#holidayonstjohn

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Cinnamon Bay-One of St. John's Best Beaches

Cinnamon Bay is one of our favorite beaches on St. John.  If you haven't been for awhile, watch this video of our recent visit to see for yourself what an amazing beach it is!

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An Escape to Cinnamon Bay

Cinnamon Bay  is the National Park's longest beach. This great beach offers snorkeling, swimming, and a long, wide beach. . There is good snorkeling around Cinnamon Bay Cay, a short swim from shore. The clear waters will tempt you to spend your time swimming and snorkeling, while the beach will call you to spread your beach blanket and relax. Across from the beach and campground entrance/parking area is a hiking trail through the Cinnamon Bay Plantation ruins.  Check out this video to see what a visit to Cinnamon Bay has in store for you.

Hurricane Irma destroyed the small archeological museum.  This is what remains.

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Take A Walk Along Hawksnest Beach

Hawksnest Beach is a favorite beach for both St. John locals and visitors alike, and a preferred beach for families with children.  The reason for this is that Hawksnest is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on St. John, it is also the most convenient.  It's the closest beach you can drive to from Cruz Bay and the parking lot is close to the beach.  Here's a video of what it's like to walk along Hawksnest Beach.

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Day Trip From St. John to Anegada

For those considering a day trip to Anegada from St. John, you can easily do so.  If you happen to be on St. John the first Sunday of the month, InterIsland Ferry Company has a reasonably priced day trip.  Yes, it's a long day but the change in scenery and the incredible beaches make it worthwhile.  We did the trip ourselves in June and here's a video of what it's like to visit this paradise.

Anegada is the northernmost of the British Virgin Islands. It lies approximately 15 miles (24 km) north of Virgin Gorda and is about 55 miles from St. John. Anegada is formed from coral and limestone, rather than being of volcanic origin. While the other islands are mountainous, Anegada is flat and low. It is the only all-coral atoll in the VI and a mere 28 feet above sea level. Anegada is known for miles of white sand beaches and the 18-mile (29 km)-long Horseshoe Reef, the largest barrier coral reef in the Caribbean.  Aside from the Lobster for which Anegada is mostly known,  it is also great for surfing, it is the Virgin Island that is most exposed to the swell.

The sand is even whiter and pinker than on St. John (since it is of coral and limestone) and that gives the water an absolutely amazing turquoise color. The island is very laid back and relaxed.  It is amazing how chill  you will feel during your time here.  

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Two years after Hurricane Irma

Yesterday marked 2 years after Hurricane Irma and St John collided.

The next morning most on island were trying to adjust to the apocalyptic world they had woken to. Travel was mostly on foot as the roads where strewn with fully grown trees toppled the day before during Hurricane Irma. Many would have been on foot anyway due to the large amount of vehicles that were tossed around by the intense winds. Of the still standing trees in Coral Bay almost all were stripped of their leaves and many of their larger branches as well.

Coral Bay harbor swallowed most of the sailboats that had remained in the harbor. Three boats were in the harbor. One had a mast. Those who had moved to the “safer” bays of Hurricane Hole did not fare much better.

Many of us were wandering around aimlessly and in disbelief. Others wandered more purposely to check on friends and relatives. Some (like Paul and I) after gathering the information we needed started the inefficient process of had clearing our property with handsaws. Anything to keep busy and to keep the tears away.

Our friends and family in the states had watched this horror unfold from their televisions helplessly. The day after Irma they waited anxiously for contact. Most would have to wait days before that became available

Which houses would be rebuilt, which business would reopen, who would relocate to the states either temporarily or permanently, were all part of our unknown future two years ago today. Today we alternate between being unable to bear watching the destruction that is coming into view from the Bahamas and being unable to turn away from that destruction. Many of us have all too good of a frame of reference. The plight of our island brothers and sisters is horrific to see. I hope Bahamians are someday able to look back... to marvel at at their progress and feel a wave of gratitude for all the help they received.

Many are asking how they can be of help to the Bahamas.  I hesitate to offer suggestion of organizations without vetting them.  There is one organization: All Hands and Hearts spent over 18 months on st John after Hurricane Irma.  They worked tirelessly to do pretty much anything.  They plan to be on the ground On October 10 to begin working on the clean up and rebuild.  They were affectionately known as the "purple Shirts"  on St John.  I expect they will do a great job for the Bahama as well. If you are looking for a place to donate here is their site:  https://www.allhandsandhearts.org/programs/hurricane-dorian-relief/

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Hiking the America Hill Trail to Stunning Views and Beautiful Ruins

There’s certainly no shortage of ruins on St John, and most of our favorite hikes include a ruin or two.  One of our favorite ruins can be found by hiking the America Hill spur of the Cinnamon Bay trail.   Not only are the ruins attractive, the views of the north shore of St John are stunning.  Watch this video to see what you will experience on the great St. John hike.

The trail starts 100 yards past Cinnamon Bay’s entrance on North Shore Road. The trailhead is marked by a sign for “Cinnamon Bay Trail” (there’s another sign along the way for the America Hill spur). It’s adjacent to the Cinnamon Bay Ruins and there is a place for one or two cars to park or you can just park at the Cinnamon Bay beach lot.  This is a great hike to take before heading to the beach at Cinnamon Bay.

The hike up is steep at first, and fairly exposed, but as you cross the gut it levels out a bit and becomes shadier & cooler. Once you reach the America Hill Spur, which is not very far up Cinnamon Bay Trail, it’s only about five more minutes to the ruins. The walls of the house are mostly intact, and you can see where the remains of the front steps were.

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Hiking the Reef Bay Trail - One of St. John's Best Hikes

The Reef Bay Trail in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park holds the secrets of St.John’s tropical forests, sugar mill ruins, and ancient petroglyphs. The two-mile trail explores the depths of the island, featuring a steep rocky terrain, 40 foot waterfall, and a freshwater pond near the trail’s end. When adventuring from your St. John Escape vacation home, pack a light lunch, plenty of water, and a swimsuit to take a dip.

Watch this video to see what this classic St. John hike is like:

You will find off road parking at the Reef Bay trailhead along Centerline Road about halfway between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.  The rocky trail descends steeply from 900 feet above sea level to the rocky beach at Reef Bay.  Bring plenty of water, bug spray, and wear sturdy walking shoes.

The National Park Service is currently not offering their guided hike option that included a return to Cruz Bay by boat.  This means you will have to hike both down and back up the trail.  The long steep, uphill walk back is far more difficult than the descent. This should not be a problem for those in good physical condition who may even enjoy the challenge. Make sure to pace yourself and bring plenty of water. It may also be a good idea to plan a picnic either at the petroglyphs or at the beach near the sugar factory. A cooling swim at Genti or Little Reef Bay is another pleasant way to prepare for the walk up the valley.

A hike through the tropical forests of St. John wouldn’t be complete without some beautiful water features. Along the Reef Bay trail you will sometimes  find a stunning 40-foot waterfall, with a freshwater pool at the base. Whether or not you see the waterfall depends on how recently it has rained.  Fresh water at the bottom provides a home for a shrimp, frogs, fish, hummingbirds, and dragonflies. This is a great spot to take a rest or have your lunch.

There are some historic elements along the Reef Bay Trail that will catch your attention. The sugar mill ruins along the Reef Bay Trail remind you of a different era on the island and carry a dark shadow of history. Another historic element is visible on the rocks surrounding the freshwater pool near the trail’s end. Here, you will see some mysterious carvings. Archaeologists believe that these carvings are in fact sacred symbols carved by Taino Indians over 1,000 years ago. These petroglyphs are a great historic treat at the end of a great hike.

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Enjoying Solitude at Honeymoon Beach

What's more romantic than spending your day in paradise at a beach called Honeymoon? Honeymoon contains the magnificent qualities common to all of St. John’s north shore beaches, sugar white sand and clear, turquoise water. Here's a video of Honeymoon Bay on St. John taken on a recent early morning visit. Enjoy the solitude!