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Thinking about trying new-to-us snorkeling
Thinking about trying new-to-us snorkeling
Just about 40 days until our long awaited return to St. John, and I have a few snorkeling related questions. If someone can chime in, it would be greatly appreciated.
Tektite:
Mr. Singer states in his book that this hike is relatively easy even carrying snorkel gear, but I vaguely recall reading someone's TRs sort of contradicting that. Can anyone describe what the hike is like? And how is the snorkeling?
From Kiddel to Grootpan:
Has anyone snorkeled from K to G? What is it like?
I'm thinking to try snorkeling from Jumbie to Denis. We've never done it before but have heard it
Tektite:
Mr. Singer states in his book that this hike is relatively easy even carrying snorkel gear, but I vaguely recall reading someone's TRs sort of contradicting that. Can anyone describe what the hike is like? And how is the snorkeling?
From Kiddel to Grootpan:
Has anyone snorkeled from K to G? What is it like?
I'm thinking to try snorkeling from Jumbie to Denis. We've never done it before but have heard it
I don't recall a TR contradicting Singer's description of the Tektite hike but I would not call it an easy hike. I decided to try it based on the guide. We were definitely carrying too much crap. I went ahead to scout the route out and decided it was too risky for my wife to negotiate the rocks along the shore. We did meet a couple returning from the snorkel so it's doable. I'd say that you definitely need to travel light.
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Sun4MySoul
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: NC
Pickle-
You are gripping/holding etc on Tektite less than half the time as I recall, you should be fine with backpacks only. The first time I went, I didn't stop at the right spot to snorkel and continued along the trail. It does get a little tougher as you go.
I have not snorkeled Kiddel, as I have attempted to find it via Jeep twice now and failed (any insight is appreciated). The day I went to Grootpan, the snorkeling was good, but the water was rough. I would not have made it out to the point.
I have snorkeled from Denis to Jumbie a few times; its decent snorkeling. That's where I saw my only ever-elusive Naked Lady Fish! That was interesting!
You are gripping/holding etc on Tektite less than half the time as I recall, you should be fine with backpacks only. The first time I went, I didn't stop at the right spot to snorkel and continued along the trail. It does get a little tougher as you go.
I have not snorkeled Kiddel, as I have attempted to find it via Jeep twice now and failed (any insight is appreciated). The day I went to Grootpan, the snorkeling was good, but the water was rough. I would not have made it out to the point.
I have snorkeled from Denis to Jumbie a few times; its decent snorkeling. That's where I saw my only ever-elusive Naked Lady Fish! That was interesting!
ifloat,
Regarding lubricating, is that what I'm supposed to do? I haven't touched my housing since last June. I used silicone grease nearly every day when I was using the housing but not even once after that. I have left the housing open and stored it in a bag. Hope it's okay.
Sun4MySoul,
Thanks for the info. I haven't snorkeled Kiddel either, so am hoping to on this upcoming trip. Once I'm there, I thought I might as well try snorkeling all the way to Grootpan, but I don't know how far of a snorkel that is or the general condition of the waters around there.
We will try snorkeling from Jumbie to Denis anyway since we've never been to Denis (we prefer swimming over hiking). You know, I recognize the phrase "Naked Lady Fish" and have a good idea what it is but can't remember exactly what happened. Did she do something memorable?
Regarding lubricating, is that what I'm supposed to do? I haven't touched my housing since last June. I used silicone grease nearly every day when I was using the housing but not even once after that. I have left the housing open and stored it in a bag. Hope it's okay.
Sun4MySoul,
Thanks for the info. I haven't snorkeled Kiddel either, so am hoping to on this upcoming trip. Once I'm there, I thought I might as well try snorkeling all the way to Grootpan, but I don't know how far of a snorkel that is or the general condition of the waters around there.
We will try snorkeling from Jumbie to Denis anyway since we've never been to Denis (we prefer swimming over hiking). You know, I recognize the phrase "Naked Lady Fish" and have a good idea what it is but can't remember exactly what happened. Did she do something memorable?
this is a good map for that area...sadly, I have not progressed to writing in photoshop so can not mark places for you (I need your help Joshie!)You should be able to find Salt Pond parking lot, next left will take you to the road down to Kiddel Bay...we have stayed in Sea Spirit (on the point between the two bays) and also Lille Paradis which has a private path to Kiddel.
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridalin ... 436172812/" title="Grootpan and Kiddel Bays by lprof, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/343 ... 547e07.jpg" width="500" height="347" alt="Grootpan and Kiddel Bays"></a>
http://www.trailbandit.org/
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridalin ... 437024370/" title="Grootpan and Kiddel Bays take 2 by lprof, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/343 ... 764a4e.jpg" width="500" height="347" alt="Grootpan and Kiddel Bays take 2"></a>
...had a lesson tonight...not great but...
the two roads left from Rt 107 actually make a circle so you can go either way...they are quite rough in either direction IMO
Last edited by lprof on Sun Apr 12, 2009 11:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
... no longer a stranger to paradise
Tektite: that might have been my trip report. I disagree that this is an easy hike. I don't think it is particularly arduous in terms of wearing you out, but the rock scrambling is...I don't want to say tricky...I guess I would say that the potential for an accident that would impact your vacation is greater here than any other site for snorkeling that I have been to. You have to climb over some rocks that are taller than human size, and you will need to jump from rock to rock at times. Some of those rocks are covered in seaweed. If you happen to slip and injure yourself, you are far from assistance.
The snorkeling is very good, and unique in that you can swim into some open-air caves--very deep, lots of cool coral and sponges. We saw some really big fish here too--GIANT permits, for example.
Sun4My Soul, Off the Beaten Track has explicit directions on how to get to Kiddel and Grootpan.
The snorkeling is very good, and unique in that you can swim into some open-air caves--very deep, lots of cool coral and sponges. We saw some really big fish here too--GIANT permits, for example.
Sun4My Soul, Off the Beaten Track has explicit directions on how to get to Kiddel and Grootpan.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
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Sun4MySoul
- Posts: 524
- Joined: Sun May 06, 2007 1:37 pm
- Location: NC
LiamsAunt- I attempted to follow the Off The Beaten Track directions on the first occasion and failed. Second time a blind search led to failure. I have seen the bay from above, but not found the road leading into it. Clearly, I am directionally challenged. But I have ordered the trailbandit's map for the next trip, so I will prevail!
Iprof- Thanks for the map. Good visual. Your villas out there must have been very secluded. Did you enjoy staying there? I have thought about it, but haven't made the leap yet.
Pickle-
The Naked Lady Fish didn't really do anything interesting except nearly run over me with her Nekkidness. There is a private residence at Denis, and clearly, she was not expecting visitors. Neither was I. We scared each other half to death. The eyes on the Elusive Naked Lady Fish get VERY big when she is discovered!
I would think that the snorkel from Grootpan to Kiddel would be quite an adventure. Let me know how you make out. Are we on island at the same time? If so, I'll hear your TR at the Beach Bar!
Iprof- Thanks for the map. Good visual. Your villas out there must have been very secluded. Did you enjoy staying there? I have thought about it, but haven't made the leap yet.
Pickle-
The Naked Lady Fish didn't really do anything interesting except nearly run over me with her Nekkidness. There is a private residence at Denis, and clearly, she was not expecting visitors. Neither was I. We scared each other half to death. The eyes on the Elusive Naked Lady Fish get VERY big when she is discovered!
I would think that the snorkel from Grootpan to Kiddel would be quite an adventure. Let me know how you make out. Are we on island at the same time? If so, I'll hear your TR at the Beach Bar!
It could've been your trip report, liamsaunt. There aren't many reports that mention Tektite, so that TR stuck in my mind and the impression that I've had is "Hmm, not sure if we would be eager to try..." Thank you for the detailed info.
There are just so many beaches to snorkel on St. John. We can't enjoy all of them in one trip, so have to be somewhat selective. We don't make plans but would like to have a few new ideas/locations that we hope to try.
Sun4MySoul,
Looks like some of our time on the island will overwrap. Even if we don't meet at the Beach Bar (I have to confess that I am on the shy side), we'll still have a good chance of running into each other. If you happen to see an Asian girl with long dark hair, with a Mississippian husband who loves caps
, it's most likely me.
There are just so many beaches to snorkel on St. John. We can't enjoy all of them in one trip, so have to be somewhat selective. We don't make plans but would like to have a few new ideas/locations that we hope to try.
Sun4MySoul,
Looks like some of our time on the island will overwrap. Even if we don't meet at the Beach Bar (I have to confess that I am on the shy side), we'll still have a good chance of running into each other. If you happen to see an Asian girl with long dark hair, with a Mississippian husband who loves caps
, it's most likely me.
We've done the Tektite snorkel several times. If you are more comfortable swimming than hiking let me suggest starting your snorkel from shore. The entry is rocky but easy.
The rock scramble out to Donkey Bight is just that, a rock scramble. Carrying a cooler or beach chairs out there is probably ill advised. As other posters have said, you want to keep your hands free and wear appropriate footwear which would mean that you might want to leave your flip flops in the jeep. I'm 60 years old and not in athletic shape either but this is not that difficult.
Kiddle to Grootpan is doable but long. On a rough day it will test your stamina. We've usually turned back to Kiddle after we've turned the corner and saw the beach at Grootpan. We think Kiddle is better than Grootpan. My avatar is from a rock carin at Grootpan.
Sun4MySoul-You can take either the first left after Salt Pond or the second. The road loops around. Coming in on the second left there used to be signs directing you to Kiddle and Grootpan. We've stayed at La Sirena and it is one of favorites a little isolated and a trip to get anywhere but the pool and cabana are perfect and we spent very little time in the house.
The rock scramble out to Donkey Bight is just that, a rock scramble. Carrying a cooler or beach chairs out there is probably ill advised. As other posters have said, you want to keep your hands free and wear appropriate footwear which would mean that you might want to leave your flip flops in the jeep. I'm 60 years old and not in athletic shape either but this is not that difficult.
Kiddle to Grootpan is doable but long. On a rough day it will test your stamina. We've usually turned back to Kiddle after we've turned the corner and saw the beach at Grootpan. We think Kiddle is better than Grootpan. My avatar is from a rock carin at Grootpan.
Sun4MySoul-You can take either the first left after Salt Pond or the second. The road loops around. Coming in on the second left there used to be signs directing you to Kiddle and Grootpan. We've stayed at La Sirena and it is one of favorites a little isolated and a trip to get anywhere but the pool and cabana are perfect and we spent very little time in the house.
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snorkeler525
- Posts: 186
- Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:40 pm
- Location: Wellesley
[quote="Pickle"]ifloat,
Regarding lubricating, is that what I'm supposed to do? I haven't touched my housing since last June. I used silicone grease nearly every day when I was using the housing but not even once after that. I have left the housing open and stored it in a bag. Hope it's okay.
It is actually best to store it closed once you have rinsed it out and let it dry. When open, bits of dust can get in and cause problems. I suggest you give it a good rinse, remove the o-ring and clean the o-ring really well. Let them dry, then lubricate the o-ring and put the case back together. Even one grain of sand on your o-ring can cause leaks so it is very important to inspect and clean it every time you use it.
Regarding lubricating, is that what I'm supposed to do? I haven't touched my housing since last June. I used silicone grease nearly every day when I was using the housing but not even once after that. I have left the housing open and stored it in a bag. Hope it's okay.
It is actually best to store it closed once you have rinsed it out and let it dry. When open, bits of dust can get in and cause problems. I suggest you give it a good rinse, remove the o-ring and clean the o-ring really well. Let them dry, then lubricate the o-ring and put the case back together. Even one grain of sand on your o-ring can cause leaks so it is very important to inspect and clean it every time you use it.
snorkeler525,
Hmm, somehow I thought I should leave it open. Kind of remember reading about it, but I could be just confused. After cleaning I put it in the original plastic bag it came in to avoid dust and stored it in the camera bag...
Hmm, somehow I thought I should leave it open. Kind of remember reading about it, but I could be just confused. After cleaning I put it in the original plastic bag it came in to avoid dust and stored it in the camera bag...
I had a feeling it might be long. As I've mentioned, we are in decent but not in athlete-great shape. We'll start snorkeling Kiddel and see how far we can go from there. The problem I have with rough waters is that I might eventually feel a little sea sick - happened only a few times in the water (happens all the time in a boat or car), but... I am a wimp when it comes to motion sickness. No pills work for me (I will try those wristbands while driving on St. John and see how they work).BillVT wrote: Kiddle to Grootpan is doable but long. On a rough day it will test your stamina. We've usually turned back to Kiddle after we've turned the corner and saw the beach at Grootpan. We think Kiddle is better than Grootpan. My avatar is from a rock carin at Grootpan.