Day six - nooooo, not the last day!!!
Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2012 10:30 pm
Up early this morning, knowing it was our last full day 
Decided on Francis today, as the surf was still quite high and I head read that Francis was a little better protected. Got there really early (not quite 8AM) and were the second ones there. *Aside* This seems to be our thing this trip, we're constantly the second ones to arrive at whatever beach we head for. Anyway, it was a bit wavy there, but not horrible. After setting up all the way down to the south end, we decided to walk to the north end and snorkel back. Shortly after getting my mask on, I saw a turtle pop his head up nearby so I went that direction. Cutest little sea turtle with very vibrant colors. He was very curious and friendly and I swam with him a long time and got some great pics and a video. After reluctantly moving on I came across two rays side by side and watched them awhile. The rest of the snorkel back showed lots of rays were out today (not THE ray of course) and plenty of fish. Another turtle came to play and I saw lots of baby versions of the fish I had been seeing all week. Went back up to our chairs for a bit, then got bored and decided to do some more snorkling around the rocks on the south end. The surf had picked up quite a bit at this point, so visibility wasn't great, but not terrible. Found another turtle, several more rays and fish and one eel. Unfortunately, as I dived down to get a photo, I realized too late that the camera had shut itself off and by the time I got it back on he had retreated under a rock ledge. I should mention that I get a little claustrophobic next to big rocks and don't like to get super close or hang out there very long. Back up to the beach for a snack and nap. After waking, we decided to walk the Francis Trail. If you're a lazy hiker like me, this is the trail to do. The first section is all new wood walkways with a couple overlooks to the salt pond. I was a little annoyed with myself that I hadn't brought along my telephoto lens so I could zoom in close to the cute little crabs that live on the edges - next time. After the walkway is a very mild walk up, which ends in two nice benches over looking the salt pond out to the water beyond. After this comes a really spectacular ruin of an old plantation house. Love how you can still see the floor tile pattern here and the architectural details. Any easy walk from here back to the beach. After one more quick snorkel we decided to move on - it had gotten really crowded. Drove over to Annaberg for the ruins there, which were very interesting and photogenic, then into Cruz Bay to top of the rental car's gas and grab a smoothie. Next we headed back to the cabana to get ready for dinner and to *sigh* get some packing done. Dinner was Shipwreck Landing. We started with conch fritters and deviled crab - they were fine, nothing amazing (I much preferred Aqua Bistro's fritters) I then had the Ginger Salmon and Sherry had the Adobo Mahi Mahi. Again, they were tasty, but not really "over the top" good. The highlight of the meal was definitely our shared dessert of flourless chocolate decadence cake. It was really really good. Back to the cabana to finish our packing as we are up at 4AM to get ready to leave. It has been a beautiful trip, and I'm so thankful for the help I have gotten from this forum as it really assisted us in planning, packing and enjoying our stay. Signing off till back in Michigan, where hopefully I can figure out how to post pics for a full trip report. Think of us tomorrow morning as we take the infamous walk of woe
Heidi & Sherry
Decided on Francis today, as the surf was still quite high and I head read that Francis was a little better protected. Got there really early (not quite 8AM) and were the second ones there. *Aside* This seems to be our thing this trip, we're constantly the second ones to arrive at whatever beach we head for. Anyway, it was a bit wavy there, but not horrible. After setting up all the way down to the south end, we decided to walk to the north end and snorkel back. Shortly after getting my mask on, I saw a turtle pop his head up nearby so I went that direction. Cutest little sea turtle with very vibrant colors. He was very curious and friendly and I swam with him a long time and got some great pics and a video. After reluctantly moving on I came across two rays side by side and watched them awhile. The rest of the snorkel back showed lots of rays were out today (not THE ray of course) and plenty of fish. Another turtle came to play and I saw lots of baby versions of the fish I had been seeing all week. Went back up to our chairs for a bit, then got bored and decided to do some more snorkling around the rocks on the south end. The surf had picked up quite a bit at this point, so visibility wasn't great, but not terrible. Found another turtle, several more rays and fish and one eel. Unfortunately, as I dived down to get a photo, I realized too late that the camera had shut itself off and by the time I got it back on he had retreated under a rock ledge. I should mention that I get a little claustrophobic next to big rocks and don't like to get super close or hang out there very long. Back up to the beach for a snack and nap. After waking, we decided to walk the Francis Trail. If you're a lazy hiker like me, this is the trail to do. The first section is all new wood walkways with a couple overlooks to the salt pond. I was a little annoyed with myself that I hadn't brought along my telephoto lens so I could zoom in close to the cute little crabs that live on the edges - next time. After the walkway is a very mild walk up, which ends in two nice benches over looking the salt pond out to the water beyond. After this comes a really spectacular ruin of an old plantation house. Love how you can still see the floor tile pattern here and the architectural details. Any easy walk from here back to the beach. After one more quick snorkel we decided to move on - it had gotten really crowded. Drove over to Annaberg for the ruins there, which were very interesting and photogenic, then into Cruz Bay to top of the rental car's gas and grab a smoothie. Next we headed back to the cabana to get ready for dinner and to *sigh* get some packing done. Dinner was Shipwreck Landing. We started with conch fritters and deviled crab - they were fine, nothing amazing (I much preferred Aqua Bistro's fritters) I then had the Ginger Salmon and Sherry had the Adobo Mahi Mahi. Again, they were tasty, but not really "over the top" good. The highlight of the meal was definitely our shared dessert of flourless chocolate decadence cake. It was really really good. Back to the cabana to finish our packing as we are up at 4AM to get ready to leave. It has been a beautiful trip, and I'm so thankful for the help I have gotten from this forum as it really assisted us in planning, packing and enjoying our stay. Signing off till back in Michigan, where hopefully I can figure out how to post pics for a full trip report. Think of us tomorrow morning as we take the infamous walk of woeHeidi & Sherry
