Water Catchment & Margaret Hill Hike, St. John USVI revisited

 Hiking St. John  No Responses »
Nov 302012
 

The last time I hiked Margaret Hill I entered from the trail head across from Caneel Bay resort. (see Hike to Water Catchment and Margaret Hill – Worth the view!) This time we entered from Centerline Road  and headed to the Watercatchment and then up to the Margaret Hill lookout.

Margaret Hill Entrance Centerline Road

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 tOld cement gutter that led to the watercatchment basinhe 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.  

Watercatchment(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.

Margaret Hill lookout

St. John, USVI Sketches

 Hummingbird Hill, St. John places and sites  No Responses »
Nov 092012
 

The artistic and eclectic touch of Roy Imhoff can be seen throughout the Hummingbird Hill Villa. Although not a native, Roy has been traveling to the Island of St. John for over 40 years and has captured St.John in numerous watercolors and pen and inks. Below is some recent work. Additional work is currently on display on St. John at BAJO El SOL (Under The SUN) Gallery. www.bajoelsolgallery.com. Or visit www.royimhoff.comWoodies Saloon, St. John USVI

Woodies Saloon

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

 

 

 

The Beach Bar, St. John USVI

 

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, St. John USVI

 

 

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.

Stop by Cap's Place for a cold one, St. John USVI

Cap’s PlaceBarry's Auto Service, St. John USVI

Visiting Leinster Bay/Waterlemon Cay

 Hiking St. John, St. John places and sites, St. John USVI Beaches  No Responses »
Sep 292012
 

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.

Waterlemon Cay - St.John USVI

Waterlemon Cay is the small island in the center

Wildlife (and not so Wildlife) on St. John

 St. John places and sites  No Responses »
Aug 062012
 

Donkeys, goats and Iguanas – oh St. John. Coming face to face with the wild life on St. john is easy. Goats, donkeys and chickens regularly roam the streets. Occasionally a pig will cross Gifft Hill Road just before Centerline Road (Rte. 10). Make the right from Gifft Hill Road to Centerline and you usually see Elsie the cow roadside. Like going to the farm.

You learn to share the road in St. John

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

DonkeyGoats freely roaming the roadRoadside view of another friendly CowBananaquit at Hummingbird Hill, St. John USVI

from TRAVELSHUS – The Natural Side of the US Virgin Islands – Notable Photos: Island Life on St John

 St. John places and sites  No Responses »
Jun 132012
 

I ran across some great photos  in two wonderful posts about St. John by Annie at TRAVELSHUS.  Have a read to learn more about the beauty of St. John USVI.

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

Maho Bay beachCoconut preparation in Cruz BayCurious Donkey Face in the car

Photos by TRAVELSHUS

 

 

 

St. John Sunset @ Hummingbird Hill

 Hummingbird Hill  No Responses »
Apr 302012
 

The Sunset at Hummingbird Hill is one you never tire of. They are never quite the same, but always enjoyable. Relax at the view of St. Thomas while the sun reflects off the Caribbean sea and sky.

The Flip video recording or pictures can’t capture the actual experience, but if gives you something to remember from your last visit or look forward to on your next. The sunset gives way to the soothing night sounds of the tree frogs.

Visiting Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins, St. John USVI

 Hiking St. John, St. John places and sites  3 Responses »
Apr 132012
 

A hike to Annaberg - A wonderful self guided tourThe Historic Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins on the Island of St. John offers a great look into the history of sugar production on the island.  The Annaberg Historic District is located east of Mary Point accessible by the North Shore and Leinster Bay roads on St. John’s north shore.  Annaberg is easily accessible as a short 0.2 mile walk brings you to the historic site which is maintained by the Virgin Islands National Park and open to the public. It is a great stop on your way to nearby Leinster Bay, where there is terrific snorkeling.

This visit was special. A holiday celebration provided a treat as the islanders were celebrating with live music and island fare.

Annaberg was once one of the larger sugar plantations on St. John. The remains of the 40 foot windmill and horsemill, used to crush the sugar cane to extract its juice, still stand. Much of the sugar factory, where the juice was boiled and condensed to make raw sugar, remain as well, as does part of the rum still. Cultural demonstrations, including baking “dumb bread” and basket weaving take place Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Annaberg Windmill

To get to Annaberg from Hummingbird Hill: 

Turn left out of the gate on to Gifft Hill Road (Rt 104.)
At the end turn right onto Centerline Road (RT. 10).
From Centerline Road, turn north on Route 20 near the Colombo Yogurt stand.  Head down the hill and turn right at the first intersection. 
This will take you to the Leinster Bay shoreline where you will turn right and proceed to the Annaberg parking area at the end of the paved road.

Check out the directions on the interactive park service maps.

St. John Off The Beaten Track by Gerald Singer

 

For more information on Annaberg see St. John USVI Places: Annaberg – Excerpted from St. John Off the Beaten Track © 2006 Gerald Singer

Or the National Park Service website or an old Park Service brochure on the Annaberg Sugar Mill

Traveling to Hummingbird Hill, St. John US Virgin Island

 Travel to St. John  1 Response »
Aug 272011
 

St. John being the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands with  approximately 60%  of the land dedicated to the Virgin Island National Park, there is no airport.  However, St. Thomas is only a short ferry ride away.  Once  you arrive at St. Thomas Airport (STT) you board one of the abundant taxis just outside of the baggage claim area.  Two common options for ferry service  to St. John are the Red Hook ferry (my favorite) and the more frequent, or Charlotte Amalie ferry.

  • The Red Hook ferry departs 6:30 am, 7:30 am then hourly from 8:00 am to Midnight. (a 15-20 minutes ride)
  • The Charlotte Amalie  ferry departs at  10:00 am, 1:00 pm ,  5:30 pm. (a 40-45 minutes ride)

Both ferries arrive at Cruz Bay

(Ferry service details)                 

There are also private water taxis and car barges available if you rent a car on St. Thomas instead of St. John.

Ferry from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay, St. John

Ferry from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay, St. John

 

 

Aboard the ferry

Aboard the ferry