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Trip Report 4/21 - 4/29, Part III
Trip Report 4/21 - 4/29, Part III
You will have to forgive me. I think that this might be the first time that I have had only one day fill up a whole "part" segment of my trip report. But - here goes!
Day 5 - Wednesday, April 25
Actually awoke to clear skies for a change! Yippee!
Clear skies over Cruz Bay!
Our guest for breakfast
Only 2 full days left on St. John before we headed over to St. Thomas so we had to plan strategically. In the event that tomorrow is a "wash out" - where would I really regret not getting to? Not even a tough decision - the answer was Honeymoon Beach!
Had just a little side trip first. We had wanted to check out Coconut Coast Villas for a possible future stay. We were lucky & were able to see one of the Suites. Our verdict - the place was nicer than we thought - inside & out. But, we were not happy with the roads and the neighborhood that you had to drive through to get there. Also, the price was quite comparable to Estate Lindholm - and we would definitely choose Lindholm over it for a return visit. Though it did have a nice oceanfront balcony and nice kitchen area. We, also, were not sure when the car ferry would begin and/or end & it would travel right past the balcony. Anyway - glad that we took the opportunity to check it out. We were even invited to a wine & cheese gallery event at Coconut Coast Studios for that evening - but, knew that we wouldn't make it, as it was our night to head back to Asolare.
Headed down the North Shore road to Honeymoon. Parked in the lot at Caneel & grabbed our gear & headed down that nice walk to Honeymoon. The site was as beautiful as ever. We set up our beach chairs. Chilled for a little bit.
Honeymoon
A couple of boats came in with their snorkelers. So, I got the "bright" idea to finally head over to Solomon, since we had never gone there before - and to give us a little privacy from the crew just dropped off. I also had the dumb idea to bring the beach chairs, little cooler, beach bag & snorkel gear with us.
We knew that Solomon was right around the bend - so how difficult could the trail be? Well, you can't get there "straight" from here. Headed "up" a trail to the Lind Point Trail then "down" a trail to Solomon. We were cursing ourselves for bringing all the gear. Particularly, since the condition of the trail had been somewhat compromised & was a tad slippery due to the rains of the last few days.
Finally made it to Solomon. So, we could now say that we had been there. Actually a pretty "little" beach - with many cute little palms. In hindsight, we would have been smarter to have just snorkeled around the rocks from Honeymoon to Solomon. But, just another, live and learn scenario. We were also surprised to see so many other people there. Not the quiet, intimate beach that we had expected. But, pretty none-the-less.
Solomon Beach
Palm on Solomon
Anyway, put the snorkel gear on & headed in. I was thrilled because I spotted a peacock flounder. Snorkeling over there was okay. We even saw this really cute fish. Think he is just some kind of blue trunkfish.
Blue Trunkfish??
Headed back to Honeymoon (with gear in tow). Snorkeling over on the Honeymoon side - MUCH BETTER!!! But, must admit - for some reason the Solomon water was warmer. But, saw tons of fish off of Honeymoon. Blue-headed wrasse, squirrelfish, parrotfish, trunkfish and two absolutely gorgeous gray angelfish - one with white stripes on it. The two of them would often swim together & would virtually follow us around and pose for the camera. Too cute.
Love these parrotfish - they always look like their teeth are too big for their mouths!
Parrotfish
And this Angelfish looks like he/she has white lipstick on!
Gray Angelfish
Love this White Striped Gray Angelfish!
Spotted Trunkfish with little buddy
Now, for one the highlights of the trip. Must, first, give you a little "set up". A week or so before the trip, I had a birthday. We have amazing grandchildren - of which the two eldest are 7 year old twin boys, Jacob & Joseph. Joseph drew me this wonderful picture on my birthday card of stars & the Milky Way. Jacob drew this really cute castle and then on the cover was water & "a fish". I kind of thought that I knew what it was - but, I asked him what it was. And, of course, he said, "That's a shark". I said "Jacob, don't you know that Amma's going snorkeling in the ocean?" - (which he did because I always say how much I love snorkeling with the sea turtles). So, I said "Great - now I am going to see a shark!"
So, up to this point, I was wondering if Jacob's premonition would come true. And at Honeymoon, it did. I was out toward the rocks between Honeymoon & Solomon. Don't ask me why - but, I just kind of glanced under the rock ledge on the Solomon side. Then I saw what looked like two fins sticking up. Then I followed the shape in the direction toward me and saw the nose or snout. No mistaking it for what it was - definitely a nurse shark!
You sure can tell us professional snorkelers from the novices - because instead of hightailing it out of there, my first thought was "where is Jim with the camera?" Luckily, we were fairly close together. He got off a couple of shots - but, by then the shark was well on his way away from us. As I was watching him swim away, I thought to myself - "He even swims like a shark!" "Yes" - I am blonde and "Yes" I really did think that. And, of course, what was my next thought?? "I can't wait to tell Jacob!"
Not the best photo. But, at least it proves that we saw him!
Nurse Shark
All in all - a fantastic snorkel trip at Honeymoon. Absolutely wonderful!
We eventually walked back to Caneel. Even got a lift on a golf cart by one of the Caneel employees. Headed "home" to get ready for our long awaited romantic dinner at Asolare.
Thank you to all of the recommendations!! Asolare was phenomenal!! And that is no exaggeration. We arrived at 5:30. Spent a little time in the lounge. Were seated at a wonderful rail table & started taking photos of Cruz Bay.
We had a great waitress named Jodie. She recommended the martinis. So, okay, I ordered a Gina Colatatini which was coconut rum, pineapple run, cream de coco and pineapple juice. Jim had a sunset passiontini - 5 different rums & cranberry juice. Do we look happy, or what??
Sue & Jim at Asolare
They hit the spot. So, we had to order another round. Not the cheapest drinks we have ever purchased - but, definitely worth every penny. For an appetizer we shared the Pork Dumplings. Absolutely scrumptious. A little spicy - but, not overpowering. Served with asian noodles & greens. The entrees were amazing.
I ordered the Filet with roasted potatoes, napa cabbage with vinegar reduction. Since when can cabbage taste this good?
Food Porn Alert!!
Sue's Filet Mignon
Jim had the entrée special, which was Mahi Mahi with a grilled Lobster Tail served on top of potato with crabmeat. Also, sweet red pepper on the side. He loved it! We should have taken pictures of the totally empty plates after!!
Jim's Mahi Mahi w/Grilled Lobster Tail
The combination of the setting, the martinis, the food, the service and, not to mention, THE GREAT WEATHER made it one of the most incredible evenings we have ever had on any vacation.
Got some great shots off, too!!
Lights of Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay Boats at Sunset
Lights of St. Thomas at sunset
Finished the night by sharing a frozen chocolate mouse. Unfortunately they no longer serve the famous chocolate lava cake. We even heard guys from another table remark how they were looking forward to ordering it. Must say - we had the best coffee of the whole trip there, as well.
Oh - meant to tell you that the staff there were super. Our waitress Jodie even remarked about us getting rained out on Sunday and she wasn't even there that night. We were really impressed. The hostess went out of her way to thank us for coming back. We felt like royalty. We walked "home" with smiles on our faces from the most fantastic evening!
And just when we didn't think it could get any better - while we were sitting on our balcony, we heard music. We realized that it was wafting up from Cruz Bay. We couldn't believe how clearly we could hear it. Found out the next day that it was Laura Jones of, I think, Lynard & Miss Jones from N. Carolina, playing at the Beach Bar. Absolutely beautiful, rich voice & the instrumentals were really good.
FINALLY - the absolutely perfect day in paradise!! - Oh & dare I say it - "NO RAIN"!!
Day 5 - Wednesday, April 25
Actually awoke to clear skies for a change! Yippee!
Clear skies over Cruz Bay!
Our guest for breakfast
Only 2 full days left on St. John before we headed over to St. Thomas so we had to plan strategically. In the event that tomorrow is a "wash out" - where would I really regret not getting to? Not even a tough decision - the answer was Honeymoon Beach!
Had just a little side trip first. We had wanted to check out Coconut Coast Villas for a possible future stay. We were lucky & were able to see one of the Suites. Our verdict - the place was nicer than we thought - inside & out. But, we were not happy with the roads and the neighborhood that you had to drive through to get there. Also, the price was quite comparable to Estate Lindholm - and we would definitely choose Lindholm over it for a return visit. Though it did have a nice oceanfront balcony and nice kitchen area. We, also, were not sure when the car ferry would begin and/or end & it would travel right past the balcony. Anyway - glad that we took the opportunity to check it out. We were even invited to a wine & cheese gallery event at Coconut Coast Studios for that evening - but, knew that we wouldn't make it, as it was our night to head back to Asolare.
Headed down the North Shore road to Honeymoon. Parked in the lot at Caneel & grabbed our gear & headed down that nice walk to Honeymoon. The site was as beautiful as ever. We set up our beach chairs. Chilled for a little bit.
Honeymoon
A couple of boats came in with their snorkelers. So, I got the "bright" idea to finally head over to Solomon, since we had never gone there before - and to give us a little privacy from the crew just dropped off. I also had the dumb idea to bring the beach chairs, little cooler, beach bag & snorkel gear with us.
We knew that Solomon was right around the bend - so how difficult could the trail be? Well, you can't get there "straight" from here. Headed "up" a trail to the Lind Point Trail then "down" a trail to Solomon. We were cursing ourselves for bringing all the gear. Particularly, since the condition of the trail had been somewhat compromised & was a tad slippery due to the rains of the last few days.
Finally made it to Solomon. So, we could now say that we had been there. Actually a pretty "little" beach - with many cute little palms. In hindsight, we would have been smarter to have just snorkeled around the rocks from Honeymoon to Solomon. But, just another, live and learn scenario. We were also surprised to see so many other people there. Not the quiet, intimate beach that we had expected. But, pretty none-the-less.
Solomon Beach
Palm on Solomon
Anyway, put the snorkel gear on & headed in. I was thrilled because I spotted a peacock flounder. Snorkeling over there was okay. We even saw this really cute fish. Think he is just some kind of blue trunkfish.
Blue Trunkfish??
Headed back to Honeymoon (with gear in tow). Snorkeling over on the Honeymoon side - MUCH BETTER!!! But, must admit - for some reason the Solomon water was warmer. But, saw tons of fish off of Honeymoon. Blue-headed wrasse, squirrelfish, parrotfish, trunkfish and two absolutely gorgeous gray angelfish - one with white stripes on it. The two of them would often swim together & would virtually follow us around and pose for the camera. Too cute.
Love these parrotfish - they always look like their teeth are too big for their mouths!
Parrotfish
And this Angelfish looks like he/she has white lipstick on!
Gray Angelfish
Love this White Striped Gray Angelfish!
Spotted Trunkfish with little buddy
Now, for one the highlights of the trip. Must, first, give you a little "set up". A week or so before the trip, I had a birthday. We have amazing grandchildren - of which the two eldest are 7 year old twin boys, Jacob & Joseph. Joseph drew me this wonderful picture on my birthday card of stars & the Milky Way. Jacob drew this really cute castle and then on the cover was water & "a fish". I kind of thought that I knew what it was - but, I asked him what it was. And, of course, he said, "That's a shark". I said "Jacob, don't you know that Amma's going snorkeling in the ocean?" - (which he did because I always say how much I love snorkeling with the sea turtles). So, I said "Great - now I am going to see a shark!"
So, up to this point, I was wondering if Jacob's premonition would come true. And at Honeymoon, it did. I was out toward the rocks between Honeymoon & Solomon. Don't ask me why - but, I just kind of glanced under the rock ledge on the Solomon side. Then I saw what looked like two fins sticking up. Then I followed the shape in the direction toward me and saw the nose or snout. No mistaking it for what it was - definitely a nurse shark!
You sure can tell us professional snorkelers from the novices - because instead of hightailing it out of there, my first thought was "where is Jim with the camera?" Luckily, we were fairly close together. He got off a couple of shots - but, by then the shark was well on his way away from us. As I was watching him swim away, I thought to myself - "He even swims like a shark!" "Yes" - I am blonde and "Yes" I really did think that. And, of course, what was my next thought?? "I can't wait to tell Jacob!"
Not the best photo. But, at least it proves that we saw him!
Nurse Shark
All in all - a fantastic snorkel trip at Honeymoon. Absolutely wonderful!
We eventually walked back to Caneel. Even got a lift on a golf cart by one of the Caneel employees. Headed "home" to get ready for our long awaited romantic dinner at Asolare.
Thank you to all of the recommendations!! Asolare was phenomenal!! And that is no exaggeration. We arrived at 5:30. Spent a little time in the lounge. Were seated at a wonderful rail table & started taking photos of Cruz Bay.
We had a great waitress named Jodie. She recommended the martinis. So, okay, I ordered a Gina Colatatini which was coconut rum, pineapple run, cream de coco and pineapple juice. Jim had a sunset passiontini - 5 different rums & cranberry juice. Do we look happy, or what??
Sue & Jim at Asolare
They hit the spot. So, we had to order another round. Not the cheapest drinks we have ever purchased - but, definitely worth every penny. For an appetizer we shared the Pork Dumplings. Absolutely scrumptious. A little spicy - but, not overpowering. Served with asian noodles & greens. The entrees were amazing.
I ordered the Filet with roasted potatoes, napa cabbage with vinegar reduction. Since when can cabbage taste this good?
Food Porn Alert!!
Sue's Filet Mignon
Jim had the entrée special, which was Mahi Mahi with a grilled Lobster Tail served on top of potato with crabmeat. Also, sweet red pepper on the side. He loved it! We should have taken pictures of the totally empty plates after!!
Jim's Mahi Mahi w/Grilled Lobster Tail
The combination of the setting, the martinis, the food, the service and, not to mention, THE GREAT WEATHER made it one of the most incredible evenings we have ever had on any vacation.
Got some great shots off, too!!
Lights of Cruz Bay
Cruz Bay Boats at Sunset
Lights of St. Thomas at sunset
Finished the night by sharing a frozen chocolate mouse. Unfortunately they no longer serve the famous chocolate lava cake. We even heard guys from another table remark how they were looking forward to ordering it. Must say - we had the best coffee of the whole trip there, as well.
Oh - meant to tell you that the staff there were super. Our waitress Jodie even remarked about us getting rained out on Sunday and she wasn't even there that night. We were really impressed. The hostess went out of her way to thank us for coming back. We felt like royalty. We walked "home" with smiles on our faces from the most fantastic evening!
And just when we didn't think it could get any better - while we were sitting on our balcony, we heard music. We realized that it was wafting up from Cruz Bay. We couldn't believe how clearly we could hear it. Found out the next day that it was Laura Jones of, I think, Lynard & Miss Jones from N. Carolina, playing at the Beach Bar. Absolutely beautiful, rich voice & the instrumentals were really good.
FINALLY - the absolutely perfect day in paradise!! - Oh & dare I say it - "NO RAIN"!!
Sue - nice report! And a shark - wow!!!! I am glad you enjoyed your evening at Asolare - it sounds wonderful - someday we will have to do the same!
Funny story about what a small world it really is - my husband starting training for Ironman Lake Placid back in 2004 - he frequented several online forums with like minded people. Many times a poster by the name of "Virgin Girl" would post and they developed a banter on the boards. As things unfolded he found out she lived, worked and trained on St John. Come to find out her name was Jodie and she worked at Asolare! We actually met up with her while we were there last year. My husband and daughter swam a training swim with her from Maho around the bend to Cinnamon. They had a great swim and it was fun to meet her. I had heard from other comments on this board what a fantastic server she is as well as Lauren from EL saying the same - I am glad she was your server and you had a great night. I wish we had thought to have you say hello to her from us. Looking forward to your final report(s)! Caroline
Funny story about what a small world it really is - my husband starting training for Ironman Lake Placid back in 2004 - he frequented several online forums with like minded people. Many times a poster by the name of "Virgin Girl" would post and they developed a banter on the boards. As things unfolded he found out she lived, worked and trained on St John. Come to find out her name was Jodie and she worked at Asolare! We actually met up with her while we were there last year. My husband and daughter swam a training swim with her from Maho around the bend to Cinnamon. They had a great swim and it was fun to meet her. I had heard from other comments on this board what a fantastic server she is as well as Lauren from EL saying the same - I am glad she was your server and you had a great night. I wish we had thought to have you say hello to her from us. Looking forward to your final report(s)! Caroline
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Jo Ann - VA
- Posts: 756
- Joined: Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:56 am
- Location: Virginia
Great report! We were there the same week you were. Even though it rained a lot during the week we had a great time. The cloudy days and showers gave us a chance to explore the 'lay of the land' in our car. Next time we go I hope it will be sunny so we can explore more beaches and trails.
It seems like so long ago!
It seems like so long ago!
Jo Ann
Always planning the next vacation...
Always planning the next vacation...
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Jan&MikeVa
- Posts: 1084
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 5:32 pm
- Location: The Chesapeake Bay
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Xislandgirl
- Posts: 4163
- Joined: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:03 pm
- Location: Slightly left of center
Sue,
I have so enjoyed your trip reports and pictures! We are definitely buying an underwater camera before our next snorkeling trip! I saw a nurse shark at Miss Lucy's beach. My first reaction was, "WOW, I have to show my husband!" He was equally excited. We stayed at Coconut Coast. Listening to the waves twenty feet from the balcony was heavenly. The car ferry was an occasional inconvenience - the waves were worth it.
Buddles (Littleton, MA)
I have so enjoyed your trip reports and pictures! We are definitely buying an underwater camera before our next snorkeling trip! I saw a nurse shark at Miss Lucy's beach. My first reaction was, "WOW, I have to show my husband!" He was equally excited. We stayed at Coconut Coast. Listening to the waves twenty feet from the balcony was heavenly. The car ferry was an occasional inconvenience - the waves were worth it.
Buddles (Littleton, MA)
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
- Joined: Tue Dec 26, 2006 2:42 pm
- Location: houston
Loved your report, but I'm becoming more and more concerned about all the shark sightings. 
In all my years of snorkeling STJ God has answered my prayers. I have never seen a shark. I think I would have a heart attack if I did, but it seems that more and more people are seeing these gastly beasts. Didn't any of you guys see Jaws???????????????
I guess I'm not a professional snorkeler.
In all my years of snorkeling STJ God has answered my prayers. I have never seen a shark. I think I would have a heart attack if I did, but it seems that more and more people are seeing these gastly beasts. Didn't any of you guys see Jaws???????????????
I guess I'm not a professional snorkeler.
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Robin in NC
- Posts: 332
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:19 pm
- Location: Kernersville, NC
Such a great report again, and I love your photos. As I wrote before, we were there the same week and that Wednesday was really a beautiful day without rain.
I appreciate your underwater photos and I believe that blue fish is a Cowfish. They are gorgeous and so are Grey Angels. I don't know what it is about Grey Angels, but they are my favorite. When they have white strips left, they are intermediate or not adults yet.
Lucky you that you got a nice shot of the Nurse shark. Often they hide under ledges, so they are not easy to take photos of. I saw two during our trip, but never got a shot of them, as they were hiding.
I am also curious what you did in the rain on Thursday
I appreciate your underwater photos and I believe that blue fish is a Cowfish. They are gorgeous and so are Grey Angels. I don't know what it is about Grey Angels, but they are my favorite. When they have white strips left, they are intermediate or not adults yet.
Lucky you that you got a nice shot of the Nurse shark. Often they hide under ledges, so they are not easy to take photos of. I saw two during our trip, but never got a shot of them, as they were hiding.
I am also curious what you did in the rain on Thursday