Trip Report 10/29-11/5 2009 - Part II
Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 7:54 pm
Here is a link to the previous installment: http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.com/f ... hp?t=14387
Saturday, 10/31 - Halloween!
I'd like to begin this section of the trip report with a "mini-review" of Paradise on the Rocks, which is where we stayed this trip. We were looking for accommodations that were a little more budget friendly on this trip than where we had stayed before. At $125/night, taxes included, this property, listed on VRBO, fit the bill nicely. A positive recommendation from MaryL on this forum didn't hurt either!
POTR is a 1BR apartment which is below the home of the resident owners, Ann and Bob. They are the sweetest couple you'll ever want to meet, available if you need anything and virtually invisible when you don't. It consists of a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen - all smallish, but well equipped, and not at all cramped. There is A/C in the bedroom only, but we didn't turn it on the entire time we were there. There's a nice deck on the front with a gas grill and a small table and chairs, and a view of Bordeaux Mountain, as well as a sliver of Coral Bay. There is a clothesline strung across the front of the deck - this came in handy for drying swimsuits as well as a couple of items we hand washed since there are no laundry facilities.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091010245/" title="stj09_021 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/409 ... 40ff8d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_021"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091770328/" title="stj09_009 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/409 ... bc646a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_009"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091007169/" title="stj09_013 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/409 ... 80a725.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091010723/" title="stj09_022 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/409 ... 149eff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_022"></a>
The location is very handy to the north shore beaches and being right on Centerline, not bad for going to either Coral bay or Cruz Bay. If you're looking for a totally functional, reasonable place for two, you might want to consider POTR. OK - Infomercial over - back to your regularly scheduled trip report!
"The gang" had loosely decided that Gibney would be the beach of the day. As was our custom for most of the week, Leslie and I got up early and hit another beach for an early snorkel. Today we chose to try the west end of Trunk Bay.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091011949/" title="stj09_024 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/409 ... 70e650.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_024"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091778866/" title="stj09_027 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/409 ... b78aa3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_027"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091779934/" title="stj09_029 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/409 ... 90de80.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_029"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091014943/" title="stj09_030 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/409 ... b3b0a5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_030"></a>
We got in before it opened and left just as the first safari taxi full of cruise passengers drove into the parking lot - perfect timing!
Next, on to Gibney. Ever since I saw Liamsaunt's trip report with the "secret spot" at Gibney Beach I've wanted to check it out. Last year I thought I had, when we went with my brother and his wife. The water was kind of choppy, shallow, and had a good bit of surge so we bailed on the mission pretty quickly and went somewhere where the conditions were better. We didn't have our guidebook with us, and as it turns out we were at Jumbie, not Gibney, so this time, armed with "Feet, Fins, and Four Wheel Drive" I was determined to find the place.
There were no cars parked in front of the gate and the sign admonishing you to not block the gate spooked me to the point that we drove to the Peace Hill parking lot and walked back to the gate from there. of course by then, someone had parked in the exact spot I had abandoned! We made our way to the beach, headed left wading in the surf until we hit a beautiful expanse of white beach where we stashed our stuff, then put on our snorkel gear and hit the water!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091030683/" title="stj09_059 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/409 ... 3e602a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_059"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091780942/" title="stj09_031 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/409 ... b2bdf4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_031"></a>
We made our way across the bay then hugged the shoreline out towards the channel until we found the "secret spot". Just as we went ashore there and took off our gear a boat tied off to a buoy just outside of us. We were disappointed because we (take your pick);
A - had to work to get there and they all just rode in,
B - we had hoped for some privacy to explore (as FF&4WD put it) some Robinson Crusoe like fantasies!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091782866/" title="stj09_034 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/409 ... 1f2f23.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_034"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091017959/" title="stj09_035 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/409 ... e2da55.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_035"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091019205/" title="stj09_037 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/409 ... 7e0f4d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_037"></a>
By the time we had snorkeled back across the bay to the beach where we had left our stuff, most of the rest of our group from the night before had shown up, so we picked up where we'd left off yesterday - limin' on the beach and in the water, and just generally enjoying the scenery, the company, and the libations!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091796930/" title="stj09_061 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/409 ... 140f57.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_061"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091797358/" title="stj09_062 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/409 ... 68a110.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_062"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091020885/" title="stj09_041 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/409 ... cbef3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_041"></a>
A couple of our gang snorkeled over to Hawksnest Beach, where some or all of the SOTB group were hanging out. Maggy and sea-nile each took turns making their way through the water over to where we were, so we all got to see them for the first time on the trip. eventually we had had enough beach for the day, so Leslie and I packed up, made the trek back to the jeep in the Peace Hill lot, and decided to head into town and to Mongoose Junction to have a late lunch.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091800590/" title="stj09_069 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/409 ... b3105d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_069"></a>
A couple of drinks and personal pizzas later we were contentedly heading back east on North Shore Rd. We decided to take advantage of the afternoon backlighting to stop and take the obligatory pictures from the north shore overlooks.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091022531/" title="stj09_043 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/409 ... 9961d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_043"></a>
Back to POTR and time to rinse our gear, get cleaned up, and get ready for Halloween! We got in costume, went up to Ann & Bob's place so that they could see us, as requested, then headed down the hill, left onto Centerline, and made tracks for Skinny Leg's!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091024381/" title="stj09_048 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/409 ... 0b521b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_048"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091790326/" title="stj09_049 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/409 ... f99d48.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_049"></a>
We had a great time at the party. There was a wide variety of costumes on display, some displaying a great deal of effort and creativity. Surprisingly the folks that elected to not dress up at all were very much in the minority.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091029535/" title="stj09_057 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/409 ... 8ccb5d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_057"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091028825/" title="stj09_056 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/409 ... 276abf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_056"></a>
We ran into several members of the SOTB III group, resplendent in several variations on the classic witch theme.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091791726/" title="stj09_051 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/409 ... 8eecba.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_051"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4096291845/" title="PA310279 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/409 ... 8b900e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="PA310279"></a>
Leslie was the absolute best stingray on the island. In order to complement her costume I decided to go as the ghost of Steve Irwin (krikey!). Somehow I seemed to have made it through the evening without photographic evidence of that, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4095302755/" title="4088878487_6a763a4bb4_o by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/409 ... 1473b1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="4088878487_6a763a4bb4_o"></a>(Photo courtesy of sea-nile)
Soon after "Michael Phelps" had been declared the contest winner (narrowly edging an ensemble of Tetris pieces and a couple of pirate potato heads) the place began clearing out rather quickly. We stuck around long enough to let the "traffic jam" clear, then headed back to our mountain retreat. We had one more surprise in store for us - we encountered a donkey, possibly high up the hill to avoid the crazy creatures running rampant below, alongside the driveway as we made our way up Ajax Peak.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091795604/" title="stj09_058 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/409 ... 85bbcf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_058"></a>
Leslie had threatened to kiss a donkey sometime on this trip, but it turned out that this wouldn't be the occasion. Perhaps he figured that getting close to a half human, half stingray being chauffeured around by a ghost wasn't such a great idea!
Saturday, 10/31 - Halloween!
I'd like to begin this section of the trip report with a "mini-review" of Paradise on the Rocks, which is where we stayed this trip. We were looking for accommodations that were a little more budget friendly on this trip than where we had stayed before. At $125/night, taxes included, this property, listed on VRBO, fit the bill nicely. A positive recommendation from MaryL on this forum didn't hurt either!
POTR is a 1BR apartment which is below the home of the resident owners, Ann and Bob. They are the sweetest couple you'll ever want to meet, available if you need anything and virtually invisible when you don't. It consists of a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen - all smallish, but well equipped, and not at all cramped. There is A/C in the bedroom only, but we didn't turn it on the entire time we were there. There's a nice deck on the front with a gas grill and a small table and chairs, and a view of Bordeaux Mountain, as well as a sliver of Coral Bay. There is a clothesline strung across the front of the deck - this came in handy for drying swimsuits as well as a couple of items we hand washed since there are no laundry facilities.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091010245/" title="stj09_021 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2566/409 ... 40ff8d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_021"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091770328/" title="stj09_009 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2631/409 ... bc646a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_009"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091007169/" title="stj09_013 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/409 ... 80a725.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_013"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091010723/" title="stj09_022 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2656/409 ... 149eff.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_022"></a>
The location is very handy to the north shore beaches and being right on Centerline, not bad for going to either Coral bay or Cruz Bay. If you're looking for a totally functional, reasonable place for two, you might want to consider POTR. OK - Infomercial over - back to your regularly scheduled trip report!
"The gang" had loosely decided that Gibney would be the beach of the day. As was our custom for most of the week, Leslie and I got up early and hit another beach for an early snorkel. Today we chose to try the west end of Trunk Bay.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091011949/" title="stj09_024 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2758/409 ... 70e650.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_024"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091778866/" title="stj09_027 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2750/409 ... b78aa3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_027"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091779934/" title="stj09_029 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/409 ... 90de80.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_029"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091014943/" title="stj09_030 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/409 ... b3b0a5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_030"></a>
We got in before it opened and left just as the first safari taxi full of cruise passengers drove into the parking lot - perfect timing!
Next, on to Gibney. Ever since I saw Liamsaunt's trip report with the "secret spot" at Gibney Beach I've wanted to check it out. Last year I thought I had, when we went with my brother and his wife. The water was kind of choppy, shallow, and had a good bit of surge so we bailed on the mission pretty quickly and went somewhere where the conditions were better. We didn't have our guidebook with us, and as it turns out we were at Jumbie, not Gibney, so this time, armed with "Feet, Fins, and Four Wheel Drive" I was determined to find the place.
There were no cars parked in front of the gate and the sign admonishing you to not block the gate spooked me to the point that we drove to the Peace Hill parking lot and walked back to the gate from there. of course by then, someone had parked in the exact spot I had abandoned! We made our way to the beach, headed left wading in the surf until we hit a beautiful expanse of white beach where we stashed our stuff, then put on our snorkel gear and hit the water!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091030683/" title="stj09_059 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/409 ... 3e602a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_059"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091780942/" title="stj09_031 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/409 ... b2bdf4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_031"></a>
We made our way across the bay then hugged the shoreline out towards the channel until we found the "secret spot". Just as we went ashore there and took off our gear a boat tied off to a buoy just outside of us. We were disappointed because we (take your pick);
A - had to work to get there and they all just rode in,
B - we had hoped for some privacy to explore (as FF&4WD put it) some Robinson Crusoe like fantasies!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091782866/" title="stj09_034 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2647/409 ... 1f2f23.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_034"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091017959/" title="stj09_035 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2615/409 ... e2da55.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_035"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091019205/" title="stj09_037 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/409 ... 7e0f4d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_037"></a>
By the time we had snorkeled back across the bay to the beach where we had left our stuff, most of the rest of our group from the night before had shown up, so we picked up where we'd left off yesterday - limin' on the beach and in the water, and just generally enjoying the scenery, the company, and the libations!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091796930/" title="stj09_061 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2653/409 ... 140f57.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_061"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091797358/" title="stj09_062 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2756/409 ... 68a110.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_062"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091020885/" title="stj09_041 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2550/409 ... cbef3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_041"></a>
A couple of our gang snorkeled over to Hawksnest Beach, where some or all of the SOTB group were hanging out. Maggy and sea-nile each took turns making their way through the water over to where we were, so we all got to see them for the first time on the trip. eventually we had had enough beach for the day, so Leslie and I packed up, made the trek back to the jeep in the Peace Hill lot, and decided to head into town and to Mongoose Junction to have a late lunch.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091800590/" title="stj09_069 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2509/409 ... b3105d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_069"></a>
A couple of drinks and personal pizzas later we were contentedly heading back east on North Shore Rd. We decided to take advantage of the afternoon backlighting to stop and take the obligatory pictures from the north shore overlooks.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091022531/" title="stj09_043 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2458/409 ... 9961d5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_043"></a>
Back to POTR and time to rinse our gear, get cleaned up, and get ready for Halloween! We got in costume, went up to Ann & Bob's place so that they could see us, as requested, then headed down the hill, left onto Centerline, and made tracks for Skinny Leg's!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091024381/" title="stj09_048 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/409 ... 0b521b.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_048"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091790326/" title="stj09_049 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/409 ... f99d48.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_049"></a>
We had a great time at the party. There was a wide variety of costumes on display, some displaying a great deal of effort and creativity. Surprisingly the folks that elected to not dress up at all were very much in the minority.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091029535/" title="stj09_057 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2639/409 ... 8ccb5d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_057"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091028825/" title="stj09_056 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/409 ... 276abf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_056"></a>
We ran into several members of the SOTB III group, resplendent in several variations on the classic witch theme.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091791726/" title="stj09_051 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/409 ... 8eecba.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="stj09_051"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4096291845/" title="PA310279 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2466/409 ... 8b900e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="PA310279"></a>
Leslie was the absolute best stingray on the island. In order to complement her costume I decided to go as the ghost of Steve Irwin (krikey!). Somehow I seemed to have made it through the evening without photographic evidence of that, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4095302755/" title="4088878487_6a763a4bb4_o by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/409 ... 1473b1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="4088878487_6a763a4bb4_o"></a>(Photo courtesy of sea-nile)
Soon after "Michael Phelps" had been declared the contest winner (narrowly edging an ensemble of Tetris pieces and a couple of pirate potato heads) the place began clearing out rather quickly. We stuck around long enough to let the "traffic jam" clear, then headed back to our mountain retreat. We had one more surprise in store for us - we encountered a donkey, possibly high up the hill to avoid the crazy creatures running rampant below, alongside the driveway as we made our way up Ajax Peak.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091795604/" title="stj09_058 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2576/409 ... 85bbcf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="stj09_058"></a>
Leslie had threatened to kiss a donkey sometime on this trip, but it turned out that this wouldn't be the occasion. Perhaps he figured that getting close to a half human, half stingray being chauffeured around by a ghost wasn't such a great idea!
sorry we missed you at the BB gathering that sunday my wife Cindy twisted her ankle and swelled up pretty large so we kept close to the villa. looking forward to next year and hopefully meeting you and other forum members that enjoy the island that time of year. Great trip report!
