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The Latest on a Possible Coral Bay Marina

Photo credit: Steve Simonsen
Photo credit: Steve Simonsen

So we’ve mentioned a few times the possibility of a marina opening up in Coral Bay. Well it looks like something may in fact be on the horizon, according to the folks over at St. John Tradewinds.

They posted an article on it earlier this week. Here’s what they had to say:

Moravian Church Official Heralds Plans for Coral Bay Marina Project
Officials of the Moravian Church are promising an announcement soon on the long-awaited marina proposal for their Coral Bay waterfront property which they assert stretches along the bay’s entire north shore from the ball field along the shoreline behind the Guy H. Benjamin Elementary School, the V.I. Fire Department station and the Skinny Leg’s commercial complex to the mangroves at Fortsberg.

“We’re trying to educate the community that our project is very much alive and is going to be coming to the forefront very soon,” said Samuel Rhymer, territorial property manager for the Moravian Church.

Donation to Rotary Basketball Court Project
Moravian Church officials will be backing up the church’s claim of ownership of the shoreline property with a donation to the St. John Rotary effort to rebuild the Coral Bay basketball courts.

Church officials will make a presentation of an as yet undetermined donation to the basketball court project on April 30 at the weekly St. John Rotary meeting at Ocean Grill restaurant, according to Rhymer — who said the donation would be totaled after the weekend.

While the Moravian Church’s plans for the development of its Coral Bay shoreline property are still a work in progress, the basketball court project is a proverbial first step, according to Rhymer.

“It’s all inter-related,” Rhymer acknowledged of the basketball court project and future development plans for the the church’s property — which will include building a better dock to replace the existing dinghy landing and clearing the waterfront of uses which have not been approved by the Moravian Church, Rhymer said.

No Permission for Uses
“We did not give permission for things to be done on the property,” explained Rhymer. The waterfront property is a complex of containers, shacks and sheds

“We are past that now,” Rhymer said. “We want to show we have a responsibility to the community until things are better.”

While the Moravian church has been reasserting its claim over its property, a stateside developer has secured $1.27 million in federal funds for a marina at an undisclosed location on the south shore of Coral Bay.

St. John Marina; Yacht Club at Summer’s End, LLC, received a $1,273,689 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for a marina in Coral Bay, according to an announcement by Delegate to Congress Dr. Donna M. Christensen issued on January 9. The grant actually had been awarded in August 2013.

Competing Marina at Cocolobo?
The principals of the LLC are two Contant residents, Rick Barksdale and Chalise Summers, have not publicly identified the intended location of their project.

The Summer’s End marina will be located on the south shore of Coral Bay across from the Cocolobo commercial complex, a V.I. government official told St. John Tradewinds.

“It’s not an ideal location,” the Moravian Church’s Rhymer said of the Summer’s End proposal for a marina in the shallower south shore waters. “We have a better location.””

So we have to ask, are you for or against a marina in Coral Bay? Vote below.

The Story of the Locust

So back in January we introduced you to Ital Delroy Anthony. Ital is a very cool and very knowledgeable St. Johnian who makes music and native arts and crafts over by Salt Pond. We stopped by and chatted with him a few weeks ago about the locust. For those of you who live on island or visit the island, chances are you’ve seen these. Now here’s the story behind it:

Please click here to watch Ital tell the story behind the conch shell.

Life on a Rock: Going Home.

roccos final

So this week we introduced you to Carol and David Rocco, a Midwestern couple who moved to the island for one year. We initially intended on running one story about their yearlong adventure, but we were so captivated by the couple and especially by Carol’s writing that we decided it was worth more than just one post.

Today we cap off their story as they prepare to leave the island. But before we do, we asked Carol a couple of simple questions about their journey. Here’s what she had to say:

Would you recommend that anyone else do this?
Island life is not for everyone. I have found that there are 3 kinds of people who aren’t happy here: 1) Those who did not have a realistic expectation of what they were getting into, 2) Those who get here and think they can change the system, and 3) those without a sense of humor. This may be a U.S. territory but it’s not America. For those considering a move, read everything you can find on the subject and talk to people who have already done it. That’s one of the things I love about the STJ expat community — most of them are happy to share what they know and lend a hand to open-minded newcomers. We have met people here that have changed our lives and will remain lifelong friends.

Would you do it again?
In a heartbeat.

And here is Carol’s last post in its entirety:

Arrested Development

The countdown app on my iPhone says we depart for America in 1 day, 23 hours, 9 minutes and 14 seconds … but who’s counting.

Our last days are filled with the things we love the most about the islands ~ roaming barefoot along the sandy streets of Great Harbour (Jost Van Dyke), hiking the trails, sitting under the leaning palm on Salomon, camping out at the Beach Bar awaiting the most spectacular sunset on earth, laughing with dear friends ~ and you know me, I’m snapping up pictures like paparazzi stalking Lindsay Lohan.

I could sugarcoat the story and tell you everything’s perfect but that negates the purpose of sharing the reality of the roller coaster ride. Truth is, emotions have been on red alert this week largely because we haven’t sold our two high dollar items: the boat and the vehicle. Did I mention we leave in 1 day, 23 hours, 9 minutes and 14 seconds? Given that every little detail fell so beautifully into place to get us here, I am thoroughly confused by the about-face. In fact, I am not the least bit amused.

While contemplating the Universe’s stalling tactics this morning, I get a message in my inbox:

No matter what happens or doesn’t happen this week, Carol, this entire week will already be looked back upon with the greatest fondness because of the miracles you’ve already performed, which will become more and more evident as time passes.

That’s how I see it now, The Universe.

I’m convinced that the Universe speaks directly to me so if you got the same message, don’t tell me (www.tut.com).

Life on a Rock: Full Circle

roccos second pic

Yesterday we introduced you to Carol and David Rocco, a couple from Missouri who decided to take a leap of faith and move to St. John for one year. Here’s part two of their story:

Rock Fever – September 24, 2013

Rock Fever – temporary claustrophobia and restlessness caused by living on an island

The fever is alive and well. And I have it.

How can anyone living in ‘paradise’ have moments or hours or days of restlessness? Good question. I can only describe just a few of the annoyances crowding my thoughts of late …

  • I’m going to toss a spike strip in front of the truck driver who blows his horn for a good quarter of a mile up the hill 18 times a day.
  • Could I get more than one bag of groceries for less than a hundred dollars?
  • Keep raining so it will fill the cistern and I can let the shower run for one full minute.
  • Stop raining! The dishes won’t even dry!
  • I dream of a mouth-watering pizza … delivered …
  • Oh how I miss the smell of a mall … even the offensive, mucus-inflammatory odor pouring out the doors of Hollister.
  • Is it happy hour yet?

I realize slow season is the calm before the storm, but at this moment I would welcome a hurricane. I haven’t crawled into a dry bed for three nights anyway.

P.S. To concerned family and friends: No worries. My antidepressant is still effective and there’s no need to alert AA. Rock fever is a normal and temporary condition of living in paradise. I feel better already.

Six Months in St. John: What I’ve Learned – December 17, 2013

We left America six months ago for an island adventure – and what an adventure it is!

Notes to Self:

  • You don’t need much to live here. You don’t need much to live in America either … you just thought you did.
  • This isn’t South Beach. No one cares about your designer clothing, expensive jewelry and shoes with bling. Those things will get ruined anyway. You’ll be glad you brought the weatherproof, functional (boring) handbag.
  • You will not live in a big house with air conditioning and all the luxuries you’re used to (unless you win the lottery, so start playing). You will, however, have a magnificent view while ‘suffering’ with less.
  • 450 square feet isn’t so bad. On the bright side, it will take only 30 minutes to clean house.
  • Do not bring anything you’d rather not replace. Your favorite pirate shirt will mold. Your most comfortable flip flops will fall apart. The metal embellishments on your pink bikini will rust. And you will replace computers and cameras at an astonishing rate.
  • After spending $60 on an appetizer and two drinks at a fancy restaurant, you will decide the $10 burger meal at Woody’s is a pretty good deal.
  • You will consume drinks at approximately 3 times the normal rate to avoid the immediacy at which ice melts in the tropics.
  • Choose ‘dry days’ and stick to it. Your liver will thank you.
  • Lizards are your friends. Scorpions are not.
  • You will live in Mayberry. The guy you dissed yesterday may end up being your landlord or employer or bartender or mechanic.
  • Want to be happy here? Then embrace island culture. This includes greeting everyone with a Good Morning, Good Afternoon, Good Night or the all-inclusive Good Day before uttering another word. Get comfortable with island time – the more of a hurry you’re in, the slower they’ll move. West Indians love music so when the gal on the taxi sings as if there’s a talent scout lurking, just sing along.
  • Try new things, sample new dishes, go new places. That is why you moved here, right?

Bittersweet – March 21, 2014

Warm weather, beautiful beaches, a small town where everybody knows your name – what’s not to love? As our one-year sabbatical comes to an end, we are often asked why we are returning to America. Why not park under a palm tree and live in paradise forever?

Leaving St. John will be bittersweet. There are so many things we love about living here aside from the obvious beauty and laid back lifestyle.

For instance:

  • We are judged by who we are, not by what (or who) we wear, who we know or how far we’ve climbed on an imaginary career ladder.

  • We have fewer aches and pains. A more consistent barometric pressure and warm weather is good for the bones. Our stash of antibiotics has remained virtually untouched.

  • We are far removed from mainstream media. Who cares about the latest iPhone release, or that Kim Kardashian named her baby North or South … instead, tell me what time the local parade begins and if the island’s second gas station will ever be finished.

However, living here and visiting are very different experiences. While on vacation, you climb into a fluffy, comfy king-sized bed in an air-conditioned multi-million dollar villa with panoramic views. We sleep in a lumpy, humid bed exactly four steps away from a toilet. But not before checking under the bed for iguanas.

Another misconception is that we are eating fresh fruit, vegetables and mahi every day. Not so. We shop at the grocery store just like you. Ciguatera, a toxic disease affecting reef fish in the area, prevents us from fishing anywhere near the shoreline. As for produce, St. John’s soil is equivalent to a desert so even most roadside vendors import.

Simply said, it is very expensive to live here. Most people work multiple jobs – with no benefits (which are rarer than a watermelon for less than $19.99). We could stay if we worked far more for far less. But that was never our intent.

I once overheard someone say {paraphrasing}, ”There are times when I think: I CANNOT believe I live here! … and other times when I think: I can’t believe I live HERE!” So true!

The rudimentary aspects of the islands are precisely why many people come here, including us. Escaping the daily grind has been good for the soul. We often hear people say, “You’re so lucky!” It has nothing to do with luck. It is a conscious decision.

Whatever your dreams are, pursue them. Don’t wait for someday. You will never have ‘enough’ money and the time will never be just right.

You just might run out of time.

Time’s Up – March 8, 2014

This experience has accomplished exactly what I had hoped — it changed me. My perspective, my attitude, my goals. I always had a wandering spirit; I just never had the guts to step outside of my comfort zone. Learning to live with less has been the shallow part of my transformation. Immersing myself in a vastly different culture in which I am the minority has provided the greatest insight. I use the term culture broadly: race, language, values, background, opinions … I am now much more open-minded, non-judgmental and tolerant. I am surprised by how liberated this makes me feel – obviously my ingrained belief system was stunting my growth.

I also realized how much I used to live in fear — fear of losing a good job, fear of something bad happening to the people I love, fear of not having enough money, fear of change. Uncertainty breeds vulnerability. I am learning to welcome vulnerability as a necessary ingredient of legitimate growth.

We return to America on May 1, starting with a family visit in Florida followed by a month-long journey back to Missouri. The old Carol would be anxious. After all, we are returning without a blueprint. However, the new Carol is learning to trust. And whaddya know … the Universe has already begun to provide.

Full Circle – April 22, 2014

214 hours …

I’m watching imaginary sand trickle through an imaginary hourglass timer – only I cannot turn it over or lay it on its side to delay the passage of time. Our last days are spent resurrecting the wonder and awe we felt when we first moved to St. John, while deliberately ignoring the countdown.

The transmission went out in our vehicle here in the ninth inning. We are now afoot just like our first days on island. Full circle.

Our walls are bare and supplies sparse. Just like our first few weeks. Full circle.

We are hypnotized by the sea, moved by scenic overlooks, and silenced by the sunset. Just like when we arrived. Full circle.

Our blog reaches more than 1,200 subscribers, many we haven’t had the pleasure of meeting. We often hear from followers who have been inspired to make a change or take a risk simply by witnessing our journey. Jimmy and Bridgette from Tennessee let us know we are living their dream. We were thrilled to finally meet them during their visit to St. John last month. Now it’s their turn. They will be moving into our apartment shortly after we leave and begin their own journey.

Full circle, wouldn’t you say?

May the island be as good to them as it has been to us.

Life on a Rock: Carol and David Rocco

davidcarolrocco“Island life is either your thing or it’s not – and it’s impossible to justify to those who are not mentally transported to another realm simply by listening to Jimmy Buffett’s Son of a Sailor.” -Carol Rocco

You could say that Carol and David Rocco have been living the dream for the past 12 months. After being fed up with long, cold Missouri winters and the fast-paced lifestyle that typically accompanies corporate America, it was the untimely passing of both of their fathers that really made them reevaluate their lives. Realizing that life is simply too short to watch it pass by, the Roccos made the decision in April 2013 to move to St. John for one year. Carol and David’s island adventure ends this week, and on Thursday, they will be on a plane back to the States.

We were so captivated by Carol and David’s story that we wanted to share it with all of you. Carol’s been blogging throughout the year, so we thought it was best to share a few snippets of her writings. This will allow all of you to live the journey through her own words, and I’m certain you’ll all enjoy it as much as I did.

The Deep End – April 28, 2013

After much contemplation, we have decided to hold hands and jump into the deep end. Anyone who knows me knows how analytical and meticulous I am, so there should be no doubt as to whether I’ve done my homework. It may come as a surprise, however, to learn that I am willing to trade 1,800 square feet and a sportscar to pull up to a bare-bones studio in a tired old Jeep. David on the other hand, has liveaboard experience as well as a military background that has aptly prepared him for this endeavor.

Sure I could play it safe, do what I’ve always done and save money for old age. Then I remember watching my father take his last breath just a few short months from retirement; and I think of David’s father who tragically died in a plane crash before he could enjoy his retirement … and I know I will have no regrets for taking this leap of faith.

Seeking Shelter – May 23, 2013

Until recently I was beginning to wonder if our money was no good in the VIs. We have been probing the internet each week in search of suitable accommodations and inquired on a number of properties. Only occasionally have we received a response.

When I called the local inn to reserve a room, the nice gal on the other end said, “Send me an email – I’m tending bar right now.” So I did. She acknowledged my email a week later. I had to chuckle, knowing this must be God’s way of helping me learn the island way.

Paradise = Sacrifice – June 19, 2013

Most of you are under the impression that we are living in paradise – and yes, we are. Paradise defined as one of the safest Caribbean islands surrounded by picturesque palm trees, turquoise water and the most beautiful beaches in the world. However we are not sipping Painkillers from our veranda nestled in the hills overlooking the deep blue sea from one of those dream homes on House Hunters International.

The intent of our blog is twofold: a) to keep our friends and family informed of our adventure, and b) to provide fellow travelers with a realistic expectation of what it’s like to live here. So please allow me to elaborate on a few practicalities of living in this Garden of Eden.

Unless you are particularly wealthy, you will count your lucky stars to find a decent apartment in town (Cruz Bay) for less than $1500 a month. Add electricity at a rate five times higher than on the mainland, water at 50 cents per gallon (out of a cistern), drinking water at 75 cents per gallon, propane, internet and satellite tv if desired.

Automobiles are overpriced and repairs are frequent due to the wear of climbing mountainous terrain at 20 mph. Gas at the one and only station is currently $4.55 per gallon, however they ran out so you get premium at $4.91.

Groceries are up to three times higher than in the states so you shop for the best deals at all four stores. Examples: cereal $6.99, crackers $5.99, 1/2 gallon milk $4.59, one gallon orange juice $11.59, 1.75 liters of rum $8.49. If the price of groceries doesn’t drive you to drink, the cheap price of rum will.

As for doing business, allow several hours to open a checking account. Allow most of the day to visit the motor vehicle bureau. You may have to wait in line while someone breaks for lunch. The more impatient you are, the longer it will take so take a book and pretend you have nowhere else to be.

Conscious Living- June 26, 2013

Normal used to mean buying more hangars several times a year to accommodate a growing closet, floor-to-ceiling storage for 60+ shoes, and enough cookware to outfit three kitchens. Betty Crocker would’ve been proud but the fact was, I had more restaurant take out numbers on speed dial than friends.

That all changed the moment we started seriously considering a move to an unincorporated U.S. territory reachable only by boat. I began researching minimalism once I discovered shipping our belongings in the smallest 20 ft container from Miami would cost $4,200. So we accepted our mission to downsize and to my surprise, purging excess ‘stuff’ felt strangely satisfying. As my possessions began to dwindle, so did the clutter in my mind.

Some would call minimalism voluntary poverty. I call it conscious living. It doesn’t mean we can’t have things – it means the things we have are meaningful. Though I know I am conditioned to the American way, I’m still genuinely ashamed of how wasteful I have been and how much I took for granted. That simple realization alone has made this island experience worthwhile.

To be continued…

Flying High Above Great Cruz Bay

IrixGuy was at it again Friday. He created yet another super cool video using a GoPro video camera and DJI Phantom. This one was created over near Great Cruz Bay. It’s pretty cool. Check it out:

Soggy Dollar Webcam is Back!

Hey everyone, happy Saturday!

We’re so happy you that after months of being down, the Soggy Dollar Bar’s webcam is back up and running, and we just added it to our webcam page so you can check it out everyday.

Click the image below to see it … PS: It gets better as the day goes on 😉

soggy dollar webcam

Click here to see all of our webcams. Enjoy!

Update: Hansen Bay Beach Access

Happy Friday everyone! We have some great news to share with all of you today … Public access at Hansen Bay has been restored! Woohoo!

So as you all know, we were pretty upset to see that the beach, which has had public access for what seems like eternity, blocked off a few weeks back. We wrote about it back on March 26 and considering the number of comments it received here and on our Facebook page, it’s pretty safe to say that all of you were upset by it too.

Well I am happy to report that when I drove by Hansen this past weekend, the barbed wire and all but one of the “No Trespassing” signs had been removed. Check it out:

The barbed wire and "No Trespassing" signs in front of the beach have been removed.
The barbed wire and “No Trespassing” signs in front of the beach have been removed.
hansen parking update
The wire that blocked the parking area across the roadway has been removed.
A majority of the mesh and netted fencing has been removed. The structure remains.
A majority of the mesh and netted fencing has been removed. The structure remains.
The beautiful beach.
The beautiful beach.

How this is a great way to start a weekend!

Historic Cruz Bay Free-Colored Cemetery Restoration Taking Place

One of the unmarked burials within the Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery in 2013. Photo by David W. Knight Sr.
One of the unmarked burials within the Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery in 2013. Photo by David W. Knight Sr.

By Andrea Milam, Special Contributor to News of St. John

Tucked away in a corner of Cruz Bay between establishments reflecting modern life in this little island town is the final resting place of six free-colored Danish West Indians who died in the 19th century. Although the cemetery is incredibly significant for myriad reasons, it had been all but forgotten until last month, when the Virgin Islands government joined forces with the St. John Historical Society to lead restoration efforts at this important site.

St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Committee Commissioner David W. Knight Sr. is leading the initiative, which began March 19 with a clearing of the site, adjacent to Roger Harland’s commercial building and behind the Banana Deck restaurant.

“The site’s been totally desecrated,” said Knight. “The two markers that remain in the cemetery, which both date from the 1800s, are broken. Someone recently smashed one of the memorial plaques and attempted to access the burial.”

The HPC will bring together the State Historic Preservation Office, the SJHS, and any other concerned citizens or groups to help with the restoration, which will take an estimated three to six months and cost approximately $24,000.

In addition to the clearing that has already taken place, the restoration process will include the treatment of stumps and roots with approved herbicides and removal of stumps and roots from within the cemetery’s monuments; the collection of loose artifacts and architectural components and the re-association of these materials with their respective monuments; the stabilization and rebuilding of the six historic monuments and replacement of memorial plaques; the repair and stabilization of the historic perimeter wall; restoration of the cultural landscape; and installation of a historically appropriate security fence with gate and access steps.

The Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery holds the oldest marked burials within the town of Cruz Bay. It’s the site of the only marked burial of an individual born into slavery on St. John in the 18th century, and it’s the only cemetery on St. John dedicated exclusively to members of the island’s free-colored community. The cemetery is the resting place of Sarah Elizabeth Martin and at least five of her children. The individuals interred there were born between 1774 and 1817, and were buried from 1820 to 1879.

St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Committee Chairperson Felipe Ayala II hopes the restoration of the site will facilitate a greater awareness of Cruz Bay’s historic past.

“It is unfortunate that so many people do not show proper respect for our historic burials,” said Ayala in response to the recent desecration. “It is my hope that out of this tragedy will come a heightened appreciation for the rich history of Cruz Bay, and that the restoration will bring the memory of those buried there, and the free-colored community as a whole, back into the public’s consciousness.”

Several businesses and organizations have already signed on to help with the restoration including the St. John Community Foundation, Roger Harland, V.I. National Park Archaeologist Ken Wild, Friends of VINP President Joe Kessler, former territorial archaeologist Emily Lundberg, naturalist Eleanor Gibney, and licensed St. John contractors Eric Couzobon and Brent Squires’s Stonemasonry Inc. To donate time, funds, or expertise to the restoration of the Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery, contact the St. John Historical Society at [email protected] or call project coordinator David Knight at 714-5872.

The Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery in March 2014 after its initial clearing. Photo by David W. Knight Sr.
The Cruz Bay free-colored cemetery in March 2014 after its initial clearing. Photo by David W. Knight Sr.

Incredible Aerial Views of the East End

This video doesn’t need much of an introduction. Simply put – it’s an incredible, three-minute video that captures aerial views of the East End. It was filmed using a GoPro camera and a DJI Phantom, which is a radio-controlled helicopter. IrixGuy filmed it and we thank him for sharing it with us.

Check it out and turn on your sound: