Norman's hike (7.21.12)

There's a trail that starts behind Pirates Bight and leads you on a journey up and above sea level.  It doesn't take long to travel by foot.  And, it's not very treacherous (unless you are in flip flops).  Just ask the Sanderson girls... the view is worth the hike.

Never too Far (7.21.12)

You are never too far from home.  Jackson Tennessee, for example, is only 1901 miles.  Apparently, the owner's (of Pirates Bight) parents live there.  But really, who wants to go to Tennessee when you can stay on this beach??

Round Three at The Caves (7.21.12)

Round three (of snorkeling) was off Norman Island at the Caves. Beyond the two larger caves we came upon a small opening we hadn't noticed before.  Once inside, it led two directions to other caverns. Through a mossy opening it spilled to a rocky beach. Indescribable.   

Squid (7.21.12)

For our second snorkel of the day, we traveled to Pelican island.  The Indians were a little rough, but, regardless, for the short time we were out there, we saw some amazing fish.  

While we were separated from the Sandersons, Harrison, Grayson and I saw a school of squid.

Under The Sea (7.21.12)

The perfect last day started under the sea.  The water was particularly blue...so blue that Leigh Anne and I could not pass up a morning snorkel around the reef.  Once she and I made the decision, all others followed suit.  The biggest hermit crab ever kept us company.

  

Good Night's Sleep (7.21.12)

Because of the treat of storms, we ran the generator and had air all night long.  The kids slept so soundly ....

Good Mates (7.21.12)

Todd and Leigh Anne had swabbed the deck and cleaned the galley by the time that Lloyd and I awoke.  What good mates they are!  

Leahi (7.20.12)

Most good chefs need music to cook to.  But, our playlist was limited to Caribbean vibes.  Todd and Leigh Anne were making fish tacos, and before we could stop him, Todd had found his groove to this particular Hawaiian song off of The Descendants soundtrack.  We laughed until we cried and then vowed to send Todd to Hawaii so he could don a grass skirt.

Ocean's 7 (7.20.12)

Tucking in at Great Harbor on Peter Island early in the afternoon gave us the time we needed for the girls to go ashore to Oceans 7 Beach Club.  The boys stayed behind while Leigh Anne, Bailey, and Shelby snorkeled and Maddie and Grayson jumped on the water trampoline.  I needed a nap, and the beach chairs provided all the space necessary for what I came to do.

Full Steam Ahead (7.20.12)

The Royal Main Steamer, The Rhone, wrecked off the coast of Salt Island on October 29th, 1867.  She was one of the first iron hulled ships, and was powered both by sail and steam.  Although she was considered unsinkable by the British Royal Navy, the winds and seas from a category 3 hurricane pushed her into the piercing rocks on that fateful day where most of the 146 people aboard lost their lives. Even after 145 years, the remains of the ship are still chilling.   After a tough snorkel over, 3 of us (Harrison, Todd, and I) swam down 15-20 feet to touch what remains of the stem at the bow of the boat.