Day 6 of our trip and we got a late start today. It was a sunny hazy kind of day and it was probably 12:00 before we really had a game plan for the day. It was originally going to be the gals at Cinnamon for relaxation and the hubs trekking to Honeymoon and Solomon for some serious snorkeling (one mile walk to get to them). But as the morning dwindled away and we were still at the villa, John and I were considering just staying poolside at Jungle Villa all day, with drinks at the ready, no sand and plenty of tunes. We did this one day last year and it was quite nice. After discussing, Lori and Joe still wanted to head out. And the longer we watched them get ready, the more we heard waves calling our name. Heck, we can lay by a pool AT HOME.

We got ourselves prepped up and ready to go. But somewhere along the way, the plan changed and we decided to push Cinnamon/Honeymoon/Solomon to our final day when we could get an early start. Today, we’d go to Hawksnest. I thought I’d read that this beach offered some decent snorkeling and it would allow us to all head to one spot rather than split up since time was limited.

After Lori and Joe grabbed a bite at JJ’s Texas Coast while John and I strolled around town, we headed to Hawksnest. There, we made our way far left and found a very secluded spot between trees that jutted out into the water. It was perfect. Lori and I were able to set our chairs up partially in the sand and partially on the rock that is right at the shoreline, so we didn’t sink in the sand. The way we were positioned, water lapped all the way up our backs and we never got hot. The guys alternately snorkeled and hung out with us. John swam around with a turtle for awhile before the bugger headed into such a shallow area that John couldn’t accompany. It was a highlight of his snorkeling day. This was a neat place b/c it was secluded and quite deserted on this day. But the rocky bottom with all sorts of greenery growing wasn't the most appealing for those of us who love soaking up sun with aquamarine water and soft sand. But it was neat to experience something different and I'm glad we went.

About 5, we packed it up and headed back to the Jungle for showers and fresh clothes for dinner. There we caught one of the most beautiful sunsets right off our deck looking toward STT, and I was so proud to capture the shot. It’s one like I see taken by others and have never gotten to snap myself...until now. It’s good, yes?

For dinner, we were giving Skinny Legs a second shot at burger perfection so we headed off to Coral Bay for the final time of the trip. The "everybody's gotta take it" shot:

And here, a sign I've never actually noticed before, tucked into the tree as you begin to enter the place itself:

At Skinny’s, three of us ordered burgers (Lori was drawn in by the mahi mahi sandwich, which did look dynamite but I needed a redemptive burger to resolidify Skinney’s place in my heart). And these were much better indeed. The breeze was blowing after sunset and it was quite nice sitting there. We saw Howie’s bell and I tried to recant the stories I’d read of the infamous Howie on the Vinow board to my group. The plaque there and the bell are really neat. I didn't get a picture of it since there was someone eating right at the table next to the bell. I did however catch this shot, so we can all salivate over the Skinny selections:

Love their customer service motto: Same Day Service.

Afterwards, we headed to Pastory Gardens for some downhome putt-putt fun. This course is really something else. Quite a challenge with actual water hazards and sand traps. At the shack where you pick up your putters, we saw inside two gorgeous dogs, both looked to be brindle-colored pit bulls. Both seemed very reserved with us, tho we spoke very quietly and kindly to them. One was a bit more friendly, thumping her tail as she looked at us. The other wasn’t sure what to make of us. After the story I’d heard about dog fighting being legal on STJ—which sickens me—I immediately began hoping that’s not what these two were for. We spotted a box of crunchy dog bones on the counter and took it upon ourselves to toss them each one, which they were happy to receive.

The front nine was a good time. At the turn, Joe was leading, with John back by just 3 strokes and I one stroke behind him. Lori had long since given up and declared herself the official loser. She’s not nearly as competitive as the other 3 of us! I strolled back over to see the dogs at the turn and as I did so, a man dressed as a chef for the restaurant upstairs, Compass Rose, was standing there so I asked him about the dogs. Turns out, they were his dogs. He’d rescued them about three weeks ago, and they were a brother and sister. The brother was suspected of being abused so that’s why he was so skittish, and it was the sister that was a bit more friendly, thumping her tail as we talked to her. Their names were Rosco and Bosco, and the man seemed genuinely fond of them, telling me they both get plenty of love these days, accompanying him to work at the Compass Rose. I was so glad to hear that they were on to better lives now.

The second nine at putt-putt was a continuation of the great time. I pulled into second place (which John hated—Ha!) and in the end, Joe won the round, I came in second, John was third and Lori was pulling up the rear. Not that she cared.

After, we scooted down to Joe’s Rum Hut, our designated hang out bar thanks to the Mojitos. But alas, all the chairs were filled (don’t those people know who we are??! Ha) and there was no where for us to sit or even stand near the bar. So we headed back on up to the Jungle Villa to hit the hay in preparation for an early start for our last day in Paradise.