Although there are several recipes for this fine island drink so you can make it at home – it is always better on St. John.

Here is a video someone made of Sharon at Shipwreck Landing making there famous Bushwhacker: 

You can decide the volume but it looks like Shipwreck Landing puts in:

• Amaretto
• Coffee Liqueur
• Creme de Cacao
• Bailey’s Irish Cream
• Vodka
• Light Rum
• Dark Rum
• Coco Lopez(cream of coconut)
• Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
• Crushed Ice
• Cocktail Cherries

Blend and Enjoy

Other recipes:

• RumShop Ryan  http://rumshopryan.com/2010/04/07/bushwacker-recipe/
• http://www.ehow.com/how_4881812_make-bushwacker.html

Additional work can be found at http://royimhoff.com/.

Just outside of  Cruz Bay heading North on 20 (North Shore Road) sits Peace Hill. Peace Hill is home to windmill ruins from the colonial and days and the former Christ of the Caribbean.  There is easy access to the Peace Hill trail head and plenty of parking.   Although the Christ of the Caribbean is no longer there the view and the ruins are worth the trip.

The Christ of  the Caribbean – In 1953, Col. Wadsworth commissioned St. Johnians Terrence Powell and Thomas Thomas to construct the Christ of the Caribbean.  The statue overlooked and blessed the land and sea.     Remarkably, as it seemed to  have the properties of a sail, the creation withstood numerous hurricanes.  However, it finally succumbed to the strength of Hurricane Marylyn in 1995.  The islanders decided not reconstruct  the statue. Much like the petroglyphs, the Christ of the Caribbean was a symbol of St. John and you could find, for example , gold and silver pendants in the shape of the statue in local shops.   After almost twenty years they are harder to find.

Peace Hill is still home to ruins of the Denis Bay area of the Susannaberg Plantation.   The very short hike (.1 mile) up to Peace Hill provides some incredible views of the north coast of St. John and is still a peaceful retreat.  You can venture further to explore the area, but be certain to take the time to visit Peace Hill on your way to the beach.

Centerline Road Entrance

A shorter route than from the Caneel Bay entrance  to the Margaret Hill  overlook can be accessed from Centerline Road.  To get to the trail head from the Hummingbird Hill villa you exit the gate, turn left onto Gifft Hill Road and then turn left onto Centerline Road.   The trail entrance is on the right, a short distance on Centerline Road.  There is parking for one or two cars at the entrance and make sure you pull far enough off the road.

 The trail to the Caneel Bay watercatchment includes this old concrete gutter that led water to the basin.  Remains of the concrete can be seen as you hike down to the catchment from Centerline Road.  

(We visited the Watercatchment basin before heading up to the lookout.)

This lookout point rock can be seen from Hummingbird Hill’s pool deck if you look carefully. 

The extremely clear day afforded us some great views from the lookout point.

Woodies Saloon

Late afternoon is ‘Very Happy Hour ” at Woodies in Downtown Crus Bay.

The Beach Bar

With the work week a distant memory, Sunday afternoons listening to Live Jazz and enjoying a beer are a pleasant relief.

Entering Cruz Bay

When the Ferry enters the Harbor and passes the old Government Complex on the left, you’ve arrived.  It was 50 years ago, on our first time here and the battery hasn’t changed.

Cap’s Place

Map at trail head Leinster Bay

Leinster Bay/Waterlemon Cay – Great Beach – Great Snorkeling

After visiting the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins,  take the 0.8 mile hike to Leinster Bay/Waterlemon Cay.  The path to the beach is flat and shaded.   The walk hugs the shoreline and you hear the soft sounds of the surf.   The area is a nesting ground for Sea Turtles and you are bound to see them on your adventure.

From the beach, you can access the fine snorkeling around Waterlemon Cay, the small island just offshore.  The shoreline water is shallow, and the sea floor is a mixture of sand and coral rubble. You will find that  the sea-life accessible to snorkelers is abundant along the shoreline as you head out to the Cay, so be prepared to spend time mask down enjoying the scenery.  It is about a 0.2-mile snorkel to the edge of the reef off Waterlemon Cay.

Along with the turtles you will see stingray’s, sea cucumbers, blue tangs, parrotfish, sea fans and sea plumes, starfish, barracuda, clown fish, squid etc… While the turtles pop their heads up the pelicans take a dive.   Leinster/Waterlemon Cay is a great experience. The sound of the small waves and calm waters on the beach makes for a relaxing day. The trip to Waterlemon adds the adventure.

You learn to share the road in St. John

On the road to Salt Pond we visited with some friendly animals.

Click on the titles below to see the full posts with great photography at TRAVELSHUS.  -  Enjoy

Notable Photos: Island Life on St John

The Natural Side of the US Virgin Islands

Photos by TRAVELSHUS

Here is my hike in words, images and video. If you get the chance take the trail.

Caneel Trail Mileage

My Trail Map for hike to the Water Catchment and Margaret Hill Overlook, St. John USVI

I parked at the entrance to the trial on Rte. 20 just across the entrance to Caneel Bay. I had Margaret Hill as a destination, but first stopped at Water Catchment. I realized later that the trail sign at the trail head needs to be combined with the a trail map (see below and combination on the left) as I at first did not understand how I got to the Catchment first, then up to Centerline Road.  I went back to an unmarked cutoff where I should have gone right, not left .  However,  it was all worth it as I eventually made my way to the wonderful view at Margaret Hill.

Caneel Trail National Park Map

Quickly into the hike you encounter an old stone retaining wall.

This beautiful stone wall is encountered quickly on the hike

You then begin your ascent on a well groomed trail.

Begin your ascent

Following the path takes you to the Water Catchment. The catchment is an extensive concrete slab that catches rainwater, leading it into a basin for temporary storage. The water is piped through the force of gravity to the Caneel Bay Resort.

Water Catchment, St. John USVI

There are views from various spots when you get close to the top. I was able to slip between some rocks to experience some great views before a small side trail gives you access to a “Platform Rock” with panoramic views.

View from Margaret Hill

A short Margaret Hill trail video

The Caneel Hill portion of this trail can be accessed from Cruz Bay and is a bit more challenging.  The easiest way to get to the Margaret Hill views is to access the trail from Centerline Road.  When you exit the gate at Hummingbird Hill Villa, turn left.  Then turn left onto Centerline road.  The trial entrance will be on your right.   Enjoy your stay on St. John, USVI!

VINP Archaeology Dig at Cinnamon Bay

Interested volunteers should show up at Cinnamon Bay Campground anytime after 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday and be ready to get their hands dirty.

For more information call the VINP archeology lab at 340-715-8580.

See full story reported  in Tradewinds: http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/index.php/576-news/04-2012-news/8044-archaeologists-looking-for-volunteers-for-cinnamon-bay-campground-dig

Effigy Face Artifact found at Cinnamon Bay