The Real Annaly Bay

I discovered recently that the tide pools I visited back in 2008 (see this post) were not in Annaly Bay but in nearby Wills Bay.  (click on photo to enlarge)

I, and others I’ve spoken with, had been under the impression that the Trumbull Trail which begins behind the Carambola Resort, led to Annaly Bay, because when people mention “the tide pools” there is the automatic assumption that tide pools means Annaly Bay.  In fact, I learned that there are a number of tide pools along the northwest corner of St. Croix, with Annaly Bay being the best known.  Since learning about my misconception, I’ve been eager to go see the real Annaly Bay, and when the St. Croix Hiking Association led a hike last month to Annaly Bay, I jumped on the opportunity to go.

We met Olasee Davis, our guide, in Frederiksted and car pooled in pickup trucks up to the top of the ridge overlooking Annaly Bay. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is a must for those who come by car.

From the top of this ridge at about 700 feet above sea level, we hiked down a steep dirt road into the bay.  This hike is relatively short but the return uphill is strenuous!

Arriving at Annaly Bay we see St. Croix’s north Shore to the East

And the Maroons and Ham’s Bluff to the West.

Hiking around the rocky shoreline is a must to get to the tide pools.

A dip in the natural tide pools makes the effort worthwhile.

Under rough seas, these tide pools have proved treacherous for swimmers.

We had calm waters

And spectacular views.

Annaly Bay Hike and Geocache

Last Sunday afternoon we joined the St. Croix Hiking Association for a wonderful hike on the Trunbull Trail. The trail starts behind Carambola Beach Resort, on the Northwest corner of St. Croix.

It works its way up a ridge overlooking the north shore, and then descends to the Annaly Tide Pools.


The trail is shaded most of the way, with lots of interesting trees, such as this guy whose name I don't know, but looks like it's been in one too many bar fights.

Or this one, officially known as a Turpentine Tree, and locally called The Tourist Tree because it's red and peeling all over.

We took a quick detour to the ruins of an old sugar mill.

A nest of bees are now the official residents of this sugar mill.

The surf was high at Annaly Bay.

Some brave souls still hiked around the rocks to make it to the tide pools.

I watched from a rocky perch, and then got busy finding the geocache, located at N 17° 45.793 W 064° 50.723.

I took a mini microscope, and left behind one of my creations: a quilted bookmark.