A Day on St. John

It turned out to be sooner than later that I would experience the island of St. John, which is supposed to be THE island of all the USVI's. It's beautiful, less developed and people are friendlier.

V was invited to go out with a couple scientists from NOAA and observe them using their ROV (remotely operated vehicle) instrument used to locate derelict fish traps on the bottom of the ocean. As she hopped on the boat and disappeared from the harbor, my adventure began.

After spending some time studying the map of the island, I decided to hike out to a sweet little beach and swim out to an island called "Waterlemon Cay" where there's a reef surrounding the perimeter.

I rented some snorkel gear from a local dive shop and then hopped on the VITran bus which is similar to a regular city bus and for a dollar you can take it across the island.

The bus made it to my stop, which was right in front of a roadside ice cream stand about three quarters across the island. I hopped off and proceeded to hike down the hill. After about a half-mile I came to some of the most beautiful beach I had yet to lay eyes on. This was the start of my hike.

I hiked for another mile and a half along the beach and then swam out to the cay. I circled the little island twice and saw all kinds of tropical fish and coral. I also snuck up on a couple Pelicans who were hanging out on the rocks.

After about 2 hours I decided to swim back in and was gathering my stuff on shore when I heard the all too familiar sound "bzzzzzzz." Yup, the mosquitoes were on the attack so I high-tailed it out of there like a bandit after a big score.

When I got back to the road I realized I didn't have a way to get back to town and meet Vanessa. Walking would take me way too long and I didn't have enough water to last, so I decided to do what a lot of locals do...hitchhike. I stuck out my finger and pointed the direction I was heading unlike the states where you put your thumb up.

The first truck that came along stopped for me. I walked up to the window and it was a couple of locals. "Hop in da back mon...we take you town" were the first words I heard, so I didn't hesitate. I hopped in the back and we were off!

Up and down the mountain and through the jungle to grandmother' house we went....I mean to Cruz Bay :) What a great way to see all the beaches and scenery of St. John...from the back of a pickup.

About 3 miles into the trip they stopped. What's going on I thought? The two men got out and came around back grabbing a machete the size of a desert cactus. I wondered if they were going to use it on me...the thought lasted only a moment as they disappeared into the jungle and left me in the back of the truck in the middle of the road fending off mosquitoes like a soldier on a battlefield.

After about 20 minutes they came back with a huge bag of coconuts and some other tropical fruit I didn't recognize. It didn't take long for me to figure out they gather it and bring it into town to sell.  They threw it in the back and we were off again...this time like a bat out of hell.

Before I knew it we were back. They parked the truck, I hopped out and gave them whatever cash I had left which was only a couple bucks. I also gave them half a hug (you know the manly kind).

What a day...what an experience. That's the time I met St. John.