Today we had an early arrival in St. Thomas, USVI. I love St. Thomas and have fond memories from a trip I took here several years ago with a group of girlfriends. I was aware, however, when we were planning our day here that there would be 5 large ships docked with us today, bringing over 16,000 people with them. We just wanted to escape the crowds and do something...different. Luckily, I came across a guy named Chad who was a former US Navy guy who moved to St. Thomas 3 years ago and bought a boat from an old sailor. He and his wife left everything, including his wife's thriving law practice and they now charter out their 37 foot sailboat to groups no larger than 6 people for day trips to St. John or wherever the group wants to go. (Dad, I think it was called a Hurricane 37, does that ring a bell?). Anyway, we had our coffees and got off the ship and we happened to be the very first people off today. Even the staff wasn't exactly sure yet which way to have us exit. We managed to wrangle a cab to the yacht harbor even though nobody wanted to take us there. Taxis here are open air trucks or large vans and they charge per person, so the more people they can cram in, the better. We didn't have time to wait so we paid dearly for our private cab. It was kind of fun going through rush hour traffic with an angry taxi driver. I have learned that no matter where I live, if I am either a) insane or b) very, very, angry I will apparently qualify for a taxi driver job. If I'm both a and b, I'll probably OWN the cab company. Anyway, we arrived at the marina and had a look around. We bought some locally made hot sauce from the market there and waited for our captain. We were met by Chad and his first mate, along with a couple from Colorado and a couple from Michigan, both of whom were experienced sailors and seemed like nice, solid people. Our boat was named the Rumbaba (which Captain Chad explained was the name of the Hindu God of irresponsibility). We went over some safety stuff and left the harbor. Winds were perfect for sailing and we collectively decided we would all like to snorkel as much as possible during the day. The first mate served us some cinnamon bread and our choice of drinks. Jim and I tried both the guava and mango juices, which for some reason I never drink at home but when in Rome...
Our first stop was Caneel Bay where we dove right in and swam about 100 yards to some coral beds for snorkeling. Because this area is virtually unvisited by tourists, the coral was large and healthy. Every time I snorkel it seems like we focus on the fish and sea creatures but let me tell you, the coral is really just as magnificent! The colors are vibrant and we did manage to see some brightly colored fish as well. We swam for a while and then got back on board for drinks and appetizers while the first mate put our lunches together. Jim and I tried a drink called a "pain killer" which was pineappley and coconutty and very delicious. (I got the recipe, party at our house when we get home!)
Lunch was an amazing grilled mahi mahi with pasta, salad, and garlic bread. We ate while sunning on the bow of the boat. Perfect! After lunch we set sail for an even more private area, set off of a private island. We did some more snorkeling and attempted to find an octopus and a barracuda that the captain said lived in the area. We didn't find our inky or bitey friends but did see large schools of fish in every color of the rainbow. After a long day, we set sail back to our yacht harbor and took a little yellow dingy to the dock. At $140 per person, (plus tip) it was a pricey day but totally worth every penny to escape the crowds and have a quiet day with some nice people. We looked through a few junk touristy shops once we caught our taxi back to the ship and are now getting ready to have a quick pizza dinner. We only have 3 more nights on this ship and while we've enjoyed it immensely, we are ready for land again. Below are a few pictures from our day. Also, I'd like to shout out a big hello to Jim's (and mine now) Aunt Ellie and Uncle Bill! I saw your comment that you've been reading the blog, so thank you! Also to Carol and Meril, if you guys are reading, hello to you too!
As for us, we are going to call it a day, and go shower before feeding our coconuts. Goodbye until tomorrow, when I'll be reporting about our exciting sea day!
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