Trip Report 3/19-3/26 part 1 *and part 2*

[GotToGetAway]

I was going to do a detailed report, but honestly I'm starting to forget what we did everyday. Hopefully my pictures will help me remember. This was our 5th trip (first in high season). We got a great deal on airfare and found great budget friendly accommodations, so the trip was about the same cost as a low season trip, but the beaches were more crowded.
We got in earlier that we were used to since we fly straight from MIA now. We dropped luggage off at the house and hit Trunk Bay (got in free since it was after 4:30 and avoided all crowds).



Stopped for groceries at Starfish Market and got some decent deals with a few things being over priced. It helps me to check out their website to see what's on sale and make up a menu based on sale items.
The next morning we had a tour of the Gifft Hill School lower campus. By the time we got home, I had an email that I had won an auction from the school from a few days prior. So, back to campus we went to pick up our prize packet- 3 nights at Grande Bay, 2 1-hour massages, ½ day kayaking or SUP, and $150 Ocean Grill gift card! Guess we will be back sooner than later! Then, we limed away the afternoon at Maho.
The next day we stopped by Gibney Beach to check out the tire swing, but were disappointed that it was gone. So, we continued on our journey to Little Lameshur, which was a first for us. I was a little turned off by the seaweed, but once we got passed it, the water was great. My kids had an absolute blast going to the rocks and creating rock sculptures.

There are a LOT of sea urchins there, watch out. We headed to the ruins, then to the next rocky beach.



After some more swimming and sculptures, we packed up but made a stop at the Tektike Museum. The kids had more fun looking at the deer running through the trees, but I thought it was great. It had a very “Lost” vibe, very “Dharma Initiative” kind of stuff. We stopped at the Cinnamon Bay ruins, got halfway through and decided to come back another day as we were losing light, and got home in time for sunset.


We needed a break from the sun, so we planned some hiking for the next day. We started off doing the Hart Bay trail. I recommend taking the trail from Poinciana rather than from Tamarind Rd because the pond off Tamarind Rd can get quite stinky. We found some great shells and climbed the rocks, but stayed away from the water due to urchins.



We also hiked up to Peace Hill



there are some great views from up there.



We tempted fate and took the kids down the trail to Denis Bay, another first for us.



It was so interesting to see the island from a different perspective- huge waves, big boulders, and tide pools.



The trip back up was interesting, especially giving my three year old a piggy back ride most the way up. But, we made it. I don't remember what we did the rest of the day. Maybe some souvenir shopping, maybe went into town for ice cream, maybe went on a peacock hunt, whatever it was we had fun even if it wasn't memorable.

[ColumbiaSCTraveler]

Your children are precious!
I find that I'll forget everything if I don't make notes while we're there! Each night, I take a few minutes to jot down what we did / ate / saw / drank / snorkeled / whatever that day. Makes my trip report a LOT easier to compose, and it's fun to notate the little things and relive the trip.
Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to future installments!

[PatrickMcc]

We stayed on Hart Bay the past two years and I didn't realize there was a trail there. There was a trail from our villa down to Hart Bay but that is all I know about. We were just a few houses over from and above Poinciana. Is this a public trail? There was some sort of construction going on at Poinciana when we were there.

[PA Girl]

I like reading about other family's trips with their kids. Did you take them to Catherineburg ruins? Our son loved that when he was 4 yo.

[cindygad]

Such precious kids. The memories you are making! I imagine it was a long hike back with someone riding piggyback! Dennis Bay is one of my favorite places. Looking forward to the rest of your report.

[mindehankins]

I just love trip reports with adorable kids in them! Looks like you guys had a great time!

[GotToGetAway]

Thanks all for the replies!
Now I remember what we did the rest of that day (duh, how could I forget)- we went to look at houses. We saw three homes for sale and one piece of land. While we didn't find anything that fit, we found the experience highly educational. One home really was lovely, but I feel a little uncomfortable with a frame house in such an "H" prone location, so the search will continue.
The next day, we went back to the Cinnamon Bay ruins and finished the trail. Then headed out to Annaberg. This was an interesting place to take the kids and led to a discussion about slavery with a five year old that I wasn't prepared for.
We met friends at Maho and saw barracuda and a shark by the rocks near the shoreline. Our friends have a child the same age as our children, so the kids had the best time and didn't want to leave. So we stayed until the no see ums started biting.
The next day was travel day home. We went to Deli Grotto for some lunch (and finally got a Coconut Crack Bar). Stopped at the playground, then headed off to the car barge. Magedelena from Amalie met us right in front of the airport to return the vehicle. Couldn't be easier or better to rent from Amalie!
Here are some more pictures that I found.
Denis panorama

Our rock sculptures



Annaberg

It was another fabulous trip. But, a different sort of trip now that we are able to go the beach all year round in Florida the beach is no longer the biggest draw for us. We really enjoyed doing other non beach things this trip and meeting many locals. The best part is that will be back for our stay at Grande Bay soon!

[dreamshark]

Great pictures, and a few new wrinkles in your trip. Where (and what) is the Tektite Museum? at your "Dharma Initiative vibe" comment.

Where did you stay? I'm curious about "affordable winter accommodations."

[GotToGetAway]

PatrickMcc- The Hart Bay Trial is just before Poinciana, I believe there is a little wooden sign. Or else the other trail is off Tamarind Rd. They are open to the public according to http://www.seestjohn.com/beaches_hart.html It's a good wave watching beach, sometimes you see surfers. My kids love it for the snails.
Dream Shark- The Tektite Museum is right by Little Lameshur. There is a split off when arriving to Lameshur and there is a sign where you would split to the right for the museum and cottages or go to the left for Lameshur. Seriously, VERY Dharma Initiative! http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/tektite_project.htm http://www.stjohnhistoricalsociety.org/ ... ryFete.htm
I'll PM you the villa info.

[Pia]

Enjoyed your trip report - your children are adorable.

Sorry you didn't find a suitable property - better luck next visit (there is always a next visit )

Pia