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Maho (beach) update - new parking lot, stingrays, etc.

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 5:55 am
by tjwgrr
Greetings from STJ!

Spent a chunk of our afternoon on the beach at Maho yesterday (Monday.)

NPS has started clearing brush and trees for the new parking lot across from the beach on the corner.

The beach itself is smaller (less deep) than past visits- storm damage- but still very enjoyable.

We counted at least FIVE small stingrays cruising back and forth very close to shore. Must have been some very tasty eatin's there since they hung around so long. Was very cool to see so many at once. Snorkeling along the rocks to the right was a little disappointing- visibility wasn't the best.

Weather is great so far- arrived Sunday- warm but not humid- lots of sunshine- cool at night. All the windows in the villa bedroom open listening to the surf below at Maria Bluff and watching a cruise ship head into CA right now....

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 8:32 am
by toes in the sand
Thanks for the report!

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:59 am
by brenda
We were there yesterday too. I agree, never seen so many rays so close to shore!

Posted: Tue Nov 30, 2010 10:05 pm
by California Girl
It sounds like you guys have the perfect weather! :D

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 8:51 am
by crasherino
Does anyone know when the parking lot at Maho will be done?

That will be weird to see....I don't necessarily think its a terrible thing (it might be) - but it sure will be different.

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 9:16 am
by toes in the sand
I will miss parking in the trees with the puddles and chickens but I suppose it will be an improvement. :( I remember staying at Maho beach one evening for a champagne sunset and rushing off the beach in the dark trying to outrun the no-seeums, throwing all our stuff into the back of the Jeep then changing into dry clothes under cover of darkness, trees and underbrush while trying not to step in the mud. All the while giggling like kids.

Hopefully the NPS will use the parking area to remedy the runoff/washout problems that occur now and not make things worse. Certainly driving through that area on weekends will be different when the parked cars are bumper to bumper on both sides of the road, or maybe not. I kinda like the atmosphere when driving through at ~5mph with all the cars, kids playing, families bbq'ing, people coming and going to the beach, folks gathering to talk.

Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2010 10:11 am
by BRY1105
toes in the sand wrote:I will miss parking in the trees with the puddles and chickens...

I kinda like the atmosphere when driving through at ~5mph with all the cars, kids playing, families bbq'ing, people coming and going to the beach, folks gathering to talk.
I agree. I hope the parking lot doesn't make the area seem "developed".