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

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.

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.

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.com

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

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 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.

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 beach Coconut preparation in Cruz Bay Curious Donkey Face in the car

Photos by TRAVELSHUS

Virgin Island National Park Archaeology Lab Looking for Volunteers For Cinnamon Bay Campground Dig

Island Happenings, St. John places and sites 2 Responses »

May 012012

While making improvements at Cinnamon Bay a possible 2,000 year old effigy face was uncovered. The V.I. National Park archaeology officials are now looking for help to find more interesting objects. The surprise discovery has the limited VINP Archaeology staff asking for public help.

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

St. John Sunset @ Hummingbird Hill

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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.

Feeding the Bananaquits at Hummingbird Hill

Hummingbird Hill No Responses »

Apr 232012

The St. John wildlife adds to the charm of your visit to the island. Whether seeing the cows, goats, pigs, chickens, or donkey’s roaming freely on the roadside or experiencing the soothing sounds of the tree frogs at night, the wildlife always entertains. For bird watchers, Hummingbird Hill’s covered deck is equipped with feeders for the beautiful Hummingbirds and Bananaquits. Filling the feeders is easy and quickly attracts the birds.

Visiting Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins, St. John USVI

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

Apr 132012

The 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.

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.

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

Reef Bay Trail – a Great Hike – see the Petroglyphs

Hiking St. John No Responses »

Jan 092012

Petroglyphs

The Reef Bay Trail hike is about a 2 hour hike one way. There is great history tied to the trail and of course you get to see the Petroglyphs. I ran a cross a very good description of the hike at Travel Shop Girl’s blog. Hiking the Reef Bay Trail. If you are considering the trail or just want to learn more about the island take the time to read it. There is a ton of information on this trial and here are a few more great sources:

National Parks Traveler: Trails I’ve Hiked: Reef Bay Trail, Virgin Islands National Park

Trip Advisor: Reef Bay Trail

A YouTube Video by Drew Blitz