Our plan of the day was simple – go to beach and participate in a Virgin Island custom called limin’. This practice call for individuals to do absolutely nothing, but to hangout. Another beautiful morning greeted us and we began our day moving very slow.
We decided to go to Honeymoon Beach for the day. There is no longer parking at the Caneel lot so now the way to get there is the Lind Trail. We opted to park up on the hill and use the upper trail. Upon our arrival the parking lot was empty and a donkey was there to insure all rules were followed.
The trail is in really good shape and the walk down is only about ½ mile, but it is vertical.
I quickly realized going up was not going to be as much fun. Little spots of blue could be seen through the foliage as we made our way down the hill.
Once again, we found a beach that has changed much since the storm. All the shade offered by the line of trees and seagrapes along the shore are mostly gone.
The little beach rental place and snack hut are up and running, which made our limin’ day that much easier. We do not have to hike out to get lunch.
However, the beach itself is still beautiful, and shade can be found it is just not as plentiful. Rain storms kept coming by, but none ever found Honeymoon Beach.
We floated and chated, read our books, and just hung out.
As the morning went on the wind picked up, but it would not stop us from snorkeling. Out to the point we went and I was paying attention if the camera was off or on this time.
The reef in front of the National Park Director’s house has really taken a beating. It is almost like everything was sandblasted. Marine life is there but appears to be greatly reduced from our last visit.
With the wind, the current was very strong so we did not snorkel long.
Our bellies were grumbling so we headed over to the snack shack, where we purchased the last 3 hot dogs, two beers for $31. I know that sounds like a lot, but the dogs did come with chips. While waiting for our lunch, a couple democrats stopped by to chat politics.
They definitely favored handouts but were both very nice and I enjoyed my chat. Until my lunch arrived and then they wanted it all. I had to shoo them away so I could eat.
We played in the water some more and Janet swam, but the time had come to climb the hill. Janet scurried up while I had to take a few pauses looking for a little more oxygen. Time to get back on walking circuit when we get home.
Leaving Honeymoon, we headed to Jumbie. Knowing the winds would be strong we still wanted to go to another beach. Walking down a pristine trail… (off ramp – We cannot say enough to the NPS, locals, and volunteers who are bringing this island back to life) in front of us was a beautiful woman in a black bathing suit with Caribbean golden skin and long black hair. I froze to take in the beauty and the contrast of this woman in black (very little black) against the turquoise sea. I turned to Janet and said I want to take that picture. As we stepped off the trail a gaggle of people were there, tripods, light diffusers, and photographer with a camera that was better looking than model. Needless to say, I did not get the shot. The beach was beautiful.
All sorts of sea life had washed up and dried on the beach.
The wind was a little much so we only stayed a short while before heading into town. We picked up a few things and listened to a children’s steel drum band welcoming the next load of travelers off the ferry. Paul of Island Cork is back on island and we snagged a Sauvignon Blanc, which paired well with our dinner that we prepared at Sweet St John.
And as it has been happening all week, sleep came fast and early.
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