Spring Break 2014!
11 March 2014 | St John
a happy momma
A great week with Janet and Allen Bunch! I mean, how cool is it that 2 college students chose to hang out with parents for their spring break. Yea, they got to be in the islands full of sun and sailing, meals paid for, some local rum,……guess that makes them smart and we the lucky ones. I went to load the pictures to the computer and evidently the camera was hijacked a few times – ENJOY (Spring Break gallery).
After a full day of cleaning the boat inside and out, our passengers arrived via a taxi from the airport in St Thomas. Once they unpacked their luggage and Allen got a quick showing of his living quarters we headed out to provision the boat for the week. So thankful we had 4 folks carrying the groceries. Dinner at a restaurant on the dock, a warm night below deck to rise ready for our journey.
First stop – Waterlemon Bay. It ended up being a motor day due to light winds on the bow but once we arrived we snorkeled, paddleboarded and enjoyed dinner on the boat. Sleep was much more comfortable with the light breeze blowing in the hatches. Next morning we took a 2 mile trek along one of many paths on St John. We arrived in Coral Bay for lunch @ Skinny Legs and a return hike back to the boat. Onward to Caneel Bay where we went into Cruz Bay for a few hours. J & A both wish for employment here.
Tues Jim & Janet headed out early for a 2 tank dive. Evidently Janet had not lost a thing since her last dive 4 years ago as she looked like a mermaid down below. While they were away Allen snorkeled to the beach while I paddled a bit and ended up on the beach. He paddled back to the boat while I swam. We got back just in time to catch the lines from the returning dive boat. Quick lunch and then a sail to Maho Bay. Snorkel, beach Tues and then went to Cinnamon Bay via dinghy Weds morning. Another beautiful beach with a smorgasboard of water activities if you choose – windsurfing, paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, kite surf. They also had an archeological hut there about things found on the island from the Taino Indians from 3000yrs ago. Back to Maho for another snorkel and then a beautiful sail to the other side of the island to little Lamshur Bay. Yup, another beautiful beach and snorkeling. The evening was a bit rolly but the kids were troopers and we set out for another hike Thurs morning. 2 miles to check out the petroglyphics left behind by the Tainos. Then 2 miles back. We to a wrong turn or two but nothing too far off and not a huge hill before we realized we missed something. A snorkel out around the point of the bay but still not much seen except a few angel fish and a wonderful spotted eagle ray. We decided to motor over to Salt Pond in hopes of a better snorkel but ended up @ Bobby Rock. All who entered were thankful of the stop for its colorful coral and fish. Still no shark thoughWe put out the sails and headed back to Caneel Bay. While underway the two youngsters enjoyed sunbathing on the deck. Every time we had to tack we would let them know so they could secure themselves. No Man Overboard drills needed. Jim dinghied them to Cruz Bay for Happy Hour and some wuick gifts while I stayed behind to prepare dinner. A round of hearts was played and Janet was the winner scoring only 15 points after 5-6 hands. She is a quick learner. With them onboard I got to play a game every night - Yatzee, cards, Shut the Box, Catchphrase - a treat! Friday Jim dinghied the kids to shore to enjoy some beach time and to be picked up @ 3pm. I tidied up the boat and paddled to join them. With intermittent showers they got back to the boat sooner, cleaned up and headed back into town for last of the gift getting and happy hour before we dined @ P&P. For any of you who know Jim he is famous for finding holes in the wall. Well, this one was GREAT! and we can't wait to return bringing Earl & Margaret & their friends. I thought about allowing the kids to stay in town after dinner but islands curl up early like small towns.
Saturday morning they packed and we set out to St Thomas for their return flight. The week went by to quick. A lot quicker than the low that hit me when they got on the taxi. It truly took me 2 days to get over their departure. Fun times.
Due to weak internet connection out here on the ball the picture gallery will not be posted until the morning or the weekend. Keep checking back