Haven't been on in a while and very very late in completing these. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />


After TS Bertha cleared out, everyone would be ready to get out and tour the island. Parker and I were the first up and we got the coffee going and began the preparations for the banana pancakes, always a requested breakfast during our trips. Everyone made it upstairs and saw the postcard morning they expected.



Jen had checked the calendar for cruise ships, none in port. We decided on either Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay. The final decision would be made when we got to the parking lot. Lunch would be made, coolers loaded and truck packed with all the essentials for a great beach day. Off we go in the family Fordster.

Of course no ride is complete without the obligatory stop for photos. We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again.



As we passed the Trunk Bay lot, it was already full. So I know another little secluded place. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> We headed to Cinnamon Bay and found the lot unusually empty. As the kids have grown up, this trek to our favorite spot is a lot easier now. Must be the fact they can help with the essentials. We head to the familiar spot and find a nice breeze and no one around.





The day was turning out to be the calm after the storm….the water perfect, the sand had minimal footprints, couldn’t ask for a better day in paradise. Everything is set up and relaxation begins. One thing I did plan to get a photo of the kids, just like the first time they came with us in 2010. They look a little different but we still look the same. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

[color:"blue"]2010[/color]



[color:"blue"]2014[/color]



A stop at Cinnamon Bay isn’t complete until a snorkel, so Lorne and I grabbed the gear and headed out to the rock since conditions were good. It always takes a while to get there, but the view is great.



And the views under water, even better!







[img]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/ReelG8tr/tarpon2.jpg[/img]

We watched five tarpon for nearly an hour as they fed. I’ve seen tarpon swimming before, but never in the presence of so much bait. It was a really cool experience. They worked to together to push the bait and coordinate attacks. After watching this scene unfold, I really want to get certified before our next trip. I think I could talk my wife and daughter into it as well, our son, not so much. We headed back in and I found my girls waiting for us at the edge of the water.

[img]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/ReelG8tr/STJ%202014/GOPR3309.jpg[/img]

They wanted to show off their new jewelry, so I felt obliged to join them.

[img]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/ReelG8tr/STJ%202014/GOPR3314.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/ReelG8tr/STJ%202014/DSC_2863.jpg[/img]

The rest of the afternoon was uneventful, as it should be in paradise and our evening would be relaxing on the deck, watching the sunset over St. Thomas and grilling some steaks. What a fine combination!

[img]http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s32/ReelG8tr/sunset.jpg[/img]

next up a day on the Gypsea Girl.