The Honeymoon!!!
June 23rd-27th, 2003
St John, U.S. Vigin Islands
The only way to the island of St John is by ferry about a 20 minute ride. St John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands (about 9 miles long). Since Columbus first arrived on St John during his second voyage to the New World in 1493, it has been controlled at various times by Spain, France, England, Holland, Denmark, and the United States. In 1917 the US purchased St John, St Thomas, and St Croix from Denmark for $25 million. National Parks encompass two thirds of the island.
This was on the ferry ride from St Thomas to St John
View from our hotel at the Westin Resorts, St. John
The second day we ventured to St Thomas. St Thomas is much more commercialized so it is somewhat crowded. It is a popular port of call for travelers, full of shopping and historical sightseeing.
So we decided to explore the bottom of the ocean in a submarine. The sub holds approx 46 passengers and 3 crew members. We submerged a little over 90 feet down, where seawater begins to filter out colors of the spectrum. Red turns to purple and then disappears and yellow begins to appear as green and then blue.
Having explored the bottom of the ocean we decided to go to the highest point on St Thomas called Paradise Point. A 700 foot ascent to enjoy panoramic views of the harbor.
This is Paradise Point Cafe at the top of Paradise Point. Where you can find very tasty frozen drinks and a great observation deck
Once again on solid ground, we began to explore food options on the island.
We stopped at a restaurant across the street from here, called "Off the Hook".
We grabbed the ferry and went back to St John after dinner.
The next day we rented a jeep and explored the island from one end to the other. St John is known for its hiking trails and clear bays for snorkling. Trunk Bay is one of the most popular and known for its underwater snorkel trail. You can follow 15 underwater plaques that identify the corals and fish that inhabit these waters. I had Keith stop at every bay so I could take pictures.... It took a while but was alot of fun.
The islands main paved road leads to the Annaberg area, where you can watch the wildlife (mangrove forests and shallow reefs). You can also find the remains of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation. Once at the top you can see the British Virgin Islands in the distance.
This is the top of Bordeaux Mountain on St John. At 1,277 feet, it's the highest point. At the top you can look down on the bay trees. The leaves are used in the production of bay rum, a major industry on the island. (yep, we got some)
Views as we drove down from Bordeaux Mountain.
Our last night on the island!
It took forever for the sun to set...
When I thought we almost had the perfect picture,
clouds started rolling in.
Anyway the pictures turned out pretty cool.
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