USVI-On-Line

Ok - This is the 2nd time I am writing this report so probably will do on two pages so I do not lose it again. We woke up early to a beautiful day and headed to Cruz Bay. As we entered the parking lot next to the Dock there was one spot left so we snatched that spot up. As we were unloading all of our gear Captain John was pulling in. We waved to him so he would know it was us. We loaded onto the boat and off we go. Our first stop of the day was the Indians. This was our first trip to STJ so we were all first time snorkelers with my husband not being a very strong swimmer. He stuck with his noodle all week along with our 10 year old daughter. As we got off the boat and started swimming around the rocks it was very rough. I am not sure if this is the norm but my husband was not comfortable at all. At one point he took in a mouthful of water and I won't go into details but it made him sick right in the water.



We got back to the boat pretty quickly and we did enjoy or at least the three of us enjoyed but really did not have time to explore but that is alright our next stop was the caves which my husband decided to sit out and I took the kids. He had a good time talking to Captain John while we explored the Caves. We really liked this spot there were so many different fish with bright vibrant colors it was just incredible.














































After we were finished at the Caves our kids wanted to head over to the Willy T to jump off the back of the boat. As they were getting on the boat Captain John told them to ignore the sign but I think my daughter did not hear him or not understand. When she got up there she would not jump. I could not figure out why and then my son told me she read the sign, well at least she does go by the rules. They went down to the lower part and jumped off and again we were on our way this time to Sandy Cay/Spit for our lunch which we brought with us.

Continuing to make sure it saved - and yeah it did.

We arrived at Sandy Cay and Captain John had told the kids they had filmed Gilligan's Island (just the picture of the island)for season three. My daughter now calls this spot Gilligan's Island. There were only two other couples on the beach and it was such a wonderful day with blue skies so relaxing. We probably could have sit there all day just staring out. My husband was now very relaxed. Next trip we plan on buying or renting a vest for him just for peace of mind. He was fine the whole week except for the episode at the Indians but next time we will know. I have to say Captain John is an incredible guy who loves what he does. He told us he could be out on the water every day and never get tired of it. You can tell he truly loves what he does and has the personality to fit the job.





























After we finished our lunch we hopped back into the boat and headed for our final destination, of course you all know where we are headed White Bay and the Soggy Dollar Bar. When we arrived we were told by Captain John that this place is jammed with boats during peak season. I am glad we were ther during non-peak or it might have taken longer to get our first drink at the Soggy Dollar Bar. Yes, we had the best Painkiller of the week while the kids got fruit punch. We settled down in some chairs and after awhile I switched to the hammock and then my daughter joined me and son later too. Our son is usulally not content just sitting but for some reason he sat next to my husband for quite awhile. Looking back, I now realize he was most likely checking out all the girls behind his sunglasses as I am sure my husband was too. We sat on the beach for about 2 hours just taking in the beauty of White Bay.



























We spotted Captain John and he said he could take us to another snorkeling spot but the kids just wanted to take a ride on the boat so that is what we did. Being on the water was just so peaceful and we all enjoyed it so much. The kids say it was the best day of the vacation but we kept saying that every day on every new adventure but it will be hard to beat a day with Captain John. Once we arrived back in Cruz Bay we said our good bye's and headed to STJ Spice where we had been 2 other times. Unfortunately, we did not get to meet Ruth - maybe next time. The kids got a few things and then we were hungry so ended up again at High Tide. I love this place. They make great drinks and you can not beat the view. After a long day we headed back to our villa and I have to admit it is a bit foggy but it probably was a few more drinks, picking a beach for our last full day and then off to bed. Tomorrow the kids want to revisit Francis beach as this was one of their favorites as well as mine. Captain John thank you for a day that will always bring back great memories. We will see you again some day soon.

What a wonderful day out with Capt. John! Too bad hubby took in some water at the Indians. No fun! That happened to me too right when I jumped in and boy does that saltwater burn your throat and nasal passages!

Love the pics! Especially the family shot on White Bay. That would make a great Christmas card~

Thanks for hanging in there on the re-writing and sharing your great vacation with us!

Our friend had a similar problem as your husband during our first trip to STJ. For him, motion of the water + the salt water taste in his mouth = instant sickness.

We never visited Sandy Cay. How was the water? Rough or calm?

Pa Girl - I do not recall the water being rough but we did not swim. It was just a stop to eat our lunch for a bit. Because this was our first time out we really did not know how much time we had at each place and we definitely wanted to allow enough time for White Bay. If you get a chance though make a stop at Sandy Cay and relax, eat, drink, explore, etc.
It was a little weird being out in the middle with basically no people and open water - very neat.

Thank you for the Awesome TR ~ our day out with Captain Brandi last summer was our Favorite Day of the 2 weeks! I can't wait until next summer and another day with him!

Love the photos too! And I agree with msgcolleen that the family photo would make a Beautiful Christmas Card!