18 more days in paradise, final

[liamsaunt]

Day 17

Our last full day. We decided to head down and sample the Caneel breakfast buffet. I like trying the different fruit juices they offer. This time we sampled tamarind, soursop, and papaya. All were good but the papaya was our favorite. We both had eggs benedict:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519006117/" title="caneel breakfast buffet by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3223/251 ... db15df.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="caneel breakfast buffet"></a>


The view from here is very nice:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519826042/" title="caneel buffet view by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3175/251 ... 568d9c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="caneel buffet view"></a>


We knew we wanted to spend the rest of the day making the most of the snorkeling, so for our first trip we planned to start out at Scott Beach and swim all the way over to Caneel, then walk back to our room. We started out on the beach with some books, to give our stomachs time to relax from breakfast:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519969174/" title="Scott Beach John 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3086/251 ... ee8b20.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Scott Beach John 2"></a>


I noticed a couple rock scrambling in front of Cottage 7 to get access to Scott beach. Wow, it would have been MUCH easier to just swim over. The woman especially looked like she was having a hard time. I noticed an older couple went right up to them when they finally got on the beach...they were probably as curious as me...did they scramble all the way over from Caneel, around Cottage Point? That would score way to high on the PISI (potential self injury index) for me! I hope they enjoyed their time on the beach after all their effort.

Anyway, into the water. As always, there were lots of turtles around.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519037935/" title="cpturtle2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/251 ... 71c3b3.jpg" width="500" height="412" alt="cpturtle2"></a>


They seem to congregate on the left side as you are looking at the water. John spotted this tiny little cowfish--look at how his face is so swollen.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519966204/" title="Scott baby cowfish by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2373/251 ... e434ac.jpg" width="500" height="337" alt="Scott baby cowfish"></a>


John saw him get stung by an urchin and then his face blew up like that. Poor little fish! We found some more of the usual fishes, barracudas, rays, tangs, grey angelfish:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519852372/" title="cp grey angelfish john by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/251 ... a8b862.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="cp grey angelfish john"></a>

lots of jacks, etc.

Making our way around Cottage Point, there were more seageant majors than I have ever seen before. There were just clouds of them schooling about:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519854272/" title="cp sms 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/251 ... 318ffe.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="cp sms 2"></a>


I also spotted a pair of mutton snapper--here is one of them:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519854006/" title="cp mutton snapper by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/251 ... 57fae6.jpg" width="500" height="435" alt="cp mutton snapper"></a>


I had never seen them with this type of marking before. The interesting thing is that when I dove down to take their picture, they changed color, and went back to the typical mutton snapper coloring. Continuing on towards Caneel Bay, the visibility got a little cloudy. We did find a barred hamlet:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519851280/" title="cp barred hamlet by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/251 ... d6bc9f.jpg" width="500" height="383" alt="cp barred hamlet"></a>


lots of the little schooling grunts and so on:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519031749/" title="cottage point striped grunts by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2182/251 ... 6f2e67.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="cottage point striped grunts"></a>


but no fishes of extreme interest.

I went over to the dive shop to get some towels and we just relaxed on Caneel Beach for a while before heading back to Scott to pick up our stuff and return to the room.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519005577/" title="caneel beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3142/251 ... 46cc1a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="caneel beach"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519004971/" title="Caneel Beach foot washing by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2336/251 ... 9011be.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Caneel Beach foot washing"></a>


After some book time on the porch we headed over to Turtle Bay beach.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519170993/" title="turtle bay beach 3 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/251 ... 5e3850.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="turtle bay beach 3"></a>


Turtle Bay is a pretty little beach, and there is good snorkeling on both sides. There is especially nice coral on the left side. We headed over the coral around to Turtle Point. John got out of my line of vision, so I turned around to look for him. I did not see John, but I did see a BIG SHARK heading in my direction!! The moment I turned around, the shark was kind enough to turn and head in the opposite direction. At that point I was able to get its picture.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519174153/" title="turtle bay reef shark by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2030/251 ... 71aa41.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="turtle bay reef shark"></a>


Actually, their picture! Can you see the second shark in the background? It was really exciting. The sharks were obviously not at all interested in me, which kept me from being frightened and wanting to go in to shore. John was SO jealous that I saw sharks and he did not. I told him, "That's what you get for not sticking nearby like you are supposed to." He always goes off by himself and swims out past the no boat markers. It drives me bonkers. We continued on to the right side of the beach, passing this interesting "reef" on the way (it's a Caneel lounge chair).


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519173889/" title="turtle bay lounge chair by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2219/251 ... 5edb47.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="turtle bay lounge chair"></a>


The left side had lots of fish, including this grasby:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519992904/" title="Turtle Bay grasby by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2356/251 ... 7aa4e9.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Turtle Bay grasby"></a>


some tangs:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519175269/" title="turtle bay tang by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/251 ... 6859b6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="turtle bay tang"></a>

and lots of trumpetfish, and more coral.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519992356/" title="Turtle Bay brain coral by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2311/251 ... 33f0d4.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Turtle Bay brain coral"></a>


Who can tell me what this blue stuff is growing out of the bottom right of this brain coral? Some kind of sponge?


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519171627/" title="turtle bay brain coral with blue sponge by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/251 ... 91849a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="turtle bay brain coral with blue sponge"></a>


Coming out of the water, we had our one and only nekkid people experience of this trip. (So of course I am going to tell you about it! ) This woman came into the water sans suit...it was really weird because there were lots of people on the beach, so she got lots of attention. I will say that she disproved my prior assertion that only people you don't want to see nekkid seem to be letting it all hang out, so to speak. She looked rather like she could have been left behind from the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition photo shoot. It was still weird though.

Back to the room for some relaxing before dinner:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519820962/" title="c 7F sunset sail view by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2149/251 ... 2239cb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="c 7F sunset sail view"></a>


We decided to go to Asolare. It was a fun meal. View:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519798738/" title="Asolare view 2 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/251 ... 05777c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Asolare view 2"></a>


We started with some cocktails:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519797288/" title="asolare cocktails by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2337/251 ... 339ebc.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="asolare cocktails"></a>


tempura shrimp:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519798182/" title="asolare shrimp by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/251 ... 219f3d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="asolare shrimp"></a>


then some fried calamari:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2518978591/" title="Asolare calamari by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2276/251 ... 4f9fb1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Asolare calamari"></a>


some seared tuna with soy reduction:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2518980007/" title="Asolare tuna by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3116/251 ... 85517f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Asolare tuna"></a>


Everything was delicious.


Day 18.

Boo....it's time to go home. I had arranged for Caneel to bring us a picnic basket breakfast this morning, so we could take advantage of our private patio and its views one last time.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519824946/" title="Caneel breakfast hamper opened by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2274/251 ... 068c14.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Caneel breakfast hamper opened"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519006669/" title="Caneel breakfast hamper set up by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2390/251 ... fb6a80.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Caneel breakfast hamper set up"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519000725/" title="C 7F hibiscus by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/251 ... 00465b.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="C 7F hibiscus"></a>


After enjoying breakfast, we checked out of Caneel and headed into town for some last minute shopping. We bought some sandwiches at Deli Grotto for the airport. Vegetarian Greek:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519858568/" title="deli grotto greek vegetable by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3017/251 ... b8b5c2.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="deli grotto greek vegetable"></a>


Pink Cadillac:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519858660/" title="deli grotto pink cadillac by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2095/251 ... c89395.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="deli grotto pink cadillac"></a>


then picked out more stuff at Donald Schnell, turned in the car to St. John Car Rental (easy as pie, no issues at all), and then went down to visit with Ron and Ruth (and buy some stuff of course!).

Shopping note: I had a really hard time finding something to buy as a gift for my niece and nephew. I always make it a point to get them very equal gifts, because I love them equally of course! I found some cool toys for Caili, at St. John Kids, but Liam's too old for their stuff, and he's too young to appreciate clothing or something like that. In desperation, I just went to Captains Corner and bought two baskets of small shells--they come from somewhere else--they are not VI shells. Anyway, they were $2.99 each and the kids LOVED them. Mission accomplished, and now I already have Caili's birthday present tucked away too!

Back to Caneel for the ferry ride to the airport. Urgh, there it is:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519009229/" title="Caneel ferry by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/251 ... 8e3b69.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Caneel ferry"></a>


Of course, we had to get some lubrication for the boat. It helped, a little:


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519826158/" title="Caneel drinks to go by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2093/251 ... deb2a9.jpg" width="500" height="444" alt="Caneel drinks to go"></a>


Goodbye Caneel! I love how the staff comes out and waves goodbye.


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519826998/" title="Caneel ferry goodbye John by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/251 ... fb593d.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Caneel ferry goodbye John"></a>


Goodbye...


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519826322/" title="Caneel ferry beach by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/251 ... 785fdb.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="Caneel ferry beach"></a>


<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519008595/" title="Caneel ferry goodbye by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2377/251 ... 3b8ba5.jpg" width="500" height="366" alt="Caneel ferry goodbye"></a>


When the Caneel staff man handed me off the boat at Charlotte Amelie, he said "Goodbye, Mrs. M_____, and I will see you in six months." That just cracked me up.


We got a porter at the airport (with all of our bags, we NEEDED one!). He swept us through the line for ticketing and also the security line. We did have to wait in the regular customs line. All told, the process took about 20 minutes. The porter was a really nice guy, and deserved his tip.

Getting through security etc. so quickly left us plenty of time to enjoy our sandwiches from the Deli Grotto with a couple of Red Stripes.

The flight home was fine, our bags were the first ones of the luggage carousel, and we were in bed by 1 AM.


Final thoughts: As always, we had a wonderful trip. I will say that the island was more crowded this trip than any other time we visited. The water was also the more stirred up and colder than we are used to. Overall, I think the dead quiet beaches and calm waters of October remains my favorite time to visit. But, any time on St. John is a good time!

We discovered that we really love staying in Coral Bay. It seems to be a closer drive to some of our favorite snorkel spots, and the views from high up just can't be beat. I'm going to have to start a new Coral Bay-focused villa spreadsheet for researching future trips!

I also want to note that just about everyone we interacted with was pleasant and helpful. That goes for the airport staff who helped me with my lost bag, to the grocery store clerks who always had a smile, to the taxi drivers who thanked us for visiting the island, to the waitstaff who patiently answered all of my questions about the menus, even the folks around us who drew us into their conversations. We just felt very welcomed, and I thought it was important to share that with you.

We are already thinking about our next visit to St. John. I'm not sure when exactly it will be, but I can assure you that it will be soon.

Thanks for reading along.


St. John Spring 2008 favorites list:

Beach (overall): Scott beach
Beach (swimming): Cinnamon Bay
Beach (snorkeling): Scott Beach
Restaurant: Sweet Plantains
Villa: La Mer
Fish sighting: Octopus


St. John Spring 2008 itunes list

Jack Johnson: Banana Pancakes
Kassav': Doubout Pikan
Krosfyah & Edwin Yearwood: Oil Pumping
Lord Melody: Bong Bong Bong
Marcia Griffiths featuring Bunny Ruggs:
Really Together
Jimmy Buffett: Boat Drinks
Blinky & The Roadmasters: Caroline
The Golden Aires Mento Band: Mary Ann
Wrangler: Bongo Man
10 Ft. Ganja Plant: Deliver Us Jah
Cheela, Jacob Devarieux, Jocelyne Labylle & Passi:
Laisse Parler Les Gens !!!
Krosfyah: Pump Me Up
The Beach Boys: Sloop John B.
Cocoa Tea: Good Life
Cocoa Tea: Hurry Up and Come
Freddie Notes & The Rudies: Montego Bay
Desmond Dekker: 007 (Shanty Town)
Jimmy Cliff: Many Rivers to Cross
Krosfyah & Edwin Yearwood: Jamming Practice
Greg McDonald: Jamaica Farewell

To see a flickr slide show of some of my pictures from this trip, click here:

http://www.flickr.com/gp/28539958@N00/38mE3c


Until the next trip...


Becky and John

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28539958@N00/2519828242/" title="Caneel gs 6 by liamsaunt, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2057/251 ... ff54_m.jpg" width="225" height="240" alt="Caneel gs 6"></a>

[DELETED]

DELETED

[mbw1024]

Thanks for taking us along, Becky. I love your ending photos of each report

[Mary L]

Thank you for the wonderful TR. I loved all of your pictures.

[flip-flop]

Awesome report....LOVE the cowfish. What a cutie in that "face only a mother could love" way.

Thank you for sharing.

[waterguy]

Great job but I'm sorry to see it end.

[AnyTing]

Thanks for the great reporting! I especially love the photo of you and John. So cool that you saw the shark (in a non-scary way!).

[Jo Ann - VA]

Your trip reports were very infomative and well written. Thank you for taking the time to do them!

Jo Ann

[Gromit]

An excellent TR all around. Thanks for sharing -- you guys make a beautiful couple!

[lisak428]

Thanks so much for the great trip report. I can only imagine how time consuming it is. Your pictures are beautiful and your meals are exquisite!!! That octopus picture is awesome. It almost looks surreal! They are ugly! I'll be on a quest in November to find one!! Thanks again for sharing.
Lisa

[SusanNJ]

I probably would have jumped right out of the water if I saw those sharks - YIKES!! Do you know what kind they were?

[jmq]

One word: WOW

If it was close, I assume the shark pic put you over the top on the photo throwdown with hubs...

[linne]

Becky, your TR’s have just been in the top. I cannot understand how you can manage to take so many fantastic pics of food, fishes, landscapes etc.. I really understand why people are looking forward to read your reports. Also they are very informative, I have learned the name of some of the fish, I have seen. I only missed some photos of you and John, but you rewarded us in the final with a great picture. Thank you for using a lot of time to tell us about your adventure. It has been a pleasure to read.

Linne

[VayCay]

Great trip report guys! I really like the way you sprinkled it with pics...I felt like I was there with you. Hope the post-vacation blues don't set in to hard!

[LysaC]

Awesome trip and trip report!! Thank you for taking the time to take so many pictures and sharing them with us. Hubby and I bring the camera then forget it in the jeep/villa/pocketbook all the time. Doh!