Good evening from STX! A few must see pics!

Helfrichs Chic · 07/15/2012, 08:48 PM

Ok SO first off this place is AMAZING!!!! I will upload a gallery when I get back on the 1st but I HAD to show you all these.

I have no way to upload them so I just took a pic of my digital camera LcD with my iPhone lol! Ghetto but it kinda works. No scuba yet, just snorkle with a bit of free diving.

Can you see him?

K.Truong · 07/15/2012, 08:54 PM

Awesome photos! Keep them coming!

Helfrichs Chic · 07/15/2012, 09:13 PM

Oh just wait until I get back and post the high res photos. This camera kick butt!!!! I did break my damn fiber optic cable so its duct taped for now lol! It works at least lol. I saw a brain coral at buck island that was the size of my SOFA! The water looked so nice from the surface so I just flipped in from the side of a boat and screamed through my snorkle holy S! 100ft + vis with tangs the size of dinner plates. We're gonna dive at cane bay on Wednesday. Apparently they have a small Acropora aquaculture spot there. Should be cool. Oh and I did see way below me (40ftish) ton of garden eels and a couple dozen pearly jawfish! It's pretty cool to know what critters I'm seeing lol.

I REALLY hope you can all visit some day, the people the drinks the food the water, it's really paradise! We're super excited to be calling this home soon!!

One last shot of our view and one of our best friends the anoles! They eat the mozzies!

bugs713 · 07/15/2012, 10:08 PM

Awesome!!

Pescado Racing · 07/15/2012, 10:33 PM

Nice shots, when you diving?

Sammibaz · 07/16/2012, 12:32 AM

WOW!!! Short of being there with you, I felt like I took a mini vacation....I could live in the water and never come out!

GORGEOUS COLORS!!! Amazing world under there.

Please post more pictures as you can....it really is cool to see the sites you are experiencing.

Rippinfrags · 07/16/2012, 09:27 AM

Nice pics and thanks for sharing! I know I don't know you very well, but...... When can I come and visit??? Jk.

jflores · 07/16/2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rippinfrags

Nice pics and thanks for sharing! I know I don't know you very well, but...... When can I come and visit??? Jk.

Was thinking the same!!! LOL

Beautiful pictures, you are blessed to be able to see all that !!
I hope to someday be able to travel there.....

Helfrichs Chic · 07/17/2012, 07:48 PM

Ok so pretty scary today: we're at Cane Bays famous "Wall" which plummets to about 3500ft. We're just snorkling around me snapping shots and Hakko next to me. He was getting a bit freaked out (and so was I) at the depths below and all of the sudden a 4ft silver fish darts in front of us. No idea what it was but as I pointed it out to Hakko and we turn our heads to get a better look and WHAM another one comes out of NOWHERE and attacks another smaller fish! About 2 feet away and now we are in the middle of the guts and blood from the attacked fish!!!! It was freaking nuts! We decided to head in as it was enough of an adrenalin rush for the day.

Here are a few from today: again taken with my cell phone off my digital camera LCD lol. I can't wait to show the high res ones!

Finally got to see a wild iguana lol!

This pic has my FAVORITE shark nose goby in it!!! I love them!

Pic from here sucks but this sponge was such a pretty bright blue!

Anyone? It's a hard coral...

Helfrichs Chic · 07/17/2012, 07:51 PM

One more: just because I had to chase him down for a pic lol!

coralreefdoc · 07/17/2012, 08:13 PM

Ah, St. Thomas ... One of, if not the best, of all the Virgin Islands ! Its somewhat random that you will be moving there, however ... May I ask what is the reason you are moving to STX and how you plan to earn a living there ? Reason I ask is the job market there is rather scarce and it is an uncommon place for an Arizonian to move to. Being from Miami, FL it is much more well known in that part of the USA ...

The fish attack was likely from a Barracuda ... FYI, they are attracted to shiny metals which glisten when hit from the sun at certain angles. It resembles the scales of "baitfish", their preferred foods.

This is why locals, and others who are experienced Caribbean/W. Atlantic divers, take off all jewelry, especially shiny earrings !

Helfrichs Chic · 07/17/2012, 08:32 PM

We decided on STX because we didn't like the hustle and bustle of STT. My boyfriend will be transferring with OfficeMax to the sunny isles location. I'm just gonna do whatever but after today at the dive shop talking about the species of fish that we saw today they assured me there will be a job for me here lol.

We really wanted something slower, something simpler and a place where people say hello to each other with a sense of community. In the 4 awesome days here I've spent more time with the neighbors making drinks and food and just hanging out than I've spent with my neighbors back home. We had a list of about 10 places including Hawaii, FL. Costa Rica, DR etc and we just kept eliminating them for one reason or another and finally were left with STX.

We've been researching/saving this for about 6 months now (not including our regular savings) and will have enough money saved for about 7 months without work. We also have a hefty "get out" fund in case we need to up and leave.

Regarding th fish we saw, yes we did see a giant barracuda but this was not that. We looked it up and we think it was a pair of "Permits" but idk if they get that big.

You're not the first person to ask why STX vs STT. What's so great about STT? Seems like a regular city to me, STX is more spread out. Some people we talk to are really freaking out about the crime and Hovensa closing but the vast majority seems nice, although I make damn sure to use the good Morning, good afternoon or good night lol. That seems to go a LONG way.

Shoot me a pm if you have time, I LOVE to get input and opinions on limin on de rock!

Pescado Racing · 07/17/2012, 09:46 PM

I would guess a jack cravell or horse eye jack, both are pretty voracious carnivores. Similar shape to the permit, but bigger as you described. Either way cool story, nothing quite like watching nature from the front row. I need to pick my own island and bail on the states as well.

NaClH20NMYVEIN · 07/17/2012, 09:50 PM

Congrats!! Looks like the land is just as pretty as the water!

Stolireef · 07/17/2012, 11:40 PM

I really loved the Presidente fish. Even without Halides, the color is amazing. I've heard that if you are careful about removing the bones, it's delicious.

Live the dream kiddo, live the dream!!!

Sammibaz · 07/18/2012, 12:21 AM

I admire your plan and story!! I dream of the days I can pack up and carry on in a simple community somewhere heavenly like this island! Soak it up! Live it up!

Helfrichs Chic · 07/18/2012, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stolireef

I really loved the Presidente fish. Even without Halides, the color is amazing. I've heard that if you are careful about removing the bones, it's delicious.

Live the dream kiddo, live the dream!!!

Lol! Thanks Stoli. I do love me some presidente!!

Pescado it very well could have been a jack. They were super fast and pretty big.

kirstenk · 07/18/2012, 09:05 AM

Enjoyed the thread.

Helfrichs Chic · 07/21/2012, 05:44 PM

Went to the DIVI resort today for some snorkling. Pretty choppy and a bit murky but GREAT fish out there, not much coral thou. I saw a GIGANTIC barracuda, shark size! I was swimming closer to snap a pic and he started heading for me. Likes the shiny camera I'm guessing so I decided to leave him alone. SO bummed! I want a great pic of one.... Maybe a smaller one LOL! TONS OT wrasses today! Neon gobies, squid, flounder, a BIG puffer fish, several eels, drums tangs and a bunch of blue reef Chromis. I love blue reef Chromis lol, so cute. Enjoy a few:

07/15/2012, 08:48 PM	#1
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	Good evening from STX! A few must see pics! Ok SO first off this place is AMAZING!!!! I will upload a gallery when I get back on the 1st but I HAD to show you all these. I have no way to upload them so I just took a pic of my digital camera LcD with my iPhone lol! Ghetto but it kinda works. No scuba yet, just snorkle with a bit of free diving. Can you see him? Last edited by Helfrichs Chic; 07/15/2012 at 09:17 PM.

07/15/2012, 08:54 PM	#2
K.Truong Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Glendale Posts: 135	Awesome photos! Keep them coming! __________________ Current tank info: SPS dominated 175 gallon bowfront with 30 gallon sump/refugium. Tunze skimmer, AI Sol lighting. 2 Koralia 4s & 2 Maxijet 1200s on Red Sea Pro wavemaker.

07/15/2012, 09:13 PM	#3
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	Oh just wait until I get back and post the high res photos. This camera kick butt!!!! I did break my damn fiber optic cable so its duct taped for now lol! It works at least lol. I saw a brain coral at buck island that was the size of my SOFA! The water looked so nice from the surface so I just flipped in from the side of a boat and screamed through my snorkle holy S! 100ft + vis with tangs the size of dinner plates. We're gonna dive at cane bay on Wednesday. Apparently they have a small Acropora aquaculture spot there. Should be cool. Oh and I did see way below me (40ftish) ton of garden eels and a couple dozen pearly jawfish! It's pretty cool to know what critters I'm seeing lol. I REALLY hope you can all visit some day, the people the drinks the food the water, it's really paradise! We're super excited to be calling this home soon!! One last shot of our view and one of our best friends the anoles! They eat the mozzies! Last edited by Helfrichs Chic; 07/15/2012 at 09:24 PM.

07/15/2012, 10:08 PM	#4
bugs713 In-A-Gadda-Divita! Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Apache Junction, AZ - USA Posts: 2,050	Awesome!! __________________ ░▒▓█▄▀▄▀▄█There's No Place Like 127.0.0.1█▄▀▄▀▄█▓▒░

07/15/2012, 10:33 PM	#5
Pescado Racing AZ FRAG Club Secretary Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 827	Nice shots, when you diving? __________________ So long and thanks for all the Fish. Current Tank Info: 161,000 G. Marine/ 220 G. Reef

07/16/2012, 12:32 AM	#6
Sammibaz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 262	WOW!!! Short of being there with you, I felt like I took a mini vacation....I could live in the water and never come out! GORGEOUS COLORS!!! Amazing world under there. Please post more pictures as you can....it really is cool to see the sites you are experiencing.

07/16/2012, 09:27 AM	#7
Rippinfrags Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Queen Creek, AZ. Posts: 919	Nice pics and thanks for sharing! I know I don't know you very well, but...... When can I come and visit??? Jk.

07/17/2012, 07:48 PM	#9
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	Ok so pretty scary today: we're at Cane Bays famous "Wall" which plummets to about 3500ft. We're just snorkling around me snapping shots and Hakko next to me. He was getting a bit freaked out (and so was I) at the depths below and all of the sudden a 4ft silver fish darts in front of us. No idea what it was but as I pointed it out to Hakko and we turn our heads to get a better look and WHAM another one comes out of NOWHERE and attacks another smaller fish! About 2 feet away and now we are in the middle of the guts and blood from the attacked fish!!!! It was freaking nuts! We decided to head in as it was enough of an adrenalin rush for the day. Here are a few from today: again taken with my cell phone off my digital camera LCD lol. I can't wait to show the high res ones! Finally got to see a wild iguana lol! This pic has my FAVORITE shark nose goby in it!!! I love them! Pic from here sucks but this sponge was such a pretty bright blue! Anyone? It's a hard coral...

07/17/2012, 07:51 PM	#10
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	One more: just because I had to chase him down for a pic lol!

07/17/2012, 08:13 PM	#11
coralreefdoc Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cavitation Bubble Posts: 768	Ah, St. Thomas ... One of, if not the best, of all the Virgin Islands ! Its somewhat random that you will be moving there, however ... May I ask what is the reason you are moving to STX and how you plan to earn a living there ? Reason I ask is the job market there is rather scarce and it is an uncommon place for an Arizonian to move to. Being from Miami, FL it is much more well known in that part of the USA ... The fish attack was likely from a Barracuda ... FYI, they are attracted to shiny metals which glisten when hit from the sun at certain angles. It resembles the scales of "baitfish", their preferred foods. This is why locals, and others who are experienced Caribbean/W. Atlantic divers, take off all jewelry, especially shiny earrings ! __________________ - CRD Nietzsche once wrote, "If you gaze deep into the abyss, the abyss gazes unto you" ...

07/17/2012, 08:32 PM	#12
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	We decided on STX because we didn't like the hustle and bustle of STT. My boyfriend will be transferring with OfficeMax to the sunny isles location. I'm just gonna do whatever but after today at the dive shop talking about the species of fish that we saw today they assured me there will be a job for me here lol. We really wanted something slower, something simpler and a place where people say hello to each other with a sense of community. In the 4 awesome days here I've spent more time with the neighbors making drinks and food and just hanging out than I've spent with my neighbors back home. We had a list of about 10 places including Hawaii, FL. Costa Rica, DR etc and we just kept eliminating them for one reason or another and finally were left with STX. We've been researching/saving this for about 6 months now (not including our regular savings) and will have enough money saved for about 7 months without work. We also have a hefty "get out" fund in case we need to up and leave. Regarding th fish we saw, yes we did see a giant barracuda but this was not that. We looked it up and we think it was a pair of "Permits" but idk if they get that big. You're not the first person to ask why STX vs STT. What's so great about STT? Seems like a regular city to me, STX is more spread out. Some people we talk to are really freaking out about the crime and Hovensa closing but the vast majority seems nice, although I make damn sure to use the good Morning, good afternoon or good night lol. That seems to go a LONG way. Shoot me a pm if you have time, I LOVE to get input and opinions on limin on de rock! Last edited by Helfrichs Chic; 07/17/2012 at 08:54 PM.

07/17/2012, 09:46 PM	#13
Pescado Racing AZ FRAG Club Secretary Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 827	I would guess a jack cravell or horse eye jack, both are pretty voracious carnivores. Similar shape to the permit, but bigger as you described. Either way cool story, nothing quite like watching nature from the front row. I need to pick my own island and bail on the states as well. __________________ So long and thanks for all the Fish. Current Tank Info: 161,000 G. Marine/ 220 G. Reef

07/17/2012, 09:50 PM	#14
NaClH20NMYVEIN Red Dragons! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 5,427	Congrats!! Looks like the land is just as pretty as the water! __________________ Dont act like your skim dont stink :) Current Tank Info: *Sun Powered 540G inwall

07/17/2012, 11:40 PM	#15
Stolireef Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Scottsdale AZ Posts: 989 Blog Entries: 4	I really loved the Presidente fish. Even without Halides, the color is amazing. I've heard that if you are careful about removing the bones, it's delicious. Live the dream kiddo, live the dream!!! __________________ I want to burn twice as bright and half as long. Current Tank Info: 110 SPS Reef with 2x250 14K MH and 2x54 Actinics and 4 Tunze Stream 6095 all on Apex

07/18/2012, 12:21 AM	#16
Sammibaz Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 262	I admire your plan and story!! I dream of the days I can pack up and carry on in a simple community somewhere heavenly like this island! Soak it up! Live it up!

07/18/2012, 09:05 AM	#18
kirstenk 23.5 Degrees Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 5,509	Enjoyed the thread. __________________ KIRSTEN REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE Reefer stabs Reefer in back over quarrel. Current Tank Info: 150g, 58g

07/21/2012, 05:44 PM	#19
Helfrichs Chic V Stingray in Cayman Isl. Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: St. Thomas USVI Posts: 2,782	Went to the DIVI resort today for some snorkling. Pretty choppy and a bit murky but GREAT fish out there, not much coral thou. I saw a GIGANTIC barracuda, shark size! I was swimming closer to snap a pic and he started heading for me. Likes the shiny camera I'm guessing so I decided to leave him alone. SO bummed! I want a great pic of one.... Maybe a smaller one LOL! TONS OT wrasses today! Neon gobies, squid, flounder, a BIG puffer fish, several eels, drums tangs and a bunch of blue reef Chromis. I love blue reef Chromis lol, so cute. Enjoy a few: