An Online Blog About the Daily Happenings of St. John, USVI
St. John has lots of opportunities for snapshots. But if you want more than a snap, you're going to have to do a little work. Thankfully, an earlier issue of the St. John Sun Times has done some of that work for you, assisted by Bob Schlesinger of Tropical Focus.
In the article you'll learn when to shoot. Generally, the best time to take great photos is just before around sunset, between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. That's when the light has a soft and buttery feel.
There are some interesting businesses for sale on the island right now, but what if you're an entrepreneur and want to start your own? Forumites at the Virgin-Islands-On-Line.com site have been mulling this question.
Lsugolfer in Baton Rouge said "So, here's what I do when I sit in my cube and think about how crappy this is compared to STJ. Start a gas station or a 'Louisiana'-themed restaurant."
JMhouse said, "Ha ha. I'm in a cubicle, too, listening to someone else have a loud conversation on a speaker phone. I'd much rather be the Park Ranger that leads the Reef Bay hikes."
Other suggestions people have for new island businesses.
Twenty years ago, our packing for St. John always included a cooler of food and salty snacks.
Not because we wanted to save money but, back then, there weren't fully-stocked food stores. You couldn't be sure you'd be able to buy bread and milk never mind good cuts of beef. That's changed now, but many people still bring coolers.
In a thread on Trip Advisor, most people said they bring food for convenience, not to avoid restaurants.
"We dine out, but we visit STJ for relaxing," said Toes_in_the_Sand. "We find it more relaxing at the end of a day at the beach to sit at the villa, enjoy a couple of drinks while we fix dinner. No hurry, no parking, no worries."
Poolmom_9 added, "We saved a lot of money (bringing food). We still ate out plenty. It was nice to grill (at home)." Cleobeach1 said, "We generally eat out every lunch and dinner, but we have taken a cooler more often than not. We are particular about our meals, especially meats and specialty snacks like cheeses."
What about you?
Years in the making, years in the telling. That's the story behind the St. John Historical Society's new book, St John – Life in Five Quarters. (The Five Quarters refers to the original five administrative districts of the island: Cruz Bay, Maho Bay, Reef bay, Coral Bay, and East End).
The island history is available in the Society's online store for $29.95. The book is described as more than 200 pages of "local stories, pictures, and history … accounts of prominent people and notable places, firsthand descriptions of earlier ways of life on St John, fact-based histories of estate ‘ruins’ we have rambled, and an impressive collection of interesting and beautiful images and photos."
The Society does more than sell books.
For years, Coral Bay locals have worried they were at risk because Centerline Road is the only way into or out of the east end of the island. Now, their fear has become real.
Last week's torrential rains, dumping more than a foot of water, have undercut Centerline near Bordeaux Mountain. That means the foundation of the roadway is washing away making it dangerous for heavy vehicles.
As a result, according to Sloop Jones, "No more concrete trucks … water trucks … (or) anything else that is heavy. Our road is collapsing."
The ban on heavy vehicles came Monday from Daryl Smalls, the commissioner of public works. He was 'shocked', the St. John Source said, to learn that five concrete trucks used the road Monday morning.
He ordered no trucks or heavy equipment, other than that of his department, should use the road east of the Bordeaux overlook until he decides it's safe, the Source reported.
Smalls' "on the spot edict" threatens to halt construction on some residential and commercial projects in Coral Bay, East End, Bordeaux, and out toward Salt Pond by choking off supplies and building materials.
The Commissioner was described as 'stunned' by the damage the rains caused to roads, the Source said.
RandyinMd posted to the Virgin islands On-Line Web site that, "Coming across Centerline Road on St. John the large expensive stone retaining wall and driveway near the Reef Bay trail is collapsed and covered with dirt and stones."
St. John Source storm coverage
Plans are afoot to build a gas station on Centerline Road.
Developer Guilderoy Sprauve is asking for a zoning change to allow him to build the station and a convenience store on land which used to be the home of a concrete plant and is now home to Love City Home and Garden Center.
Sprauve was quoted by the St. John Source saying everything is in place to move ahead with the project. "We have the funding," he said.
There will be an attendant on duty at the station, even though it will be self service. You'll also be on your own at the C-store. Sprauve apparently intends to install vending machines. He said the store will be "robotic."
Of course a new gas station would be helpful on the island. E&C Service in Cruz Bay is the only place to gas up now; the Dominio station in Coral Bay is still closed with no word when, or if it will reopen.
You can't make this stuff up.
A guest at the Maho Bay Camps blasted the eco-resort on Yelp.
Vasyl F. of Rego Park, New York said, "This is the worst hotel I've ever stayed in."
The Queens borough resident said the description of Maho he read on Expedia.com did not meet his expectations.
"No ocean view rooms … and no mountain view … they charge even to lock your door … tents are 30 years old and leaking, and cracks in the floors are so wide that cockroaches and lizards are flooding the dwelling. Restaurant is extremely dirty and the food is all from cans and is made in China."
As for being an 'eco-resort," Vasyl said, "They just don't repair the hotel and don't clean the territory, besides all their furniture, tables, plates, glasses and many more things are made of cheap toxic plastic which is definitely not eco-friendly."
In rebuttal, anyone who knows anything about Maho Bay also knows that Vasyl's expectations were way off the mark. But, he may not be alone, given what The Inquiring Iguana found when he slithered to Expedia's Maho entry.
For starters, Maho describes itself as a three star "Coral Bay hotel with a private beach." Misleading, some could say. The Expedia description of Maho is also, shall we say, 'generous.'
Maho's 'amenities' are listed (see below), suggesting the rustic resort, with accommodations from $80/night, could compete with villas. (It's the Select Comfort mattress that really caught The Iguana's attention.)
The Iguana understands how Expedia wants Maho to present itself in the best light. But, he also wonders how a smart guy from Queens could make the assumption that he was staying a a luxury-like hotel when the Expedia site reservation screen offers "tent cottage." That's a pretty good clue to what he's going to get.
Most people know Maho Bay Campground as a laid-back, environment-friendly, low-stress place to relax. It's not so well known as an art school. Yet, that's what it is, too, especially this year with a re-energized curriculum.
Weekly classes are designed for island visitors, generally two hours long. They includes Kids and Family Potter's Wheel, Kids or Adults Clay Bells and Whistles, and mask making. Each promises to get you out the door with something you've created.
There are extended classes, also. Each meets for several weeks, three hours at a time. They include Relief and 3-D Sculpture, Glazed Earthenware, and Off the Wheel Techniques.
There are also glass blowing classes, with an emphasis on art you can make from recycled materials.
Early in May, Maho featured Steven Branfman as the Clay artist-in-residence.
This announcement from Steve Simon:
"Frank, the 9th Annual Johnnie Walker St. John Blues Festival will be held from Wednesday, March 16th through Sunday, March 20th."
Planning to attend? Stay at our Blue Tang villa. BlueTang.vi.
FRIDAY, MARCH 18th, 2011
Time: 8:00PM
Starring: Albert Cummings, Candye Kane,
and Grady ChampionSATURDAY, MARCH 19th, 2011
Time: 8:00PM
Starring: Curtis Salgado, Reba Russell,
and Moreland & ArbuckleMore info at http://stevesimonpresents.com/stj_blues_festival.html
The 12th annual Love City Triathalon will step off Sunday, delayed a few weeks by the Hurricane Earl which brushed the island earlier this month.
The swim, bike, and run competition begins at 7 a.m. and is open to both individuals and two- or three-person relay teams. The morning races start with a half-mile swim at Maho Bay, followed by a 14-mile bike route and then a four-mile run beginning with a trek up the stairs at the Anneberg ruins.
The race is sponsored by the Love City Landsharks. Last year's competition drew 63 athletes.
