2muchsnow's Trip Overview and Links to Report/Photos
Posted: Mon Nov 21, 2011 12:46 am
Well we've been back a week, (which sucks, it's cold and snowy)
Here is an overview of our trip Nov 5-12.
Where we stayed: Sunset Serenade - will work up a specific villa review
Location: 2nd to the highest Villa on Gifft Hill. Amazing views, Indiana Jones style adventure driveway.
Who: 2muchsnow, Mrs 2muchsnow, Dr Sandycrack, Mrs Sandycrack. (aliases)
Trip Numbers: #3 for 2muchsnows and #2 for the Sandycracks.
Things that we did this trip that we hadn't done before:
1. Became "cooler" people:
The only reason was the women decided that they didn't want to have to worry about what we were going to do for dinner each day. We froze and checked a small cooler with ingredients that we would use for dinners and some snack stuff. Supplemented with only 2-3 stops for fresh items at Starfish or Dolphin. Worked out really well. When we got back from the exploring of the day. we had what we needed for dinner and could cook and enjoy the view from the deck.
2. Guided Reef bay Hike:
Biggest concern was going to be hiking in the heat. Not an issue. And didn't really feel like it was too strenuous. (but we live at 5400 feet and hike at higher elevations all the time.) Golda was our guide and taught us about the flora and fauna. Had lunch at the Petroglyphs, Explored the Sugar Mill. Made the swim out to the boat for the return trip. Might have felt differently if we had to hike back out. Thumbs up.
3. Sunset and Moonrise hike out to Rams Head:
Happened to be the full moon during our trip. Decided to hike out to Rams head for the sunset and to watch the full moon come up. Only issues were the sunset was cloudy and so not that spectacular, and then the moon came up and went into a cloud bank as well. But that being said it was a nice time to hike out there. Wasn't too hot, and then hiking back with headlamps and flashlights was an adventure. Would also do that again.
Beaches:
Maho - A first for us. Not sure why, but never stopped before. Was an awesome day. Also saw a Manta Ray (confirmed) not an eagle ray. Plenty of other rays and tarpon there as well.
Hawksnest - Stopped in for a quick snorkel after the RB hike, but the surf was too high, came back again and it was raining too hard (lightning), finally managed to get a snorkel later in the week.
Jumbie - Of course can't miss jumbie.
Lameshure - We headed to the SS beaches one day when the NS was getting high surf. Salt Pond was a zoo, no place to park. Kept going to Lameshure. Was crowded as well, but still found a nice patch of sand.
Salomon/Honeymoon - Hiked in early and spent the morning. Was nice. A few people more than we had seen there on previous trips. Still my favorite snorkel.
Trunk - It was crazy the afternoon we were there. 11-11-11. Weddings all over the place. But it was our last full day. Still had a great time. It also was FREE for Veterans day.
Snorkelling Report:
Waterlemon - Good, starfish and turtles, was a little cloudy so vis wasn't great
Lameshure - Good
Hawksnest - Good
Maho - we did a little snorkelling along the western edge where tarpon and fry were, Dr sandycrack went way out to the western point said it was better out there.
Jumbie - Good, went out around the point towards the beach we will not name.
Salomon/Honeymoon - Was my favorite this trip. Bright sunny day. Plenty of fish.
We also considered Princess mangrove and Haulover, but the morning we were out there it was really grey and threatening rain (which it did all afternoon, very heavy rain) will save that for future trips.
We opted for the sunsets and dinners at the villa. So no restaurant report. Did grab some sandwiches at Deli Grotto to take the beach. And some coconut bars (twice). Tasty as expected.
We also went the private taxi route on the way back from RH to the airport. Was nice to not be stopping at various spots. Worth the extra $$, will also go that route on the way in next time.
If you want the gory details you can find the play by play narration (a few photos) at www.mikecreates.com
If you just want to see some pretty photos and pretend you are there.
http://flickr.com/gp/ross_mike/SpN96z/
Couple of things on photos - I shot a lot of them (1500+). On 4 different cameras. Those are my personal favorites. If you see something you love, let me know.
2muchsnow
Here is an overview of our trip Nov 5-12.
Where we stayed: Sunset Serenade - will work up a specific villa review
Location: 2nd to the highest Villa on Gifft Hill. Amazing views, Indiana Jones style adventure driveway.
Who: 2muchsnow, Mrs 2muchsnow, Dr Sandycrack, Mrs Sandycrack. (aliases)
Trip Numbers: #3 for 2muchsnows and #2 for the Sandycracks.
Things that we did this trip that we hadn't done before:
1. Became "cooler" people:
The only reason was the women decided that they didn't want to have to worry about what we were going to do for dinner each day. We froze and checked a small cooler with ingredients that we would use for dinners and some snack stuff. Supplemented with only 2-3 stops for fresh items at Starfish or Dolphin. Worked out really well. When we got back from the exploring of the day. we had what we needed for dinner and could cook and enjoy the view from the deck.
2. Guided Reef bay Hike:
Biggest concern was going to be hiking in the heat. Not an issue. And didn't really feel like it was too strenuous. (but we live at 5400 feet and hike at higher elevations all the time.) Golda was our guide and taught us about the flora and fauna. Had lunch at the Petroglyphs, Explored the Sugar Mill. Made the swim out to the boat for the return trip. Might have felt differently if we had to hike back out. Thumbs up.
3. Sunset and Moonrise hike out to Rams Head:
Happened to be the full moon during our trip. Decided to hike out to Rams head for the sunset and to watch the full moon come up. Only issues were the sunset was cloudy and so not that spectacular, and then the moon came up and went into a cloud bank as well. But that being said it was a nice time to hike out there. Wasn't too hot, and then hiking back with headlamps and flashlights was an adventure. Would also do that again.
Beaches:
Maho - A first for us. Not sure why, but never stopped before. Was an awesome day. Also saw a Manta Ray (confirmed) not an eagle ray. Plenty of other rays and tarpon there as well.
Hawksnest - Stopped in for a quick snorkel after the RB hike, but the surf was too high, came back again and it was raining too hard (lightning), finally managed to get a snorkel later in the week.
Jumbie - Of course can't miss jumbie.
Lameshure - We headed to the SS beaches one day when the NS was getting high surf. Salt Pond was a zoo, no place to park. Kept going to Lameshure. Was crowded as well, but still found a nice patch of sand.
Salomon/Honeymoon - Hiked in early and spent the morning. Was nice. A few people more than we had seen there on previous trips. Still my favorite snorkel.
Trunk - It was crazy the afternoon we were there. 11-11-11. Weddings all over the place. But it was our last full day. Still had a great time. It also was FREE for Veterans day.
Snorkelling Report:
Waterlemon - Good, starfish and turtles, was a little cloudy so vis wasn't great
Lameshure - Good
Hawksnest - Good
Maho - we did a little snorkelling along the western edge where tarpon and fry were, Dr sandycrack went way out to the western point said it was better out there.
Jumbie - Good, went out around the point towards the beach we will not name.
Salomon/Honeymoon - Was my favorite this trip. Bright sunny day. Plenty of fish.
We also considered Princess mangrove and Haulover, but the morning we were out there it was really grey and threatening rain (which it did all afternoon, very heavy rain) will save that for future trips.
We opted for the sunsets and dinners at the villa. So no restaurant report. Did grab some sandwiches at Deli Grotto to take the beach. And some coconut bars (twice). Tasty as expected.
We also went the private taxi route on the way back from RH to the airport. Was nice to not be stopping at various spots. Worth the extra $$, will also go that route on the way in next time.
If you want the gory details you can find the play by play narration (a few photos) at www.mikecreates.com
If you just want to see some pretty photos and pretend you are there.
http://flickr.com/gp/ross_mike/SpN96z/
Couple of things on photos - I shot a lot of them (1500+). On 4 different cameras. Those are my personal favorites. If you see something you love, let me know.
2muchsnow