Monday, March 31, 2008
Boston Celtics
The Celtics won again last night, and are sure to be invited to rent a villa on St. John through www.stjohnvillarental.com, the premier website on google for just about everything there is to say about vacation villas to rent on st john usvi. And at the end of this month it will have a wicked high ranking if you want to find a villa rental like Callaloo or anything else for your vacation villa rentals.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A nice bay to visit on St. John
Frank Bay would be my choice to visit at sunset, since it faces due west. And you can see a sunset in www.frankbayvillas.com, taken from a deck. One of the Frank Bay Villa guests took the photo, in fact. A place to rent a St. John villa.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
How about this idea?
Why don't we all look at travel forums today. Or trip advisors that also list villas that can be rented for vacations on St. John, USVI. And the best forum is www.stjohntravelforum.com, which everyone knows.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Yacht Club Party Tonight
Tonight I will recite a poem at the party. You will be able to read it at www.stjohnyachtclub.org.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
www.stjohnvillarental.com
The St John Villa Rental website is www.stjohnvillarental.com, and it is really a good one. Today I am going to put Villa Callaloo on it.
Vavation villa rentals are always good.
Captain G. Piecost
Vavation villa rentals are always good.
Captain G. Piecost
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Iguana article from St. John Source
Leapin' Lizards! Some See Boom in Iguana Populationby Lynda Lohr
An iguana at the Westin Resort and Villas. March 25, 2008 -- Rafe Boulon, who heads V.I. National Park's Resource Management Division, has seen a marked increase in the number of iguanas on St. John. "They're all over the place," he said. Boulon used to see them only in places like Chocolate Hole and Great Cruz Bay, but now he sees the big lizards at such unlikely places as the driveway at Trunk Bay. And they've been spotted crossing Centerline Road near Grunwald. Renata Platenberg, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Planning and Natural Resources Department, located on St. Thomas, isn't sure about the iguana situation on St. John, but said it's possible the numbers are rising. On St. Thomas, she said, they're everywhere. "I see them smooshed on the roads," she said. Females carrying eggs head for the roads because they're looking for a warm spot to heat up, Platenberg said. Frequent rainfalls during the winter increased the amount of foliage available for iguanas to eat, Boulon said. They're found in large numbers at the Westin Resort and Villas on St. John because of the lush landscaping at the resort, he said. Iguanas can move right into plant nurseries, Boulon said. Tourists often feed iguanas at St. Thomas restaurants and resorts, Platenberg said. Once the iguanas figured this out, they became permanent residents. "They like French fries," she said. Boulon also noted that a virus about 10 years ago reduced the mongoose population, which may have cut down on the number of predators attacking the baby iguanas. It's rare to see an iguana on St. Croix, said Planning spokesman Jamal Nielsen. Fewer Crucian sightings could mean they're not as welcome at St. Croix resorts as they are on St. Thomas and St. John, or that the island has more land for habitat, making them harder to spot, Platenberg said. Development on St. John could be pushing iguanas out of more remote areas so they're more easily visible, she acknowledged. "That's a good theory," Platenberg said. Iguanas are native to Central and South America, but no one knows when they arrived. "It's likely they were brought in as a food source, possibly by Amerindians," Platenberg said. "Or they might be more recent." In Puerto Rico, iguanas arrived about 50 years ago as pets, she said. While they're not dangerous, they will bite if provoked, she said. And iguanas can cause problems with walls. They dig under walls, Platenberg said, causing them to collapse.
An iguana at the Westin Resort and Villas. March 25, 2008 -- Rafe Boulon, who heads V.I. National Park's Resource Management Division, has seen a marked increase in the number of iguanas on St. John. "They're all over the place," he said. Boulon used to see them only in places like Chocolate Hole and Great Cruz Bay, but now he sees the big lizards at such unlikely places as the driveway at Trunk Bay. And they've been spotted crossing Centerline Road near Grunwald. Renata Platenberg, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Planning and Natural Resources Department, located on St. Thomas, isn't sure about the iguana situation on St. John, but said it's possible the numbers are rising. On St. Thomas, she said, they're everywhere. "I see them smooshed on the roads," she said. Females carrying eggs head for the roads because they're looking for a warm spot to heat up, Platenberg said. Frequent rainfalls during the winter increased the amount of foliage available for iguanas to eat, Boulon said. They're found in large numbers at the Westin Resort and Villas on St. John because of the lush landscaping at the resort, he said. Iguanas can move right into plant nurseries, Boulon said. Tourists often feed iguanas at St. Thomas restaurants and resorts, Platenberg said. Once the iguanas figured this out, they became permanent residents. "They like French fries," she said. Boulon also noted that a virus about 10 years ago reduced the mongoose population, which may have cut down on the number of predators attacking the baby iguanas. It's rare to see an iguana on St. Croix, said Planning spokesman Jamal Nielsen. Fewer Crucian sightings could mean they're not as welcome at St. Croix resorts as they are on St. Thomas and St. John, or that the island has more land for habitat, making them harder to spot, Platenberg said. Development on St. John could be pushing iguanas out of more remote areas so they're more easily visible, she acknowledged. "That's a good theory," Platenberg said. Iguanas are native to Central and South America, but no one knows when they arrived. "It's likely they were brought in as a food source, possibly by Amerindians," Platenberg said. "Or they might be more recent." In Puerto Rico, iguanas arrived about 50 years ago as pets, she said. While they're not dangerous, they will bite if provoked, she said. And iguanas can cause problems with walls. They dig under walls, Platenberg said, causing them to collapse.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Google ranking of 7
The google page rank of the previous page of this blog is 7. The google page rank of this page is 3. How does this happen? I might as well mention www.stjohnvillarental.com while I am here. And www.stjohntravelforum.com and www.frankbayvillas.com, since these are all killer websites for St. John USVI virgin island vacation villas.
Monday, March 24, 2008
sjyc
Information from www.stjohnyachtclub.org
The St. John Yacht Club was founded in 1972 by a group of adventurous St. Johnians who loved sailing.
Charter members included:
Stu Brown
Cees DeGraaff
Jack Dammann
Bob & Joyce Leigh
Henry & Maia Mongie
Tommy & Frances Smith
And our first commodore
Bob Eaton
Over the past 36 years, the St. John Yacht Club has grown to about 80 family memberships, including full- and part-time residents. We are members of the United States Sailing Association, with full reciprocal privileges with yacht clubs all over the world.
Our Mission Statement (Section 2 of the St. John Yacht Club By Laws)
The purpose of the club is to encourage and promote the sport of yachting in the Virgin Islands; to provide a social outlet and bond for those who would follow the sea as an avocation and to provide the organization to give collective voice in support of measures and programs, the objective of which is the maintenance and protection of the marine environment of the Virgin Islands. The Club may also award scholarships for marine studies.
Each year we hold three or four regattas
Around St. John – Starts and ends near Cruz Bay
Duke's Trophy – Near Cruz Bay, around the Pillsbury Sound Cays
Island Hopper – Near Cruz Bay, around the Pillsbury Sound Cays
Commodore's Cup – Coral Bay, to benefit Kids And The Sea (KATS)
More information and race dates can be found in the "Race Schedule" section of this web site.
Boats/sailors from anywhere are welcome to participate in the regattas. Call the Race Chairman at 340-776-6101 for information.
Social Functions
The St. John Yacht Club tries to hold monthly Socials during the high season for its members and their guests. Look in the "Next Social Event" section of this web site for information on what is upcoming.
Visiting Yachtsmen
If you are on St. John during one of our Social Functions, we'd love to have you attend (space available). Please call the Commodore at 340-642-3360.
Membership
St. John Yacht Club always welcomes new members who share our love of St. John and sailing. Please call the Membership Chairman at 340-626-0135 for information about becoming a member.
Our Club Insignia – The Maltese Cross (see insignia above, info from Wikipedia)
The Maltese Cross is identified as the symbol of an order of Crustian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of Malta. It was originally the symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century. The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped arms joined together at their bases, so that each arm has two points. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. The eight points are said to symbolize the chivalric virtues:
Loyalty
Piety
Frankness
Bravery
Glory and honour
Contempt of death
Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
Respect for the church
The St. John Yacht Club was founded in 1972 by a group of adventurous St. Johnians who loved sailing.
Charter members included:
Stu Brown
Cees DeGraaff
Jack Dammann
Bob & Joyce Leigh
Henry & Maia Mongie
Tommy & Frances Smith
And our first commodore
Bob Eaton
Over the past 36 years, the St. John Yacht Club has grown to about 80 family memberships, including full- and part-time residents. We are members of the United States Sailing Association, with full reciprocal privileges with yacht clubs all over the world.
Our Mission Statement (Section 2 of the St. John Yacht Club By Laws)
The purpose of the club is to encourage and promote the sport of yachting in the Virgin Islands; to provide a social outlet and bond for those who would follow the sea as an avocation and to provide the organization to give collective voice in support of measures and programs, the objective of which is the maintenance and protection of the marine environment of the Virgin Islands. The Club may also award scholarships for marine studies.
Each year we hold three or four regattas
Around St. John – Starts and ends near Cruz Bay
Duke's Trophy – Near Cruz Bay, around the Pillsbury Sound Cays
Island Hopper – Near Cruz Bay, around the Pillsbury Sound Cays
Commodore's Cup – Coral Bay, to benefit Kids And The Sea (KATS)
More information and race dates can be found in the "Race Schedule" section of this web site.
Boats/sailors from anywhere are welcome to participate in the regattas. Call the Race Chairman at 340-776-6101 for information.
Social Functions
The St. John Yacht Club tries to hold monthly Socials during the high season for its members and their guests. Look in the "Next Social Event" section of this web site for information on what is upcoming.
Visiting Yachtsmen
If you are on St. John during one of our Social Functions, we'd love to have you attend (space available). Please call the Commodore at 340-642-3360.
Membership
St. John Yacht Club always welcomes new members who share our love of St. John and sailing. Please call the Membership Chairman at 340-626-0135 for information about becoming a member.
Our Club Insignia – The Maltese Cross (see insignia above, info from Wikipedia)
The Maltese Cross is identified as the symbol of an order of Crustian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller, or Knights of Malta. It was originally the symbol of Amalfi, a small Italian republic of the 11th century. The cross is eight-pointed and has the form of four "V"-shaped arms joined together at their bases, so that each arm has two points. Its design is based on crosses used since the First Crusade. The eight points are said to symbolize the chivalric virtues:
Loyalty
Piety
Frankness
Bravery
Glory and honour
Contempt of death
Helpfulness towards the poor and the sick
Respect for the church
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Easter Sunday
It is Easter Sunday today (as opposed to Easter Tuesday?) and I am going to mention www.stjohnvillarental.com, since it is the best place to rent a villa on St. John.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
www.frankbayvillas.com
It is time today to mention that www.frankbayvillas.com is a really good website to find villa rentals on St. John for vacation rentals.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Trip Advisor and Travel Forum
All About The St. John Travel Forum
The St. John Travel Forum was founded August 20, 2007, by a small group of people who know and love St. John, and who wish to share their knowledge with everyone. It is intended to be the internet's most complete collection of information about St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Inside you will find numerous articles about St. John. Topics include where to shop, water sports, boat charters, our beautiful beaches, the Virgin Islands National Park, weddings (officiants, jewelry, florists, even cakes), webcams, restaurants, activities, where to find just about anything.
You can get the ferry schedule, read a trip report, or see a photo gallery.
If you need to find churches, ATMs, books, newspapers, or the weather report, you can locate the information in the St. John USVI Travel Forum.
You can enter the 8 Tuff Miles Road Race from here. Or look at a live webcam of Foxy's Restaurant on Jost Van Dyke.
The restaurant section that we compiled is the most complete of any we have found on the Internet. Listed by location and price, with phone numbers and links to websites when available. We even list the places to get pizza. And as the Travel Forum gets more and more people registered and doing posts, you will have multiple restaurant reviews available at your fingertips.
The same is true of villa rentals. We are planning to have a complete list of available rental villas, organized by size and location. Cottages, small rental villas, large rental villas, Eco-tents, even Caneel and the Westin hotels. Multiple photos of each property, full descriptions, prices, and links to the availability calendars. You will be able to find the perfect villa for your next trip, and send an inquiry right from the Travel Forum. And there will be an ever-growing number of reviews, located in the same section as the villa descriptions, so you won't have to hunt all over internet for information.
Anyone can read any article at any time. No need to Register or Log In. Just go to the Topic that you are interested in and click on it.
If you want to post something, follow these easy directions. First, click on "Register" (top right of the Home Page). Check the box that says you are at least 13 years old. Then enter User Name, Email Address, Password, and Confirmation Code. There are some optional fields at the bottom of this screen that are informational only. Note: you need to register just once. After you have registered, you can then Log In and use all functions of the Travel Forum.
You can post information, questions, or replies anywhere. Click on a Category (example: Accommodations -- Get Information or Write A Review). Then click on a Forum (example: Large Rental Villas). To Post a Reply to an existing Topic, first click on that Topic to open it, then click on "Post Reply." To create a new Topic, click on "New Topic."
There are many different categories. Please try to find an appropriate place for any postings. If you are doing a restaurant review, for example, see if there already is a topic created for that restaurant. If so, then click on the topic to open it, and select "Post Reply." Otherwise, click on "New Topic."
If you have any difficulties with anything, send an email to stjohntravelinfo@aol.com. If you think something should be included that is not here, please send us an email. We will get back to you as soon as possible, hopefully within 1-2 business days.
The St. John Travel Forum is for people who have traveled to St. John, or who are planning a future trip. We hope that you will enjoy using it as much as we have enjoyed creating it. This is truly a beautiful little island, and we want you to come visit. Whether you come here once or many times, we know you will enjoy your experience, and we hope that the St. John Travel Forum will supply you with all the information you need.
If you own a St. John business that is tourism-related, and would like to be listed on the St. John Travel Forum, send an email to stjohntravelinfo@aol.com.
Any posts which have content that the Forum Administration judges to be offensive, overly critical, or inappropriate in any way will be removed.
Our Webmaster is the world-famous Ultmast, who loves St. John, but is now in Costa Mesa, California, running the internet business of a multi-million dollar enterprise. In his spare time, he plays soccer and is on the United States Masters Ultimate Frisbee Team, going to the World Championships this coming December. Naturally, he is a Red Sox and Patriots fan, like his younger brother and father.
The website is professionally optimized, and just 45 days into its existence made the first page of almost all search engine results.
The Forum Administrator was hired on August 27, 2007, a 7-year St. John resident. Another Red Sox and Patriots fan. He lives in Upper Carolina, 600 feet above Coral Bay Harbor, and can look at the warm Caribbean any time all day from his little "office" in the woods. His beautiful wife gives him all the inspiration he needs.
The St. John Travel Forum was founded August 20, 2007, by a small group of people who know and love St. John, and who wish to share their knowledge with everyone. It is intended to be the internet's most complete collection of information about St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Inside you will find numerous articles about St. John. Topics include where to shop, water sports, boat charters, our beautiful beaches, the Virgin Islands National Park, weddings (officiants, jewelry, florists, even cakes), webcams, restaurants, activities, where to find just about anything.
You can get the ferry schedule, read a trip report, or see a photo gallery.
If you need to find churches, ATMs, books, newspapers, or the weather report, you can locate the information in the St. John USVI Travel Forum.
You can enter the 8 Tuff Miles Road Race from here. Or look at a live webcam of Foxy's Restaurant on Jost Van Dyke.
The restaurant section that we compiled is the most complete of any we have found on the Internet. Listed by location and price, with phone numbers and links to websites when available. We even list the places to get pizza. And as the Travel Forum gets more and more people registered and doing posts, you will have multiple restaurant reviews available at your fingertips.
The same is true of villa rentals. We are planning to have a complete list of available rental villas, organized by size and location. Cottages, small rental villas, large rental villas, Eco-tents, even Caneel and the Westin hotels. Multiple photos of each property, full descriptions, prices, and links to the availability calendars. You will be able to find the perfect villa for your next trip, and send an inquiry right from the Travel Forum. And there will be an ever-growing number of reviews, located in the same section as the villa descriptions, so you won't have to hunt all over internet for information.
Anyone can read any article at any time. No need to Register or Log In. Just go to the Topic that you are interested in and click on it.
If you want to post something, follow these easy directions. First, click on "Register" (top right of the Home Page). Check the box that says you are at least 13 years old. Then enter User Name, Email Address, Password, and Confirmation Code. There are some optional fields at the bottom of this screen that are informational only. Note: you need to register just once. After you have registered, you can then Log In and use all functions of the Travel Forum.
You can post information, questions, or replies anywhere. Click on a Category (example: Accommodations -- Get Information or Write A Review). Then click on a Forum (example: Large Rental Villas). To Post a Reply to an existing Topic, first click on that Topic to open it, then click on "Post Reply." To create a new Topic, click on "New Topic."
There are many different categories. Please try to find an appropriate place for any postings. If you are doing a restaurant review, for example, see if there already is a topic created for that restaurant. If so, then click on the topic to open it, and select "Post Reply." Otherwise, click on "New Topic."
If you have any difficulties with anything, send an email to stjohntravelinfo@aol.com. If you think something should be included that is not here, please send us an email. We will get back to you as soon as possible, hopefully within 1-2 business days.
The St. John Travel Forum is for people who have traveled to St. John, or who are planning a future trip. We hope that you will enjoy using it as much as we have enjoyed creating it. This is truly a beautiful little island, and we want you to come visit. Whether you come here once or many times, we know you will enjoy your experience, and we hope that the St. John Travel Forum will supply you with all the information you need.
If you own a St. John business that is tourism-related, and would like to be listed on the St. John Travel Forum, send an email to stjohntravelinfo@aol.com.
Any posts which have content that the Forum Administration judges to be offensive, overly critical, or inappropriate in any way will be removed.
Our Webmaster is the world-famous Ultmast, who loves St. John, but is now in Costa Mesa, California, running the internet business of a multi-million dollar enterprise. In his spare time, he plays soccer and is on the United States Masters Ultimate Frisbee Team, going to the World Championships this coming December. Naturally, he is a Red Sox and Patriots fan, like his younger brother and father.
The website is professionally optimized, and just 45 days into its existence made the first page of almost all search engine results.
The Forum Administrator was hired on August 27, 2007, a 7-year St. John resident. Another Red Sox and Patriots fan. He lives in Upper Carolina, 600 feet above Coral Bay Harbor, and can look at the warm Caribbean any time all day from his little "office" in the woods. His beautiful wife gives him all the inspiration he needs.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Some History
St John Villa Rental USVI Pool Wedding Honeymoon Frank Bay
Frank Bay Villas -- Nature a Sure Lure for Visitors to St. John
This text is also in St. John Villa Rental. If the characteristic personality of each United States Virgin Island could be captured in a word, the flurry of activity, premier resorts and world-class shopping districts of St. Thomas would likely bring "energetic" to mind. Considering its rolling green hills dotted with centuries-old sugar mill ruins and the Danish-inspired architecture of its two towns, "historic" aptly describes a more quiet St. Croix. But what word best describes the 11,560 acres of largely undeveloped sparkling beaches, private lagoons, nature trails and lush foliage that both complement these two larger sister islands and complete this beautiful Caribbean trio? It is "serene," and that is the hallmark of the island of St. John.
Just a 45-minute boat ride from St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie, this smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands was once a thriving agricultural society established in the early 1700s by Danish settlers attracted by the island's lucrative prospects of cultivating sugar cane. More than 100 cotton and sugar plantations flourished throughout all three U.S. Virgin Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries, but the emancipation of slaves in 1848 led to the plantations' eventual decline. What remain are the ruins of St. John's now-famous Annaberg Sugar Mill and other smaller plantations.
Once known for its sugar cane and farming industries, St. John today is recognized for its pristine beaches and conservation-minded residents who dedicate themselves to preserving the island's natural and cultural resources. Diminutive in size but not in natural splendor, this 19-square-mile island offers a glimpse of what life is like unfettered by commercial development and the trappings of a more modern lifestyle. Since philanthropist Laurence Rockefeller deeded two-thirds of the island - plus 5,000 offshore acres - to the federal government as national park land more than 40 years ago, St. John has retained a tranquil, unspoiled beauty that leaves visitors vowing to return for a longer stay.
For a vacationer with a mind to escape life's faster pace, there is snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing on St. John's calm, clear waters, and sunning on one lovely beach after the next. More than one-third of the national park land is underwater and home to brilliantly-hued coral reefs, plant life and tropical fish. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is at Trunk Bay, where an underwater trail with submerged markers leads visitors on a fascinating journey amidst the island's colorful marine life.
Coming ashore to soak in what St. John most abundantly affords visitors - peace and quiet in the realm of gorgeous scenery - vacationers have 40 numerous beaches on which to spread their towels for an uninterrupted day in the sun. Beginning at the island's western end, three of St. John's most famous beaches are strung together, fringed with tropical palms and sea grape trees. Hawksnest, Trunk and Cinnamon Bay beaches are likely to be the most crowded of St. John's sunning spots, but only relatively-speaking, considering the privacy and seclusion offered by the island's countless other bays and cays.
Maho and Francis bays and Watelemon Cay are just a few more of the beaches encountered as visitors continue eastward along St. John's gently curving coastline. Powdered with sugary-white sand, the beach at Leinster Bay is a haven for those seeking the solace of a more private, sunny retreat. When not soaking up the sun's rays, vacationers can swim in the bay's shallow waters and snorkel in the company of an occasional turtle and stingray among spectacular, colorful coral.
Vacationers who don't take to the sea for recreation or spend day after day on the beach may instead choose to explore any of the 22 self-guided nature trails managed by the National Park Service. In sharp contrast to its white sand beaches, St. John's woodland trails wind through subtropical vegetation, keeping determined hikers occupied for miles - and hours - at a time. The three-mile Reef Bay Hike, offered by the National Park Service, leads nature enthusiasts past ancient Arawak Indian carvings called petroglyphs.
After touring the island on foot, visitors may also choose to wind their way along the island's scenic but narrow roads in a rented car or jeep, making sure to drive on the left as is the law in the USVI. Or, for those not interested in exploring the island on their own, two-hour safari bus tours, colorfully narrated by guides full of both West Indian folklore and first-hand knowledge of the island, take visitors to key observation points around the island.
After taking any one or all of these numerous forays into St. John's flora and fauna, visitors to the island still should save time to explore Cruz Bay, once a bustling port serving the sugar and rum industries and now home to most of the island's residents. Here, visitors won't find fast-food chains, discos or movie theaters; rather, an eclectic mix of interesting boutiques, art galleries, bars and fine restaurants populate what's considered the island's social and business center. Just north of Cruz Bay, vacationers will find one of the prettiest shopping areas in the Caribbean, Mongoose Junction. Cruz Bay is also home to Wharfside Village, another shopping area in town located right on the beach. Both Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village offer everything from funky local crafts and fashions to elegant jewels and exotic imports.
Valued by many for the slower pace it affords its visitors, St. John has everything to offer in terms of rest, relaxation and recreation. Whether coming to this tiny island for sunning, snorkeling, or even shopping, vacationers will find ample opportunities to enjoy all three and more on St. John.
Information from US Virgin Islands website
Frank Bay Villas -- Nature a Sure Lure for Visitors to St. John
This text is also in St. John Villa Rental. If the characteristic personality of each United States Virgin Island could be captured in a word, the flurry of activity, premier resorts and world-class shopping districts of St. Thomas would likely bring "energetic" to mind. Considering its rolling green hills dotted with centuries-old sugar mill ruins and the Danish-inspired architecture of its two towns, "historic" aptly describes a more quiet St. Croix. But what word best describes the 11,560 acres of largely undeveloped sparkling beaches, private lagoons, nature trails and lush foliage that both complement these two larger sister islands and complete this beautiful Caribbean trio? It is "serene," and that is the hallmark of the island of St. John.
Just a 45-minute boat ride from St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie, this smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands was once a thriving agricultural society established in the early 1700s by Danish settlers attracted by the island's lucrative prospects of cultivating sugar cane. More than 100 cotton and sugar plantations flourished throughout all three U.S. Virgin Islands during the 18th and 19th centuries, but the emancipation of slaves in 1848 led to the plantations' eventual decline. What remain are the ruins of St. John's now-famous Annaberg Sugar Mill and other smaller plantations.
Once known for its sugar cane and farming industries, St. John today is recognized for its pristine beaches and conservation-minded residents who dedicate themselves to preserving the island's natural and cultural resources. Diminutive in size but not in natural splendor, this 19-square-mile island offers a glimpse of what life is like unfettered by commercial development and the trappings of a more modern lifestyle. Since philanthropist Laurence Rockefeller deeded two-thirds of the island - plus 5,000 offshore acres - to the federal government as national park land more than 40 years ago, St. John has retained a tranquil, unspoiled beauty that leaves visitors vowing to return for a longer stay.
For a vacationer with a mind to escape life's faster pace, there is snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing on St. John's calm, clear waters, and sunning on one lovely beach after the next. More than one-third of the national park land is underwater and home to brilliantly-hued coral reefs, plant life and tropical fish. Some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean is at Trunk Bay, where an underwater trail with submerged markers leads visitors on a fascinating journey amidst the island's colorful marine life.
Coming ashore to soak in what St. John most abundantly affords visitors - peace and quiet in the realm of gorgeous scenery - vacationers have 40 numerous beaches on which to spread their towels for an uninterrupted day in the sun. Beginning at the island's western end, three of St. John's most famous beaches are strung together, fringed with tropical palms and sea grape trees. Hawksnest, Trunk and Cinnamon Bay beaches are likely to be the most crowded of St. John's sunning spots, but only relatively-speaking, considering the privacy and seclusion offered by the island's countless other bays and cays.
Maho and Francis bays and Watelemon Cay are just a few more of the beaches encountered as visitors continue eastward along St. John's gently curving coastline. Powdered with sugary-white sand, the beach at Leinster Bay is a haven for those seeking the solace of a more private, sunny retreat. When not soaking up the sun's rays, vacationers can swim in the bay's shallow waters and snorkel in the company of an occasional turtle and stingray among spectacular, colorful coral.
Vacationers who don't take to the sea for recreation or spend day after day on the beach may instead choose to explore any of the 22 self-guided nature trails managed by the National Park Service. In sharp contrast to its white sand beaches, St. John's woodland trails wind through subtropical vegetation, keeping determined hikers occupied for miles - and hours - at a time. The three-mile Reef Bay Hike, offered by the National Park Service, leads nature enthusiasts past ancient Arawak Indian carvings called petroglyphs.
After touring the island on foot, visitors may also choose to wind their way along the island's scenic but narrow roads in a rented car or jeep, making sure to drive on the left as is the law in the USVI. Or, for those not interested in exploring the island on their own, two-hour safari bus tours, colorfully narrated by guides full of both West Indian folklore and first-hand knowledge of the island, take visitors to key observation points around the island.
After taking any one or all of these numerous forays into St. John's flora and fauna, visitors to the island still should save time to explore Cruz Bay, once a bustling port serving the sugar and rum industries and now home to most of the island's residents. Here, visitors won't find fast-food chains, discos or movie theaters; rather, an eclectic mix of interesting boutiques, art galleries, bars and fine restaurants populate what's considered the island's social and business center. Just north of Cruz Bay, vacationers will find one of the prettiest shopping areas in the Caribbean, Mongoose Junction. Cruz Bay is also home to Wharfside Village, another shopping area in town located right on the beach. Both Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village offer everything from funky local crafts and fashions to elegant jewels and exotic imports.
Valued by many for the slower pace it affords its visitors, St. John has everything to offer in terms of rest, relaxation and recreation. Whether coming to this tiny island for sunning, snorkeling, or even shopping, vacationers will find ample opportunities to enjoy all three and more on St. John.
Information from US Virgin Islands website
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
St. John Travel Forum and Villa Rental
Yes, the most information about St. John anywhere in the whole world is at the St. John Travel Forum, and you too can see it all at www.stjohntravelforum.com.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Yacht Club News
The St. John Yacht Club invited the Governor to attend the next social at Will Ferry's house. You can see all the info at www.stjohnyachtclub.org. And I am the genius behind it.
Captain G. Piecost
Captain G. Piecost
Monday, March 17, 2008
Yacht Club News
The St. John Yacht Club is going to have a party on 3/28 at Will Ferry's house. And it will be good.
Commodores all over the house.
Commodores all over the house.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Villas Everywhere
St. John Villa Rental www.stjohnvillarental.com has the following villas listed.
1-Bedroom Villas – Apartment Suite Dreams, Azul de Mar, Bananaquit, Bougainvillea, Captain's Cabin, Caribsea, Caribsurf, Catch n Keep, Coconut Coast, Coral and Blue, Coral Dream, Far Horizons, Fishbone Cottage, Garden By The Sea, Hillcrest Guest House, In Harmony Retreat, Lavender Hill Suites, Meritage Cottage, Papaya Moon, Siempre Azul, Star Villas, Tranquility, Trinidad Charlie Eco Cottages, Valley View, Windcrest.
2-Bedroom Villas – Blue Tang, Cameron Cove, Caneel Trailside Cottage, Carnival Beach House, Castle St. John, Coconut Coast, Daffodil Villa, Hibiscus Gardens, Horizons Cottage, Kamabesu, Lavender Hill Suites, Louisenhoj, Luna Vista, Mystic Ridge, Panacea, Sea Turtle Villa, SeaCruz, Star Villas, Starlit Escape, Tradewinds Cottage, Villa Cielomar, Windcrest.
3-Bedroom Villas – Allesandra, Andante by the Sea, Blue Palm Villa, Cari-beana Villa, ChocoCruz, Cinnamon Stones, Idyllic Villa, Odessa, Rendezvous By The Sea, Safari, Serenity, Still Waters, Villa Mollo.
4-Bedroom Villas – Acqua Blu, Amani, Blue Skies, Chateau La Tete Rouge, Fish Bay Hideaway, Meritage Great House, Rendezview, Sea Turtle Villa, Sol Inclination, Villa Claudia, Villa Colorado, Villa Venturoso.
5-Bedroom Villas – Crystal Seaview, Kismet, Mystic Ridge, Peter Bay Beach House, Starlit Escape.
6-Bedroom Villas – Villa Tesori, Chateau Margot, Great Expectations, Villa Paulette.
1-Bedroom Villas – Apartment Suite Dreams, Azul de Mar, Bananaquit, Bougainvillea, Captain's Cabin, Caribsea, Caribsurf, Catch n Keep, Coconut Coast, Coral and Blue, Coral Dream, Far Horizons, Fishbone Cottage, Garden By The Sea, Hillcrest Guest House, In Harmony Retreat, Lavender Hill Suites, Meritage Cottage, Papaya Moon, Siempre Azul, Star Villas, Tranquility, Trinidad Charlie Eco Cottages, Valley View, Windcrest.
2-Bedroom Villas – Blue Tang, Cameron Cove, Caneel Trailside Cottage, Carnival Beach House, Castle St. John, Coconut Coast, Daffodil Villa, Hibiscus Gardens, Horizons Cottage, Kamabesu, Lavender Hill Suites, Louisenhoj, Luna Vista, Mystic Ridge, Panacea, Sea Turtle Villa, SeaCruz, Star Villas, Starlit Escape, Tradewinds Cottage, Villa Cielomar, Windcrest.
3-Bedroom Villas – Allesandra, Andante by the Sea, Blue Palm Villa, Cari-beana Villa, ChocoCruz, Cinnamon Stones, Idyllic Villa, Odessa, Rendezvous By The Sea, Safari, Serenity, Still Waters, Villa Mollo.
4-Bedroom Villas – Acqua Blu, Amani, Blue Skies, Chateau La Tete Rouge, Fish Bay Hideaway, Meritage Great House, Rendezview, Sea Turtle Villa, Sol Inclination, Villa Claudia, Villa Colorado, Villa Venturoso.
5-Bedroom Villas – Crystal Seaview, Kismet, Mystic Ridge, Peter Bay Beach House, Starlit Escape.
6-Bedroom Villas – Villa Tesori, Chateau Margot, Great Expectations, Villa Paulette.
Another Post
I guess a trip to St. John would not be complete without first checking out www.frankbayvillas.com, which are located in Frank Bay, near Cruz Bay. This website is the greatest ever for weddings, honeymoons, and last-minute specials.
Here are a few villas which are in Frank Bay
Far Horizons
Azul de Mar
Caribsea
Bougainvillea
Caribsurf
Bananaquit
Star Villas
Coconut Coast
So, come to St. John for a vacation villa rental.
Here are a few villas which are in Frank Bay
Far Horizons
Azul de Mar
Caribsea
Bougainvillea
Caribsurf
Bananaquit
Star Villas
Coconut Coast
So, come to St. John for a vacation villa rental.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Where can I find things?
The best place to find anything on St. John, of course, is the St. John Travel Forum, www.stjohntravelforum.com, which has all kinds of listings that people need to enjoy a vacation week in the virgin islands.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Trip Advisor
I need advice for a travel forum. Should I use the st john travel forum and trip advisor at www.stjohntravelforum.com? Yes, I think I should.
Joe.
Joe.
I just figured out how to do a new post on this blog. You have to go all the way back to someplace that I haven't gone all the way back to.
So now I can put www.stjohnvillarental.com in the blog again, and it underlines properly. This is the best place to rent a villa or villas on St. John or to get married or to have a wedding or honeymoon, or to find a last-minute special.
And look at all the villas we have listed:
1-Bedroom Villas – Apartment Suite Dreams, Azul de Mar, Bananaquit, Bougainvillea, Captain's Cabin, Caribsea, Caribsurf, Catch n Keep, Coconut Coast, Coral and Blue, Coral Dream, Far Horizons, Fishbone Cottage, Garden By The Sea, Hillcrest Guest House, In Harmony Retreat, Lavender Hill Suites, Meritage Cottage, Papaya Moon, Siempre Azul, Star Villas, Tranquility, Trinidad Charlie Eco Cottages, Valley View, Windcrest.
2-Bedroom Villas – Blue Tang, Cameron Cove, Caneel Trailside Cottage, Carnival Beach House, Castle St. John, Coconut Coast, Daffodil Villa, Hibiscus Gardens, Horizons Cottage, Kamabesu, Lavender Hill Suites, Louisenhoj, Luna Vista, Mystic Ridge, Panacea, Sea Turtle Villa, SeaCruz, Star Villas, Starlit Escape, Tradewinds Cottage, Villa Cielomar, Windcrest.
3-Bedroom Villas – Allesandra, Andante by the Sea, Blue Palm Villa, Cari-beana Villa, ChocoCruz, Cinnamon Stones, Idyllic Villa, Odessa, Rendezvous By The Sea, Safari, Serenity, Still Waters, Villa Mollo.
4-Bedroom Villas – Acqua Blu, Amani, Blue Skies, Chateau La Tete Rouge, Fish Bay Hideaway, Meritage Great House, Rendezview, Sea Turtle Villa, Sol Inclination, Villa Claudia, Villa Colorado, Villa Venturoso.
5-Bedroom Villas – Crystal Seaview, Kismet, Mystic Ridge, Peter Bay Beach House, Starlit Escape.
6-Bedroom Villas – Villa Tesori, Chateau Margot, Great Expectations, Villa Paulette.
You can find all of these at www.stjohnvillarental.com or at www.frankbayvillas.com or at www.stjohntravelforum.com
So now I can put www.stjohnvillarental.com in the blog again, and it underlines properly. This is the best place to rent a villa or villas on St. John or to get married or to have a wedding or honeymoon, or to find a last-minute special.
And look at all the villas we have listed:
1-Bedroom Villas – Apartment Suite Dreams, Azul de Mar, Bananaquit, Bougainvillea, Captain's Cabin, Caribsea, Caribsurf, Catch n Keep, Coconut Coast, Coral and Blue, Coral Dream, Far Horizons, Fishbone Cottage, Garden By The Sea, Hillcrest Guest House, In Harmony Retreat, Lavender Hill Suites, Meritage Cottage, Papaya Moon, Siempre Azul, Star Villas, Tranquility, Trinidad Charlie Eco Cottages, Valley View, Windcrest.
2-Bedroom Villas – Blue Tang, Cameron Cove, Caneel Trailside Cottage, Carnival Beach House, Castle St. John, Coconut Coast, Daffodil Villa, Hibiscus Gardens, Horizons Cottage, Kamabesu, Lavender Hill Suites, Louisenhoj, Luna Vista, Mystic Ridge, Panacea, Sea Turtle Villa, SeaCruz, Star Villas, Starlit Escape, Tradewinds Cottage, Villa Cielomar, Windcrest.
3-Bedroom Villas – Allesandra, Andante by the Sea, Blue Palm Villa, Cari-beana Villa, ChocoCruz, Cinnamon Stones, Idyllic Villa, Odessa, Rendezvous By The Sea, Safari, Serenity, Still Waters, Villa Mollo.
4-Bedroom Villas – Acqua Blu, Amani, Blue Skies, Chateau La Tete Rouge, Fish Bay Hideaway, Meritage Great House, Rendezview, Sea Turtle Villa, Sol Inclination, Villa Claudia, Villa Colorado, Villa Venturoso.
5-Bedroom Villas – Crystal Seaview, Kismet, Mystic Ridge, Peter Bay Beach House, Starlit Escape.
6-Bedroom Villas – Villa Tesori, Chateau Margot, Great Expectations, Villa Paulette.
You can find all of these at www.stjohnvillarental.com or at www.frankbayvillas.com or at www.stjohntravelforum.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)