the fact that there were two hikers. She called to confirm her appointment and make sure the hike was still on a few days before it was time to go, and the lady could find no record of her reservation at all. “Just show up”, she said.
So early on Thursday morning we drove to Cruz Bay and dumped the ladies off at the NPS visitor center. M and I departed to do some exploring.
I wanted to see Salomon beach, but got a little confused about the best place to park to walk to it. So we kept going, rubber necking as we drove along the coast.
After that brief tantalizing glimpse of Hawksnest on day 3, we wanted to go back for a closer look. The parking lot was practically empty as we pulled in. There were a few people on the beach. There was still some mild chop in the water, and the water felt a little cool. We strolled up and down the beach, taking pictures. This is a beautiful beach, and the little tide pool vignettes just fascinated me. Here are some of the images.
Hawksnest, looking left
Anemone
Tide Pool Rock Garden
Late at night, the coral zombies shuffle through the sand. Braaaaiiiiins.
Melted brains.
Chitonscape
I am trying to think of a way to include the word "bosom" in this image title
Snail Maze
Next stop, Francis. The parking lot was full, but we pulled in an empty spot along the drive. There were a few families with small children enjoying the warm, flat spalike waters. Lots of interesting things to see on the beach, and the pelicans were quite amusing.
Francis Beach. Ahh.
Rock Art
Pelicans Rock
Wish I was Here
Seafood Salad
Right side
A nice lady with a bag of lunch meat was trying to lure a stray dog so it could be captured and taken to the shelter. We put our change in the shelter's donation cans whenever we saw them at shops in town. Maybe you would think about doing that too next time you are on island...
I found treasure on Francis Beach. This was the least of it.
Next I wanted to go walk to Waterlemon Cay. M used his veto powers. There was a lot more in store for us that day, but I'm pretty tired and thinking of taking a nap, so there will be a Part 2 for this Day 7 Trip Report.
March 19, 2009
Islanded in a Sea of Stars
We were determined to enjoy our last full day on STJ. I started off this morning brushing my teeth in front of the sink at Bo Atabey, and hating to spit in it because it is so pretty.
Last month, N called the NPS office to make reservations for two for the Reef Bay Trail guided hike, with the boat pickup at the bottom of the hill. She was a little worried because the person taking the reservations didn’t seem to get the fact that there were two hikers. She called to confirm her appointment and make sure the hike was still on a few days before it was time to go, and the lady could find no record of her reservation at all. “Just show up”, she said.
So early on Thursday morning we drove to Cruz Bay and dumped the ladies off at the NPS visitor center. M and I departed to do some exploring.
I wanted to see Salomon beach, but got a little confused about the best place to park to walk to it. So we kept going, rubber necking as we drove along the coast.
After that brief tantalizing glimpse of Hawksnest on day 3, we wanted to go back for a closer look. The parking lot was practically empty as we pulled in. There were a few people on the beach. There was still some mild chop in the water, and the water felt a little cool. We strolled up and down the beach, taking pictures. This is a beautiful beach, and the little tide pool vignettes just fascinated me. Here are some of the images.
Hawksnest, looking left
Anemone
Tide Pool Rock Garden
Late at night, the coral zombies shuffle through the sand. Braaaaiiiiins.
Melted brains.
Chitonscape
I am trying to think of a way to include the word "bosom" in this image title
Snail Maze
Next stop, Francis. The parking lot was full, but we pulled in an empty spot along the drive. There were a few families with small children enjoying the warm, flat spalike waters. Lots of interesting things to see on the beach, and the pelicans were quite amusing.
Francis Beach. Ahh.
Rock Art
Pelicans Rock
Wish I was Here
Seafood Salad
Right side
A nice lady with a bag of lunch meat was trying to lure a stray dog so it could be captured and taken to the shelter. We put our change in the shelter's donation cans whenever we saw them at shops in town. Maybe you would think about doing that too next time you are on island...
I found treasure on Francis Beach. This was the least of it.
Next I wanted to go walk to Waterlemon Cay. M used his veto powers. There was a lot more in store for us that day, but I'm pretty tired and thinking of taking a nap, so there will be a Part 2 for this Day 7 Trip Report.
I am really dreading the next part...unless there is part three, because the end of your journey on St John brings the end of my travels with the ifloat family on a special island. Your writing, photos, and creativity have brought smiles, laughs and invoked many delightful memories. Thanking you again...
Where ya were snapping the pics at Hawksnest of the tidepools make sure ya snorkel that reef next time. The most beautiful elkhorn forest awaits you at the end of the reef, lots of fish too. One of my fave St John snorkels for sure.
). I've been enjoying reading your TRs just like many folks here have. Thank you for taking time to post them. You are a gifted storyteller.