USVI-On-Line

7/21 We started out early again and headed for Cruz Bay. There we dropped in at Freebird Jewelry to pay a visit to Raffi the pug. This visit was the hightlight of my son's trip.{Tyler is 9 yrs.old}. Tyler met Raffi last year and fell in love with her. Here's a pic of the kids with Raffi on that day. We took the photo with a 35 m.m. camera. {I used my digital at home to copy so that I could add it to the report.} We left Freebird and traveled to Peace Hill. At Peace Hill we followed the trail to Denis Bay. I visited there last year and wanted to show the rest of the family just how beautiful this area was. This is Denis Bay looking toward the west. We met just one couple there. I asked them how they discovered the trail.Their reply was that Crabby's told them that this beach was very private and hardly anyone visits. Well, I spoiled their idea of private! They seemed like a nice couple and we spoke to them from time to time,but we did give them some space. My wife and kids swam to the west while I went to the east to the old pier. I entered the water and snorkeled by the pier looking for the old anchor. The reef was a nice one. Shortly after, in a sandy area, the anchor came into view!It was like finding hidden treasure. I went back to the family, gathered our things and took off to Haulover. We visited Haulover South first, which I intended to snorkel,then changed my mind. My wife took off on the trail to Haulover North while I stayed with the kids. When she returned, I took my turn and hiked the trail with my daughter. I snorkeled this reef not knowing what to expect. I will tell you this.. it was like an underwater "Garden Of Eden" absolutely stunning! So many corals and fish - it was so interesting,and the reef looked healthy. I think it was the best snorkel trip of my life. The sea was a little choppy, but I had no problem. There was no one around and I had this all to myself - "paradise!" I returned to the beach with my thumbs up in the air with no one there to witness my approval! But GOD knew... I returned to the jeep and told about my tales of the deep to the family,then off we went to Vie's Snack Shack. As we approached, we passed a hearse. Shortly after, we arrived at Vie's.There was a ton of cars there. I saw a big family being served at Vie's Beach. I found it best to leave and go back. We stopped at Princess Bay and the wife and I decided to snorkel this bay. All I can say is "don't miss this". We explored the shallow bottom and viewed small fish and even a sea cucumber. I even found seastars! We were running short on time and our tummies wanted lunch so we took off for the cottage. After lunch we spent the rest of the day at the Westin pool.In the evening the resort showed a movie by the pool. It was called "Dive In Movie" We enjoyed it and had a good time. The rain came in about half way into the movie so we headed home and soon after the rain stopped. I did a night snorkel that eve. I did a report on that a while back. It sure was a full day! Parafins

this is a good report. that last one is a great pic of your report. what a sweet face!

great report! I am dying to find that anchor! There are so many reasons to go back soon!!!!

Another nice report and cute kids and dog.

Very cool. We went down to Denis in June but did not snorkel because it looked like the reef came all the way up to the shore. Where did you get in the water? I'd like to check that area out.

I'm glad you did Princess. I really enjoy snorkeling there, but I don't read about too many other people trying it.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. The following is for Liamsaunt,or anyone who's interested. At the end of the trail you will see Perkins cay. This area is rocky and as you know there are few places to enter. If you follow the beach to the East you will find a old pier.To the west of the pier in a sandy bottom lies the anchor. Check out your "Off The Beaten Path" book.I have included a pic of the pier. Denis Bay at Perkins cay is a sandy beach.As you follow East it becomes coral rubble then back to sand.It's a beautiful area. Check out the reef there too! Parafins

Parafins - you have me dying to snorkel in the East End!

Where is Princess Beach?

Thank you for your reports; they are wonderful!

nothintolose

p.s. I was dying to see the pug at Freebird but every time we went in there, it was not there

Thanks Parafins! Very helpful. For some reason I had it in my head that the beach down by the pier is prvately owned and you were not supposed to walk down there. I'll look forward to checking it out in a couple of weeks.

Northintolose,Princess bay is not a beach.It's mangroves That's why a lot of folks don't go there.There's a cut out area right by the road where you can enter.It is near Haulover on the East end.The road is just a few feet away. If you want to see the pug you must go in the morning.We kept missing her until we learned that the owner of the pup works the morning shift. Liamsaunt,as long as you stay on the beach and don't cross the first line of vegatation,your O.K.They can't throw you off the beach. Look for this guy along the way.Denis Bay has some cool ruins back in the bush just remember it's on private property.{I checked them out last year,shame on me!!}parafins