Satellite That Tracks Atlantic Weather Systems Fails on Eve of Hurricane Season Start Leaving Much of the East Coast and Caribbean in the Dark

This composite satellite image from Sunday shows a lack of data from GOES-13 over the east coast of the U.S.  (CIMSS Satellite Blog)

Things don't always go as planned and that certainly was the case recently when  the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) lost its major weather satellite, the GOES-13 (GOES- East) satellite, which was responsible for tracking weather conditions over most of the eastern North America, the Atlantic Ocean (including the Virgin Islands) all the way over to the easternmost part of the Atlantic just west of the African coast as depicted below:

Normally, this wide shot of the Atlantic would cover all the way to the Africa and Europe coasts.

As of this time the cause of the technical failure is still unknown but, understanding the importance of having functioning weather satellites in the Atlantic during hurricane season, NOAA jumped into action and repositioned a back-up satellite, GOES-14, which was activated earlier this week to fill part of the void left to satellite imagery in eastern North America and the Atlantic.

Normally, this wide shot of the Atlantic would cover all the way to the Africa and Europe coasts. While better than nothing, the substitute is not perfect. Images on the eastern edge of view, over the eastern Atlantic, are distorted because of the position of the temporary replacement satellite farther west.

GOES-14 will remain the primary GOES satellite over the Atlantic basin and Continental U.S. until the imager and sounder data issues on GOES-13 can be fully diagnosed and hopefully fixed. NOAA maintains backup GOES satellites in case unforeseen events occur, providing full redundancy for monitoring severe weather over the U.S. and its territories.

The image from GOES-14, while acting as GOES East, taken May 30:

Goes 14 stands in for the Goes 13 Satellite

If you are interested in understanding more about the satellites that are our eyes in the sky check out the NOAA website. You can keep up-to-date on the status of the Goes -13 satellite. Fingers crossed that we will have a very slow and quiet start of hurricane season which officially starts on June 1 (and runs through November 30). 

If you want to stay on top of the weather in the  Caribbean during this hurricane season two of my favorite Caribbean tropical storm tracking websites are:

 The Weather Channel - Hurricane Tracker

Caribbean Hurricane Network

By the way, don't let hurricane season deter you from a trip to the Caribbean. The weather is generally wonderful (St John averages 85 degrees year round!) and often cooler than many stateside locations.  Summer time is often when beaches and restaurants are less crowded (although crowded is not a word often used on laid-back St John) and villa prices are less than during the height of winter season. 

Caribbean Rum Wars Continue and and Bring in Vice President Biden to 'Brutal' Discussion

Rum produced in the Virgin Islands has been at the center of a debate

Rum was also on the agenda for frequent Virgin Islands visitor, Vice-President Biden, when he attended a meeting this week with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to highlight concerns about the impact of US rum subsidies to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. “The most contentious issue is rum subsidies to Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.  The main rum producers in question are Puerto Rico's Bacardi and Captain Morgan and the Virgin Islands Cruzan Rum. 

We don’t expect (Biden) to make a decision today but we expect to let him know the whole position and the full ramifications of continuing those subsidies and that it will clearly affect rum production,” Trade Minister Vasant Bharath said earlier this week. The talks have been described by some as 'brutal' (maybe the Vice President should head back to the Virgin Islands for some needed R&R - and rum?). 

It has been claimed by several several members of the Caricom that the US has been running a “Rum Cover-Over Programme” since 1917, which consists of a tax levied on sales of spirits in the US market. 

The “contentious issue” has to do with subsidies extended to rum producers in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. In January, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill averting a threatened fiscal cliff of higher taxes and spending cuts. That legislation included special gifts to several US corporations such as a provision extending a 1917 law that imposes  a $13.50 tax on  each gallon of rum produced in or imported into the United States. 

Most of this revenue is transferred to the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico—US dependencies—to aid these territories’ economic development.  Many of the rum producing islands feel that Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands use much of these funds to encourage their local rum industries, at the expense of other Caribbean rum-producing countries.  The view from the Virgin Islands point of view is that the funds derived by rum products is essential fuel for the VI economy. So, know that wherever you are, when you enjoy your rum and tonic or dark n' stormy rum cocktail - which, hopefully, is made from Virgin Islands Cruzan rum - know that you are doing good things for the Virgin Islands economy!

Virgin Islands National Park Waters Now a 'No Anchor' Zone

Joe Kessler, President of the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park recently wrote the following article in the NPCA Park Advocate which we hope you enjoy (our nesting turtles and other sea creatures who feed in our sea grasses and coral definitely support the 'no anchor' initiative!): 

Imagine boating to paradise and then—without meaning to—causing it harm. Thanks to more than a decade of work in the Virgin Islands, a national park visit by boat is now gentler on the marine environment.

The spectacular coastal scenery, crystal clear waters, reliable winds, and beautiful bays of Virgin Islands National Park and the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument have made them popular destinations for boaters. In the past, these visitors had to use anchors to secure their vessels, causing considerable, albeit unintentional, damage to sea grass beds, coral reefs, and other  benthic (seabed or seafloor) resources. To combat this problem, the park embarked on a mooring program to provide a safe and reliable alternative to anchoring with the long-term goal of creating an anchorless park.

Moorings are permanent installations that allow boats to stay in one place without using anchors. In our case we drive heavy-duty augur-like devices about 15 feet into the seabed and then connect a line to a buoy on the surface (see a diagram of how this works). Boats attach to the buoy and are secure. Anchors are a more temporary solution, disturbing the seabed every time they are dropped and then retrieved. Just imagine the damage that could be done by 50 boats dropping anchors and then pulling them up day after day.

Park leadership and the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park finally achieved our long-held goal of an anchorless park in February 2013. Since the beginning of the program, the Friends group has installed 340 moorings and invested more than $663,000 in this program.

Starting back in 1999, the Friends installed 180 moorings for overnight use in ten bays around St. John. These white mooring balls along the north and south shores of St. John have played a significant role in protecting coral reefs, allowing the recovery of sea grass and protecting other benthic resources. The sea grass beds had been seriously depleted due to anchoring, but now if you snorkel in the mooring fields you will see a rich carpet of sea grass–much to the delight (and survival) of the myriad of marine creatures that make the sea grass their home.

In 2004, the Friends embarked on a program to install moorings in the recently designated Coral Reef National Monument. As a marine protected area, anchoring was prohibited within the monument. But, while we supported the conservation policies of the monument, we felt that the prohibition on anchoring precluded many of the traditional uses of the monument’s waters.  Installing moorings was the perfect answer and a “win-win” for both the users and the environment: allowing users to continue to enjoy this unique marine environment while providing needed protection to the natural resources. In this case, the Friends installed two dive moorings at popular dive sites in the monument, six moorings for blue runner fishing, and 125 storm-mooring berths and 11 day-use moorings in Hurricane Hole, a traditional refuge here for vessels during tropical storms. These moorings were installed in four phases between 2004 and 2008.

All of the moorings mentioned above were for boats up to a maximum of 60 feet in length. Vessels larger than that still had to anchor. Earlier this year, we installed 14 moorings for boats between 60 and 100 feet in six bays, finally making the park anchorless.

The protection of the park’s marine resources was obviously the principal objective of the mooring installations. However, the moorings also have a significant impact on the visiting boaters’ experience by providing a safe and convenient means of securing their boats while enjoying Virgin Islands National Park and the Coral Reef National Monument.

The National Park Service has published a 'moorings guide' for St John. Positive effects of the mooring program have been quick to see, Kessler said. “In 12 to 13 years, we’ve seen the re-growth of a rich carpet of seagrass and, as a result, a significant increase in the sea turtle population.”

The turtles and other sea creatures benefit by the 'no anchor' policy

St John Beach to Beach Swimmers Fought Big Waves But No Rain

308 Swimmers Registered for the 10th Annual Power Swim

The 10th annual Friends of Virgin Islands National Park (FVINP) Beach to Beach Power Swim went off without a rain drop this past weekend. Noone was concerned that the water wouldn't be warm enough but, rain storms had been in the area and threatened to dampen [pun intended] enthusiasm - but, not so!  The Virgin Islands Daily News reports that Martyna Pospieszalska and Joey Hamilton, both of St. Thomas, were the top women's and men's finishers in the short solo competition in Sunday's Power Swim at Maho Bay.

Hamilton crossed the finish line first in 21 minutes and 47 seconds, followed by Pospieszalska in second place in 23:33. Hunter Baskerville of St. Thomas was the second man in 23:53.

Barbara Crowder of Durham, N.C., claimed the top overall woman's prize and the 3.5-mile swim, finishing in 1 hour, 20 minutes and 20 seconds. Natasha Rusheinski was second in 1:31:55, followed by fellow Tortola resident Hayley Berry in 1:35:55. This was Crowder's fifth time competing in the Beach-to-Beach Power Swim.

"It was a lot more wavy this year, more big swells pushing against us," she said.

Crowder owns a home on St. John and spends about six weeks a year on island, but lives year round in North Carolina, where she trains regularly.

"I've not done any other open-water races; just pool races, like the Masters Nationals. I'm basically a IM and butterfly swimmer," she said, laughing, "But apparently, I'm becoming starting to be a distance freestyler."

This year's registration of 308 people broke records and hopes are that last year's fundraising total of $30,000 will also be broken. The St John Source reports that all proceeds raised from this event will go to protect and preserve the cultural and natural resources of the park. The money will also help fund educational programs such as Summer Eco-Camps and programs to teach local children aged 9 to 17 how to swim. Summer Eco-Camps is held at the University of Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS,) on the south side of St. John in Lameshur Bay. The Friends raise scholarship funds for students who would otherwise be unable to partake in these programs.

If you would like to contribute you can do so on-line.

"One-hundred, twenty-eight of them participated on the short course," said organizer Joe Kessler. "About 70 were on the intermediate course; 122 or so on the long course, and another 20 for the relay.

"They come from all over the place," he said. "A little over 40 percent come from the mainland of the U.S.; about 20 swimmers from the BVI, half a dozen from Puerto Rico, 10 from St. Croix and a swimmer as far away from Majorca, Spain. This is our 10th year, and this is a great turn out, so this is a big celebration."

The oldest swimmer for the day was 76-year-old Bryce Rhymer. The multi-discipline athlete rides his bicycle regularly around St. Thomas, and has completed in all but one of the last 10 Beach-to-Beach events. St. John's Isabell Thill was the youngest swimmer at age 6.

From the very start of the race, volunteers made their mark in the 3.5-mile long race. John Foster of Puerto Rico led the charge and saw the swimmers off in King Neptune fashion with the sounding of his conch shell, which echoed through Maho Valley. He later joined the 3.5-mile swimmers on their dash toward the finish line, past all the waiting water craft lining the bay.

Felipe Olivieri of St. John volunteered to kayak along with the swimmers and keep them safe. He had two very good reasons to look out for their safety: his girlfriend Genelle Carter and her mother Nina Carter were both in the Long Solo race.

"My mom decided last year that the Beach to Beach was on her bucket list," Genelle Carter said. "So this year, she and my dad traveled from Virginia so we could complete and the guys could paddle along."

While she has lived on St. John for several years, this was the first year Genelle had participated in the Beach to Beach. But not everyone at the Beach to Beach was from the USVI.

A group proudly sporting blue T-shirts with a white clamshell and the words "The Rhode Island Quahogs" had made their way along the 3.5-mile course to take a third-place finish.

The relay group was made up of Rebecca Summerhays, Kelly McGee and Tad Davies, and listed Pawtucket, R.I., as their home. While they come from the Ocean State, they train in a pool several times per week.

Without lap lines, Davies did get a bit directionally challenged on the last leg of the race and ended up swimming an extra five minutes out of the way until a kayaker directed him back to the proper course.

Even with the challenges of wind, waves and no directional markers, the group said they would definitely be back next year, with Kelly adding "the water is much nicer here."

Upcoming athletic events on St. John include the Carnival Bike Race in June, and the Love City Triathlon in September so there is plenty of time for you to plan your next trip to St John to participate or just join in to root the athletes on to the finish.UPDATE:  Here are the 2013 results just posted by the Friends Virgin Islands Park

Favorite snorkeling spots around St John?

Snorkeling spot in Solomon Bay, St John

Right up there debating the 'best BBQ on St John' or the 'best beach' on St John is where the 'best snorkeling spot' is on St John'. The bottom line - for us, at least - is that there is no 'right' or 'wrong' answer!  This week the subject is getting a lot of attention on one of my favorite St John travel forums, the

USVI-on-Line

.  So far in just over 24 hours, 30 people have responded (and there has been more than 3750 views) to the basic question of '

best snorkel spot to see a turtle

'. Earlier the same day, on the same forum, Phyl posed the question of '

what are the top 3 snorkel spots on St John

' which has gotten just about the same level of response.

Day or night dives produce amazing finds around the Virgin Islands

What is your favorite snorkeling spot for seeing turtles? Maho, Francis, Salt Pond, Leinster were high on the lists which also included Scott, and Waterlemon. In other words, just about all over St John!

This picture taken at Maho was posted just yesterday by CptnKirk

As to the

'top 3' best snorkeling spots

? While there was vigorous debate as to the top 3, most will admit that the list changes regularly so people should explore new spots each year. Some of the 'must go' spots seem to be: Waterlemon (especially to see starfish), Saltpond, and Chocolate Hole (our guests swear that some of the best snorkeling around St John - or just about anywhere in the Caribbean - is right below our Villa - Great Expectations -  in Chocolate Hole harbor).  Haulover both North and South depending on the weather, Blue Cobblestone, Vie's beach out in the East End also make the list as do the good old standbys of Cinnamon Bay, Maho, Francis, Hawksnest, and Trunk.

The debate is fun to read. People are passionate about their 'favorite' places. The morale of these forum chats for me is that it is hard not to find good snorkeling around St John. Watch the winds though. If the north shore is getting huge waves then head to places on the south shore like Salt Pond, Vie's, and Chocolate Hole.

Some of the best snorkeling around St John is right in Chocolate Hole harbor

Bush Tea becomes the 'Official' Local Beverage of the Virgin Islands McDonalds (France has Wine and Germany Beer)!

Lemon Grass serves as one of many types of 'Bush Tea'

Bush tea is a healthy and nutritional beverage that has sustained the test of time as it remains in high demand in spite of culinary shifts in the US Virgin Islands diet.

It is therefore an historic moment as McDonalds in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands recognizes the cultural significance of this “hot beverage of choice” among USVI residents the

Caribbean News Now

reports.

Jacquel Dawson, the US Virgin Islands ‘Bush Tea Lady’, will be supplying free bush tea at all McDonalds on J’ouvert morning as a promotional kickoff to becoming a full-fledged menu item.

Bush tea is a local agricultural product and its inclusion in McDonalds’ local menu will ultimately stimulate agricultural production and increase economic activity throughout the territory.

Tourists visiting Germany find beer in McDonalds; in France, McDonalds serves wine; in Italy, they serve pizza; and in the US Virgin Islands - "the Tea Capital of the Caribbean", McDonalds will serve our culinary specialty, bush tea to residents and tourists alike.

Recently, free bush tea for J’ouvert was a kickoff promotion that measured bush tea's culinary strength in the community as McDonalds assesses its prominence among USVI residents. Residents participating in the bush tea kickoff provided a vote of confidence to this US Virgin Islands agricultural emergence since 17th century sugar.

The McDonalds success will place US Virgin Islands bush tea on the menu of the most recognized fast food chain in the world, but even more importantly, its success will make available to the US Virgin Islands community their own traditional "hot beverage of choice", loaded with invaluable nutritional and health benefits. Simply, this is what the people enjoy, for this beverage daily sustains residents, who are bush tea driven rather than coffee driven.

Bush Tea can serve as 'chicken soup' to cure all ills

Movie time on St John featuring 'Rain' (under the stars)

Where else in the world can you watch a movie, eat the world's greatest BBQ with your favorite libation, out in the open under the stars? St John Film Society is hosting another film, in its 2013 series. This this Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 PM at Cases By the Sea in Coral Bay the following two films (Mature audiences - adults and teens recommended) will be shown:

Rain - 85–min, dramatic feature length, directed by Maria Govan (2008)

Teen-aged Rain lives a sheltered and quiet life with her grandmother on the tiny rural Ragged Island in the Bahamas. When her grandmother dies, Rain travels to the city to find the mother she never knew. Rain is surprised to discover her mother living in the poverty-stricken “Graveyard” neighborhood of Nassau where regular school attendance and a uniform are beyond reach. Encouraged by her coach, Rain’s extraordinary talent running track spells relief from her home life, reveals inner strength, and inspires dreams of life beyond Nassau. Featuring performances by award-winning, veteran American-Guyanese actress CCH Pounder and the first-time, fourteen-year-old actress Renel Brown.

The Guardian: 8-min, short fiction by Fabrice Pierre (2006)

A visit to Grandfather’s seaside home is Mahalia’s favorite thing in the world – while mother cooks, Mahalia listens to him weave his oral stories made up about magic, courage, and survival. Or are they made up?  A compelling 8 minutes of action-packed magical realism.

Bring your beach chair, appetite, a $5 dollar donation (per person suggested), and enjoy St John with locals and others from afar.

Dog Gone Crazy Over St John

One of the best things that has happened on St John over the last decade or so is the development of the St John Animal Care Center (SJACC) into a real force.  Years ago, dogs and cats (and sundry other critters) would roam free, without proper nutrition, love, or care. 'Dumpster dogs' (and cats) were not uncommon.  These days there is a radical change thanks to this amazing organization. The SJACC is the only 'non-kill' animal shelter in the Caribbean.  They have developed a wonderful adoption program which caught the heart of our family (our daughter and son-in-law adopted a kitty on a recent trip to St John and took her back to California).  They have also worked hard to educate people on St John (the old and young alike) about this importance of caring for our animals, established feral cat feeding stations, and neutering and spaying programs. 

This past weekend the SJACC hosted their Wagapalooza fundraiser which was a grand success. Lots of prizes, food, and fun. And, lots of money raised for this great organization. Assuming that you were not on St John but want to support the SJACC you still can! Elaine Estern, a wonderful St John artist who is also an animal lover designed and volunteered her time and talent to created this year's T-shirt with the above design which were sold at the event this weekend (e-mail them directly or buy on-line if you would like to buy one of these T-shirts if they haven't yet be sold out!), you can donate directly on-line, send supplies (they are always in need of doggie and kitty treats, volunteer at the shelter when you are on island, and, of course, adopt one of their dogs or cats.  If you cannot adopt but want to help when you are on St John inquire about transporting a pet back to the states. Who can resist a cute puppy or kitty?

Green Flash appears to bid Maho Campgrounds Goodbye

May 15th was a feared date for many who love the Maho Bay Campgrounds.  The Maho Bay folks have been running a count-down clock on their blog and at the stroke of mid-night last night the clock - sadly - ran out:

But, not all was sad at Maho last night. The following post from the Maho Bay Campgrounds Blog reports that the elusive green flash that some who visit St John for decades and never see, greeted those at dinner last night. It was sort of a wonderful kiss 'goodbye'....

You might want to sign into the Maho Blog to thank them and wish them well as they find their next chapter.

While many of us are terribly sad by this passing, not all is lost since the Maho Bay beach will be available forever for all of us to enjoy.

St John tops 'best of' lists (once again)!

Enjoy our May newsletter:

Islands Magazine Best Beach 2013 Photography Contest Has
St John in Top Spot

Island Magazine contestant Matt Erikson's Maho Bay beach photo

Islands.com recently issued their top 10 photos - so far - for their 2013 Best Beaches Photo Contest and St John is Number #1 on that list. No wonder. The St John waters make for a pretty phenomenal canvas. Having a beautiful canvas is a necessary ingredient, but taking great pictures needs more than that. I know. I have hundreds of over or underexposed pictures of our beaches. A few months ago, my husband treated me to one of St John Photographer Steve Simonsen's Beyond the Basic's Photography incredible workshops. If you happen to be on St John when one of Steve's workshops is being offered, take it! He is a delight and in just 3 - 4 hours you will see and photograph St John as never before!

During this past month St John also made it onto the following lists of US News's 'Best of' Lists:

   Best Caribbean Vacation

   Best Caribbean Beaches, and 
   Best Caribbean Honeymoon

And just in case you are thinking of quitting your stateside jobs and moving to the Caribbean you should know that Islands.com declared St John 'One of the Best Islands to Live On'!

April/May St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• La Tapa (a personal favorite of ours) and La Plancha del Mar get top honors by making it onto the 2013 Best Chefs in America list! What is especially sweet about this award is that the judges were America's top chefs themselves! Not food writers or surveys, but confidential interviews with actual chefs.

  

• Folksinger Kenny Chesney released his new album April 30th about his experiences and time on St John and in the Virgin Islands waters. It is aptly named, Life On a Rock. Chesney says he found peace on St John and the Virgin Islands became a 'safe harbor' for him from all the craziness. Many of us who know St John could not have said (or sung) it better! To help preserve our waters and lands for future generations to enjoy, Chesney has announced that he is donating part of the album's profits to the Friends of the National Park.
   

• The afternoon of April 21st an electrical fire swept through the long-time, popular Cruz Bay restaurant Cafe Roma. Luckily, quick action by the St John Fire Department, St John Rescue, and several folks from local restaurants helped contain the fire. No other neighboring buildings were damaged. OnCafe Roma's Facebook page the restaurant's owner, John Hiebert, thanked all that helped that day and promised to rebuild. That is the St John spirit for you!

• We have a new St John partner who has agreed to offer guests of Great Expectations discounts for their services. We are delighted to announce that Low Key Water Sports will extend our guests a 15% discount for snorkeling equipment rentals and diving! Low Key is known as the very best dive outfit on St John. 

• Great Expectations has a few openings this summer. What better way of ending the winter than enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean? Contact us today to take advantage of our last minute specials. 

Best,

Kristin & Chuck 

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities
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Our monthly St John newsletter for May which we distribute to all those who love St John and want to be kept up-to-date about happenings on and around our wonderful island. If you would like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, there is a 'sign up' box at the bottom  of the blue column on the right of this page. 

Kenny Chesney 'Paying it Forward' to the Virgin Islands Donates Portion of New Album Aptly Named 'Life on a Rock'

Kenny Chesney‘s new album, Life On A Rock, is available in stores this next Tuesday and features a lot of very personal songs inspired by his time in the U.S. Virgin Islands and, specifically, on St John.  Since this part of the world is so precious to Kenny, he’s decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from Life on a Rock to the Friends of the US Virgin Islands National Park.  Chesney, who first came to the Virgin Islands over 15 years ago for a video shoot, found St John to be a 'safe harbor in the craziness' and a place that grounded him in the beauty of the ocean and the shores of the national parks. 

According to ABC News Radio Kenny says, “As the world becomes more developed, protecting these wild places is going to become harder — and the cost of maintaining them needs to be covered.”

He adds, “If you’ve ever seen the trees, the oceans from a ridge, the way it all tangles together, you realize how important making sure lands like this exist for the people who come after us is.”

The songs on Life on a Rock are just as personal to Kenny as his passion for preserving the Virgin Islands.  In fact, his album’s closing track, “Happy on the Hey Now (A Song for Kristi),” was so emotional for Kenny to write and record, he had to do multiple takes in the studio to get it right.

“I still don’t think I’m done with it,” Kenny says of the song, which was inspired by the death of his friend Kristi.  “I would get in the studio, and I would either be very emotional or, it was just hard.” The Hey Now referred to in the song is a boat Kenny and his friends, including Kristi, would ride around the islands.  Paying tribute to her memory to close out this album seemed appropriate to Kenny.

Kenny's website states:  "Our national parks are one of those things you might not think about." Chesney explains. "But once they're gone, you can't get them back, so protecting and maintaining them is so important. I know: I've spent hours in these parks, on these trails and beaches. Over the years, they've been a big part of my time away from the road, and I think they're a great sanctuary for all of us. To me, to connect these songs with something so special is both an honor and a chance to call awareness to the Friends of the Park."

Chesney enjoying the warmth and beauty of St John

Now, it is your turn to come to St John to experience, first-hand, the peace and beauty that inspires Kenny Chesney's latest album.

In the meantime, if you want a slice of Kenny and St John you can buy his album here...

                                                                Life On A Rock

St Thomas - St John to have New Ferry Boats this Year

One of two 85-foot Catamarans being built for specifically for  the St Thomas - St John  Ferry Route

The US Virgin Islands has commissioned two new ferryboats to replace at least a couple of the very aging boats.  Regular commuters and visitors will be able to count on the dependability of brand new boats, hopefully by year's end. These new vessels, each costing 3.25 million, will be owned by the US Virgin Islands government and leased to the existing ferry company franchisees (Varlack Ventures and Transportation Services).  Each boat will be able to carry 250 passengers. 

If you need an additional 'reason' to reserve your next trip to St John the US Virgin Islands government says that these new vessels will get you to St John quicker and in more comfort!

See the Virgin Islands Daily News for the full article.

Trunk Bay Free April 22 - April 26 in Celebration of National Parks Week

No admissions charge for Trunk Bay in recognition of National Parks Week

Not that $4 is a lot of money, but if you are going to the beach with your family or friends the admissions fee can add up quickly!  That is why we are delighted that the National Park Service has declared that its entrance fees will be waived for the entire week. 

Grab your swimsuit, towel, snorkel gear and head on over to Trunk Bay! The weather this week is supposed to be perfect for the beach.

Beach to Beach Power Swim - Bring it on St John!

There are courses for all levels of swimmers

If you are going to be on St John Sunday, May 26th join in and support the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park's 10th Annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim.

The race consists of three courses:

• Short Course from Maho Bay to Cinnamon Bay, about 1 mile
• Intermediate Course from Maho Bay to Trunk Bay, about 2¼ miles
• Long Course from Maho to Hawksnest, about 3½ miles. Swimmers can compete in the long course as an individual or as part of a 3-person team.

Swimmers may also compete assisted by snorkel and/or fins in an "assisted swimmer" category

There are still 2 more practice swims on the schedule so even if you are not going to be on St John for the actual swim you can participate in one of the following practice swims if you wish:

April 28: Maho to Cinnamon or Trunk

May 12: Maho to Cinnamon, Trunk or Hawksnest

The practice swims will start at 8:30 from the north end of Maho Bay Beach.

Come out to swim, root the swimmers, support the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, and have a fun St John day!

We are all ONE with Boston

The Boston Marathon is always a wonderful celebration and this year started no differently with over 26,800 registrants from nearly 100 countries, including one person from the US Virgin Islands.  And, then there was horrific tragedy. Our thoughts are heavy with sadness.  Today, we are all one. When we are not on St John, we live in Boston and can attest that Bostonians are strong and resilient (maybe it is due to our long, cold, tough Boston winters!). May the sun shine and heal all broken hearts and take us forward stronger than ever...

UPDATE: 

The Massachusetts Governor and Boston Mayor have announced the formation of The One Fund Boston, Inc. to help the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred in Boston on April 15, 2013.

Wikipedia puts the US Virgin Islands at top of another 'Tops of World' list but this one is NOT one we want to be on!

What do the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, and the US Virgin Islands have in common? 

Wikipedia just published its 2013 list of Electricity pricing around the world and, sadly, the US Virgin Islands made it into the top 4 most expensive 'countries' (even though we are part of the good old USA, the US Virgin Islands is listed separately) around the world.

No one should be surprised that the cost of electricity is more expensive on St John or St Thomas than the mainland USA, but should it be more than 4 times as expensive? And more than 4 times as expensive as another Caribbean island (Jamaica)? Well, it is. Often guests at rental villas wonder what drives up the rental rates. Electricity has long been a huge part of the operating cost for rental villas (and an overwhelming cost for businesses like restaurants).  

For a long time we have tried to minimize the electrical costs at our St John villa, Great Expectations. With the goal of cutting down our electric bills, over the last several years we have installed 33 solar photo-electric panels on the roofs of Great Expectations.  We also have 3 solar panels which heat our hot water. In addition to reduce consumption, we have installed energy efficient pool pumps, 12 hour timers for air-conditioners, and energy efficient appliances.  Our goal is to be as GREEN as possible since doing so is good for the environment and good for our guest's pocketbook.

We have added 36 solar panels on the roofs of Great Expecations

The full list can be viewed on Wikipedia, but here are a few of the highlights and highs and lows around the world:

COUNTRY/TERRITORY  US cents/kWh  As of Sources

Argentina                               5.75                  2006

Belgium                               29.08                  2011

Bhutan                                    1.88-4.40        2012

Brazil                                    34.20                  2011

Canada                                   6.3- 11.8         2012

China                                      7.5 -10.7          2012

Denmark                               40.38                 2012

Dubai                                       7.62                 2011

France                                   19.39                 2011

Indonesia                                8.75                 2013

Iceland                                    9 to 10             2012

Iran                                           2 to 19            2011

Jamaica                                 7.35-16.80      2011

Paraguay                                8.                      2011

Russia                                     1.7-9.58          2012

Solomon Islands                   84.8                2013 and the 'winner' is

Tonga                                      57.95               2011

USA                                        8 - 17; 37*        2012 *Hawaii

US Virgin Islands                 50.8 - 54.8       2013

Vanuatu                                  58                      2013

St John newsletter - March and April happenings around the island

Our monthly St John newsletter for April which we distribute to all those who love St John and want to be kept up-to-date about happenings on and around our wonderful island. If you would like to sign up for the monthly newsletter, there is a 'sign up' box at the bottom  of the blue column on the right of this page. Enjoy!

Trip Advisor names St John as one of the
World's 10 best islands

I took this picture of Trunk Bay while attending one of world-renowned
Steve Simonsen's photography seminars (highly recommended!) 

What do Bora Bora, Santorini, and St John have in common? Well they are all islands, but there are literally millions of islands in the world so that is not it. These islands, and 7 others, made the coveted list of Trip Advisor's 2013 list of the 10 Best Islands in the World! Not too shabby! Those of you who have been to St John understand why we made the list. Those of you who have not been here yet, will see for yourselves when you step on the island for the first time. The beauty of St John is ever-present. Our mountainous topography offers a wonderful vista around every bend. Our crystal clear, warm, turquoise waters are magically beautiful. And, it is just as pretty underwater as it is above.  I believe, though, we also made the list because of what we do not have. Two-thirds of St John is part of the US National Park system so we will be forever green and those lands should never, ever be developed. We also do not have casinos, movie theaters, airports, cruise ships (well, yes, day trippers come over from St Thomas, but no huge cruise ships can get close enough to dock in our harbors, just sailboats and small power boats).  Trip Advisor writes that "Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all."  Trip Advisor lists 48 'Things to Do' and if that is not enough our wonderful Concierge, Coby, can add to that list for you!

April St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• One of the reasons St John made the 'Best Islands' list this year is the commitment we have to the environment. Virgin Islands Ecotours is the leading eco-tour company offering a variety of tours many of which start off at their new Honeymoon Beach location at Caneel Bay, in the Virgin Islands National Park on St John. There are also private tours for families or wedding parties.Their award-winning tours combine kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling into a unforgettably fun and educating experience emphasizing our leave no trace style ecotourism. Experience it for yourself first through their video and then for yourself when you next visit St John. 

• April is Carnival Season on St Thomas and this year is every bit as festive and fun as the first St Thomas Carnival over 101 years ago in 1912. This year's Carnival officially began on March 31 and ends on April 27th. The St Thomas's Festival (aka Carnival) is filled with music, food, and parades as are all the Virgin Islands Carnivals, but, somehow this one is more rambunctious and wild than the others. If you want to experience a Caribbean Carnival, but do not want to be overwhelmed on St Thomas come to St John during our Carnival season which is calmer, but still colorful (mid-June to July 4th). 

• Spring also brings sailing regattas to the Virgin Islands. The 40th Annual International Rolex Regatta was held last month with St Thomas Yacht Club hosting the races. The weather during this year's race was picture perfect as many of the  local photographers captured in dramatic ways. The weather during the recent British Virgin Islands Spring Regatta was not as blue, but the strong winds and rain (yes, rain) made for dramatic sailing and some wonderful pictures as well. 

• If you want to keep up with All Things St John  there is a great app for you. News of St John Blog reports that the app, My Virgin Islands, is new and improved and now provides information, by island, about beaches, shopping, services, events, accommodations (and yes, you can find our villa,  Great Expectations, which is the only villa rated with 5 stars!), and restaurants. Given the popularity of this app I sure would put it in your 'favorites' and check back often for updates. The app is iPhone, iPad, iTouch, and Android friendly and best of all, it is free!

• Great Expectations has a few openings this spring and summer. What better way of ending the winter than enjoying the warmth of the Caribbean? Contact us today to take advantage of our last minute specials this May and June.
   

Best,

Chuck & Kristin

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

St Croix goes all out wining and dining April 14 - 20, 2013

Sunset BBQ takes place on the Pier in historic Frederiksted town

Interested in wining and dining all for a good cause, well, the St Croix Food & Wine Experience is just what the doctor ordered for you!  While this Blog is usually dedicated to all things 'St John', from time to time we think it is fun to highlight some of the happenings on our sister islands. This Blog posting is about a delicious 'happening' on our sister island St Croix, ~ 50 miles to the south of St John.  First, a bit of background about St Croix which is 28 miles x 7 miles is the largest (and flattest) of the US Virgin Islands and has the distinction of having the easternmost point (Point Udall)  of any place in the United States.  Unlike the other US Virgin Islands, for a a bit over 100 years from 1650 - 1733, St Croix was a possession of France. In 1733 France sold St Croix to the Danish West Indies Company and for the next 200 years St Croix was known as part of the Danish West Indies until Denmark sold all of what are now the US Virgin Islands to the United States in 1916 (for a sum of $25 million - less than one of the recent Peter Bay Villa sales!).   

Now on to the food and drink! In 2000, two Crucian (that is what St Croix residents are called - well, technically, one has to be born on St Croix to be a true Crucian!) restaurateurs started Taste of St Croix to bring the restaurant community together.  It became a great success and they quickly turned to the well-respected non-profit St Croix Foundation to invest the monies raised in worthwhile and successful education, community, and economic development programs throughout the St Croix Community.  Today, the St Croix Food & Wine Experience is a destination happening consisting of nearly a week of wonderful events including:

  ~ Gourmet Vintner Dinner at the Tutto Bene Restaurant featuring fabulous libations and food and a gourmet themed auction 

  ~ City Crawl limited to 25 people who enjoy specialty beverages and food samplings from participating restaurants and bars as they stroll through the street of historic Christiansted town 

  ~ Food Fight! on the beach which promises to be a wild & wacky competition, part game show, short part iron chef. Dig your toes in the sane and watch as celebrity chefs compete against local chefs in challenges such as blind identification

  ~ Galleon Wine Dinner consists of an elegant night out featuring a stellar menu with perfectly paired wines

   ~ A Taste of St Croix is the event that started it all in 2000. This tasting is held at Divi Carina Bay, local restaurants, chefs, farms and caterers provide a sampling of their delights.  This event continues to be one of the highlights of the week. 

For detailed information about the events and how to purchase tickets check out their website at St Croix Food & Wine Experience.

Yes, even dedicated St Johnians can venture over and support our sister island so travel on over to St Croix and eat, drink, and know that the proceeds go to support great programs throughout the island.

The Taste of St Croix is always one of the hottest (and sold out) events

Trip Advisor names St John as one of the World's 10 Best Islands!

Trunk Bay St John, one of the most photographed beaches in the world

With views like this how could St John not make the list! Take a look at Trip Advisor's 2013 list of the 10 Best Islands in the World. Trip Advisor says that "Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all."

Hardly a month goes by when St John or one of our beaches or dive spots does not make some sort of 'best of' list, but this one is especially sweet. 

Movies on St John - Learn about the Jamaican Underground Music Scene and Voodoo-Inspired Marching Music

St John Film Society presents: 

4th TRAVELLING CARIBBEAN SHOWCASE OF FILMS

 Spotlight on Caribbean Music

April 2, 2013/ 7:30 pm / St. John School of the Arts, Cruz Bay

Join us for a seldom seen look into contemporary Caribbean music.  Two filmmakers capture stories of reggae, rap, rara, and soul – inspiring, transcendent, uniquely Caribbean!

 RISE UP: STORIES FROM THE JAMAICAN UNDERGROUND MUSIC SCENE
88-min, documentary, directed by Luciano Blotta, 2009

You listen to Bob Marley and may have even been to Jamaica but you’ve never seen anything like this!

Follow three courageous musicians from Kingston back alleys, crowded dancehalls, privileged suburbs, and rural outposts as they demonstrate the raw power of hope in a place which appears to have forsaken them – although appearances can be deceiving. Welcome to the Jamaican underground music scene!

In a society where talent abounds and opportunity is scarce, three distinct and brave artists fight to “rise up” from obscurity and write themselves into the pages of history. Featuring Turbulence, Ice Anastacia, and Kemoy, with appearances by Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, and Lee “Scratch” Perry. 

Rise Up is a journey into the heart of reggae’s birthplace, transcending genre and niche, seemlessly weaving three distinct stories into one inspiring feature film that is both dramatic and vibrantly explosive.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Jamaican music or want to learn more about it, there is plenty for you in Rise Up.  Acclaimed as a musical Hoop Dreams and considered one of the best movies to come out of the Caribbean in many years,Rise Up was considered by the Academy for a Best Documentary Oscar nomination.  Indie Wire says “Rise Up transcends the music subculture genre with abundant grace and style.” 

Preceded By The Short:

BROOKLYN RACINE12-min, documentary, directed by Jeremy Robins and Magaly Damas, 2008

What happens when a group of young Haitian immigrants bring the enduring legacy of rara — voodoo-inspired marching music — from the Haitian hills to Brooklyn streets?  The results awaken a pride for home that takes even the participants by surprise!

Find out more about the film Rise Up here.

Find out more about the film Brooklyn Racine here.