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Sun's Trip Report Part 2- Still Long...
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Sun4MySoul
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: NC
Sun's Trip Report Part 2- Still Long...
Hello All- Thanks much for the kind words on the First Installment. I'm glad to keep some folks entertained!
Salty- How did we not meet? I really liked InnerVisions and wished I had bought a cd and been able to stay longer. Which house were you staying in?
On to the promised Trip Report. When last I left you, I had spent a great day on the boat Long Distance and stopped over at Shipwreck for Conch Fritters - my favorite.....
Day Four
Not sure how I can top the greatness of yesterday. I had planned to go to Miss Lucy's for Sunday Brunch. I've never gone before and it was one of the things on my Must Do List This Trip. But if you do all the things on that list, you don't have excuses to come back...so....I'm finally feeling fully energized and over my cold, so I'm ready to do something active. Off to Ram's Head! We are actually the first people in the Salt Pond parking lot...but that doesn't last long. Sorry Jorge, but your beach has been discovered!
I always love the view from Rams Head, but really, I could spend all day at the Blue Cobblestone Beach. The sound of the water rippling through the rocks finally allows me to relax and enjoy vacation. I love to check out the fire coral on this snorkel and we saw a couple of huge puffers hiding out from the current. It's a great snorkel, but not for the faint of heart when the seas are up.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... erlook.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... erlook.jpg" border="0" alt="Blue Cobblestone Beach"></a>
We headed over to Drunk Bay and left our mark...and I wonder, how many people does it take to build this? Are any of you responsible?
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ayArch.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ayArch.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
After a picnic at Salt Pond, we take another trip to see what's under the sea. My favorite part of every vacation day has got to be when you put on your mask and stick your face in the water for the first time... all you can hear is the sound of your own breathing and the fish eating. Ahhhh.... I feel like no one in the world can find me if I don't want to be found! And of course, I don't!
We saw the only shark of the trip on this snorkel...but he was just a baby nurse shark, so I couldn't even scare the newbie with it!
It is getting late in the afternoon at this point and I am determined to make it to my first Forum Gathering at the Beach Bar...so we head off to make the big trip into "town". To date, the only part of town that SB has seen is the car barge dock and Starfish Market, so he doesn't even believe that there is a town. We do a little sight-seeing and stop off at Woodys for some shark bites at Happy Hour - Yummy.
By the time we make it to the Beach Bar, there are a lot more people there than I'm expecting...and how do I even know which ones are Forum People? Its not like we all wear signs on our heads - though I think that MrsCaptJay might start after our conversation! (And if we all wore signs on our heads, I wouldn't have missed you-Salty!) Finally, with enough Bushwacker Courage, I approach the only person that I might possibly recognize as STJRuth and when they are all done laughing at me, it turns out I was right! It was great to meet everyone and I will make sure to show up earlier next time.
When the gathering dispersed, I thought I needed more Bushwackers, when what I really needed was some food to soak up the Bushwackers for the drive back to Coral Bay. We had crab wontons at the Beach Bar, which were very good, but not much for soaking up the rum...so we headed back to Woodys so I could have their blackened chicken sandwich. It has just the right amount of spice and kick - just like in their shark bites.
The drive home from Cruz Bay was not a journey that I would like to repeat in that condition. So I don't recommend it! The roads were wet and for some reason I decided to take the scenic route. But all's well that ends well! And it was another great day!
Day Five
Up early again for another hike/snorkel. We take the shortest trail to Brown Bay. Its quite a steep hill, but I love how you are rewarded at the end with the conch shells and I always leave one or two on the trail if I can find some on the beach. The seas are very rough here, but I like to visit my favorite Elkhorn Coral, just to see how much he's grown. Thankfully, I make it out to him before the waves beat me to death.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ownBay.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ownBay.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
There isn't any interest in hanging out on the beach here, as the bugs are really bad. But we did stick around long enough to meet an older couple that rented a kayak out of Cinnamon Bay and paddled all the way over to Brown. It took them 2.5 hrs!! And the water was certainly NOT calm! I thought that was pretty amazing. I only hope I'm in half the shape they are when I'm that age.
We hike out quickly and make our way to Haulover Bay where we are scheduled to meet Collette from 6-paq Scuba for a "Comfort Dive". Neither of us have any diving experience or knowledge whatsoever. I'm claustrophobic and thought that being 'trapped' underwater would probably freak me out, but it was time to face my fear, so I scheduled with Collette. I felt like the instruction she gave us was excellent and as soon as we were in the water, I did things that I never thought were possible, so I know she's a great instructor and I would recommend her class to anyone. Unfortunately, my sinuses had not fully recovered from my head cold and my ears refused to equalize. This pretty much distracted me for the entire experience. But SB had a good time, and I think if he has some expendable cash, he could easily be talked into taking up the sport.
After a picnic at Haulover, my ears were still not better, so we picked up a cooler of adult beverages from the apt, stopped at the Smoothie Stand for more, and hit Maho to watch the sunset. Happy to finally be back at Maho as I remembered it...peaceful and calm...
The crowds leave here early of course, thanks to the bugs. But the bugs can't catch me when I'm on my Noodle! Some folks left a raft behind, so I traded in my noodle for even more Official Lounging.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... sFloat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... sFloat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I did try to snorkel a bit here as I had the opportunity to watch an octopus feeding in the late afternoon here last year. But alas, just like the shark, he was not awaiting my return either!
You can't officially see the sunset from here...but it was still nice.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... unset2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... unset2.jpg" border="0" alt="Maho Sunset"></a>
Day Six
We are up early this morning as the goal is to hit Waterlemon and I have made the mistake of waiting until late morning before. Its raining a bit and I guess that kept the crowds away because we are one of the first people at the beach again. The sun even came out a little so I could take pictures of all the amazing stuff we saw. Waterlemon has gotten so popular that I hate to admit our luck here. But we did see the largest stingray that I've ever seen, some great coral, and probably a dozen turtles. This large one just munched away as I snapped photos of him.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... urtle2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... urtle2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... seUp-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... seUp-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I have some decent video of him as well..I hope to figure out how to post it soon.
Next we hiked up the Johnny Horn trail a bit, because I wanted to check out the view from the Windy Hill ruins even though it was a bit cloudy still for this classic picture...
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... look-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... look-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Picnic on the sandy beach at Waterlemon, and some snorkeling off the beach. The starfish had migrated inland. They were not out at the Cay as usual, but instead were just off the left side of the beach before you get to the first set of boat moorings. Not far from shore at all. And as usual, they were having a Starfish Party.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... b08558.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... b08558.jpg" border="0" alt="Starfish Party"></a>
On our way out, we checked out Annaberg - a must for all newbies, I think. And then we headed over to Maho Bay Camps, as I am considering them for my next trip. Checked out the grounds and a cabin....said Hello to SunnyLedge for Vicki (at least I think that was it) and spent the rest of the afternoon limin' at Francis. No snorkeling here, but a Pelican did come to visit me.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... eating.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... eating.jpg" border="0" alt="Pelican Eating"></a>
The rain drove us away from the beach, so I took SB to Skinny's for his obligatory burger of the trip and sat at the side bar so I could watch the chefs doing their thing. That was interesting.
Final Chapter up Next: a kayak trip, hanging out at Vie's, over to Jost and the W.O.W.
Salty- How did we not meet? I really liked InnerVisions and wished I had bought a cd and been able to stay longer. Which house were you staying in?
On to the promised Trip Report. When last I left you, I had spent a great day on the boat Long Distance and stopped over at Shipwreck for Conch Fritters - my favorite.....
Day Four
Not sure how I can top the greatness of yesterday. I had planned to go to Miss Lucy's for Sunday Brunch. I've never gone before and it was one of the things on my Must Do List This Trip. But if you do all the things on that list, you don't have excuses to come back...so....I'm finally feeling fully energized and over my cold, so I'm ready to do something active. Off to Ram's Head! We are actually the first people in the Salt Pond parking lot...but that doesn't last long. Sorry Jorge, but your beach has been discovered!
I always love the view from Rams Head, but really, I could spend all day at the Blue Cobblestone Beach. The sound of the water rippling through the rocks finally allows me to relax and enjoy vacation. I love to check out the fire coral on this snorkel and we saw a couple of huge puffers hiding out from the current. It's a great snorkel, but not for the faint of heart when the seas are up.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... erlook.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... erlook.jpg" border="0" alt="Blue Cobblestone Beach"></a>
We headed over to Drunk Bay and left our mark...and I wonder, how many people does it take to build this? Are any of you responsible?
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ayArch.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ayArch.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
After a picnic at Salt Pond, we take another trip to see what's under the sea. My favorite part of every vacation day has got to be when you put on your mask and stick your face in the water for the first time... all you can hear is the sound of your own breathing and the fish eating. Ahhhh.... I feel like no one in the world can find me if I don't want to be found! And of course, I don't!
We saw the only shark of the trip on this snorkel...but he was just a baby nurse shark, so I couldn't even scare the newbie with it!
It is getting late in the afternoon at this point and I am determined to make it to my first Forum Gathering at the Beach Bar...so we head off to make the big trip into "town". To date, the only part of town that SB has seen is the car barge dock and Starfish Market, so he doesn't even believe that there is a town. We do a little sight-seeing and stop off at Woodys for some shark bites at Happy Hour - Yummy.
By the time we make it to the Beach Bar, there are a lot more people there than I'm expecting...and how do I even know which ones are Forum People? Its not like we all wear signs on our heads - though I think that MrsCaptJay might start after our conversation! (And if we all wore signs on our heads, I wouldn't have missed you-Salty!) Finally, with enough Bushwacker Courage, I approach the only person that I might possibly recognize as STJRuth and when they are all done laughing at me, it turns out I was right! It was great to meet everyone and I will make sure to show up earlier next time.
When the gathering dispersed, I thought I needed more Bushwackers, when what I really needed was some food to soak up the Bushwackers for the drive back to Coral Bay. We had crab wontons at the Beach Bar, which were very good, but not much for soaking up the rum...so we headed back to Woodys so I could have their blackened chicken sandwich. It has just the right amount of spice and kick - just like in their shark bites.
The drive home from Cruz Bay was not a journey that I would like to repeat in that condition. So I don't recommend it! The roads were wet and for some reason I decided to take the scenic route. But all's well that ends well! And it was another great day!
Day Five
Up early again for another hike/snorkel. We take the shortest trail to Brown Bay. Its quite a steep hill, but I love how you are rewarded at the end with the conch shells and I always leave one or two on the trail if I can find some on the beach. The seas are very rough here, but I like to visit my favorite Elkhorn Coral, just to see how much he's grown. Thankfully, I make it out to him before the waves beat me to death.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ownBay.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... ownBay.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
There isn't any interest in hanging out on the beach here, as the bugs are really bad. But we did stick around long enough to meet an older couple that rented a kayak out of Cinnamon Bay and paddled all the way over to Brown. It took them 2.5 hrs!! And the water was certainly NOT calm! I thought that was pretty amazing. I only hope I'm in half the shape they are when I'm that age.
We hike out quickly and make our way to Haulover Bay where we are scheduled to meet Collette from 6-paq Scuba for a "Comfort Dive". Neither of us have any diving experience or knowledge whatsoever. I'm claustrophobic and thought that being 'trapped' underwater would probably freak me out, but it was time to face my fear, so I scheduled with Collette. I felt like the instruction she gave us was excellent and as soon as we were in the water, I did things that I never thought were possible, so I know she's a great instructor and I would recommend her class to anyone. Unfortunately, my sinuses had not fully recovered from my head cold and my ears refused to equalize. This pretty much distracted me for the entire experience. But SB had a good time, and I think if he has some expendable cash, he could easily be talked into taking up the sport.
After a picnic at Haulover, my ears were still not better, so we picked up a cooler of adult beverages from the apt, stopped at the Smoothie Stand for more, and hit Maho to watch the sunset. Happy to finally be back at Maho as I remembered it...peaceful and calm...
The crowds leave here early of course, thanks to the bugs. But the bugs can't catch me when I'm on my Noodle! Some folks left a raft behind, so I traded in my noodle for even more Official Lounging.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... sFloat.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... sFloat.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I did try to snorkel a bit here as I had the opportunity to watch an octopus feeding in the late afternoon here last year. But alas, just like the shark, he was not awaiting my return either!
You can't officially see the sunset from here...but it was still nice.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... unset2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... unset2.jpg" border="0" alt="Maho Sunset"></a>
Day Six
We are up early this morning as the goal is to hit Waterlemon and I have made the mistake of waiting until late morning before. Its raining a bit and I guess that kept the crowds away because we are one of the first people at the beach again. The sun even came out a little so I could take pictures of all the amazing stuff we saw. Waterlemon has gotten so popular that I hate to admit our luck here. But we did see the largest stingray that I've ever seen, some great coral, and probably a dozen turtles. This large one just munched away as I snapped photos of him.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... urtle2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... urtle2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... seUp-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... seUp-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
I have some decent video of him as well..I hope to figure out how to post it soon.
Next we hiked up the Johnny Horn trail a bit, because I wanted to check out the view from the Windy Hill ruins even though it was a bit cloudy still for this classic picture...
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... look-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... look-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Picnic on the sandy beach at Waterlemon, and some snorkeling off the beach. The starfish had migrated inland. They were not out at the Cay as usual, but instead were just off the left side of the beach before you get to the first set of boat moorings. Not far from shore at all. And as usual, they were having a Starfish Party.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... b08558.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... b08558.jpg" border="0" alt="Starfish Party"></a>
On our way out, we checked out Annaberg - a must for all newbies, I think. And then we headed over to Maho Bay Camps, as I am considering them for my next trip. Checked out the grounds and a cabin....said Hello to SunnyLedge for Vicki (at least I think that was it) and spent the rest of the afternoon limin' at Francis. No snorkeling here, but a Pelican did come to visit me.
<a href="http://s250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... eating.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg25 ... eating.jpg" border="0" alt="Pelican Eating"></a>
The rain drove us away from the beach, so I took SB to Skinny's for his obligatory burger of the trip and sat at the side bar so I could watch the chefs doing their thing. That was interesting.
Final Chapter up Next: a kayak trip, hanging out at Vie's, over to Jost and the W.O.W.
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California Girl
Thanks! 
Thanks for the part 2 report. So nice with all the pictures.
Nice with so many turtles at Waterlemon.
Sorry about your ear problems when you should try scuba. I know it can be painful. I had a cold when I last dove, and the DM gave me a pill (don't remember the name, but it was OK to take of course) and after 20 min I was able to equalize again.
Nice with so many turtles at Waterlemon.
Sorry about your ear problems when you should try scuba. I know it can be painful. I had a cold when I last dove, and the DM gave me a pill (don't remember the name, but it was OK to take of course) and after 20 min I was able to equalize again.
Sun - thanks for the TR and pix.
You should try tweaking your underwater shots with your photosoftware, like this one click result on your turtle using Picasa.
You'll be amazed at the results.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Misc ... 2.jpg"></a>[/img]
You should try tweaking your underwater shots with your photosoftware, like this one click result on your turtle using Picasa.
You'll be amazed at the results.
[img]<a%20href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jmackq/Misc ... 2.jpg"></a>[/img]
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Thanks for the great trip report and pictures! I can't wait for the rest. That rock sculpture is as liamsaunt said, "amazing". I did not see that when we were there in November. I'm sure I would have noticed it.
Anyone remember the feature On-St-John had about the guy who did the rock balancing? Maybe his work??? It looks a little complex for amateurs or else someone had a lot of time.
Anyone remember the feature On-St-John had about the guy who did the rock balancing? Maybe his work??? It looks a little complex for amateurs or else someone had a lot of time.
Going "home" again October 26th!