This picture was shot from the cockpit of my Charteryacht while in Christmas Cove on Great St. James Island, USVI. A common first-nighting place when your charter begins from St. Thomas. Sunset is a perfect time to spot the legendary Green Flash. And yes, it's really true. They are quite commonly seen in the Virgin Islands when conditions are just right.
Dock lore has it that, back in the '70's and beyond, when the charter yachts who had no charter over Christmas (a rare event these days), they would all gather here to celebrate together. And then there's some pesky rumor of an historical event which states that Christopher Columbus landed here on a Christmas Day. You decide.
Ahhhh, the wonders of the Caribbean! Let's focus on some of the US Virgin Islands for starters.
All these beautiful pictures were taken with a simple point and shoot Digital camera from my charter sailboat. (Except where noted, below.)
Nothing fancy. You see, the Islands are so perfect in every detail, you need no fancy camera, really. All raw, Nature at its finest. Enjoy this portfolio. Our many charter guests were captivated and vowed to come back again and again. And they did.
Nothing fancy. You see, the Islands are so perfect in every detail, you need no fancy camera, really. All raw, Nature at its finest. Enjoy this portfolio. Our many charter guests were captivated and vowed to come back again and again. And they did.
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| After colors from a glorious sunset. Facing East from the boat's bow in the US Virgin Islands. |
Then, just after the Sun sets, run to the bow, which faces East usually, to catch the "after-colors" often more spectacular than the actual sunset itself. Mom Nature really pours it on doesn't she? Ahhhh.
Morning dawns. Facing East, from the bow. The Sun's rays shoot upward thru the low, distant clouds. Glory in the skies!
After breakfast, we are now moving East to St. John in the USVI, the jewel in the crown of the US National Park Service. More the one-half of this lovely island with its rich and colorful fringing reefs are protected by the Park Service leaving it unspoiled for you to see it in all its raw beauty.
After breakfast, we are now moving East to St. John in the USVI, the jewel in the crown of the US National Park Service. More the one-half of this lovely island with its rich and colorful fringing reefs are protected by the Park Service leaving it unspoiled for you to see it in all its raw beauty.
Distant squall seen on your short journey to St. John, USVI. And as quickly as it forms, it moves on out to sea.
The early morning sunrays are just a small preview of the majesty yet to come. The most beautiful skies in all the world will be witnessed from the deck of your Charteryacht. Unobstructed horizons, seldom seen in the life of a usual land-lubber, will send you running for your camera as you gently sail along to the next snorkel stop.
And now, there you are. All alone on your private charteryacht. After a refreshing lunch, get ready to explore some of the Park land which surrounds you.
Southwind, Charteryacht, in St. John, Salt Pond Bay. World-renowned snorkeling and nature hiking.
Gin clear water. Friendly sealife.
Who could ask for more?
Who could ask for more?
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| Limin' in the hammock! |
Oh, what to do all day, what to do?
Oh, I know, we'll take a hike up to Ram Head, St. John USVI.
But first, we'll go to see the petroglyphs on the Reef Bay Trail.
Excerpted from www.seestjohn.com.
"Who carved the petroglyphs?"
"Although no one knows for certain, the most likely answer to
this question is that the petroglyphs were created by the pre-Columbian
inhabitants of St. John known as the Taino." | |
| Petroglyphs on Reef Bay Trail, St. John, USVI |
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| Happy Charterer enjoying the cool of the forest and stream. |
Next Hike: Ram Head, St John, US Virgin Islands
Sights seen on your way to Ram Head.
Salt and wind-weathered ancient tree on the shore of Salt Pond Bay, St John, USVI. The "beach" is make up of ancient, blue cobblestones AKA "Blue Bitch". Aptly named, as it is one of the hardest rocks known on Earth. Also they are very prized as pavers, but the Park status keeps them safe for us to enjoy.
You will also walk through a grove of lignum vitae trees. A few remain after ancient shipwrights used so many for bearings in old sailing ships. As hard as the Blue Bitch is among rocks, these remaining trees are among the hardest in the world.
Ancient Lignum Vitae tree
Turks Cap cactus.
Eat the succulent fruit (pluck carefully!) It tastes just like strawberries. But you have to beat the lizards, thrushies and sugar birds to them first!
Take heart. The hike is not all that arduous but you must wear sensible shoes. Watch out for the CatchandKeep cactus. They are a form of Jolla cactus AKA jumping cactus and will stick in your toes. You will also likely be joined by some friendly goats.
Here is your reward!
Jump off point to Africa!! (but don't do it. There's so much more to see and do.)
Smiles all around.
The views are breathtaking.
"The eastern coast of Ram Head Point is totally exposed to the tradewinds. If you were sailing east from here, your next landfall would be Africa. The air you will be breathing on this beach is unarguably the cleanest, freshest and most invigorating air in the world.
The trail switches back several times through a cactus environment and leads to the tip of Ram Head Point.
The rock that makes up this headland is the oldest rock found on St. John. Evidence supporting this theory was gained when geologists, using diamond tipped drills, bored into the rock at Ram Head. They drilled down over one half a mile before breaking through the last of the rock. The new substance brought up by the drill was examined and shown to be the same material that makes up the ocean floor, indicating that no other rock was there before it."
Humbling isn't it?
Excerpted from St. John Beach Guide. More information to be found HERE.
So come and walk in the footsteps of so many happy Charterers. As for them, your first time will not be your last.
From the annals of a Charteryacht owner sailing in the Waters of the US and British Virgin Islands for more than 10 years.
www.slipaweighcharters.com
margo@slipaweighcharters.com
