Saturday, January 11, 2014
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
The Christiansted Bypass
They began discussing it as a project back in the 1970’s, so it
came as a surprise to St. Croix residents when actual construction began in
2007. And then it was even more surprising when work was completed and the Christiansted bypass opened in January of this year.
It cost US$37 million to carve out a 1.2-mile strip through a rocky hill on the outskirts of town.
Why was this project so significant that it wouldn’t die despite its exorbitant cost? Because all traffic going to the eastern half of the island had no choice but to funnel through the narrow streets of downtown Christiansted. It was a pain; it could take you an extra 5 to 10 minutes to get through!
Now we can reach the East End in first-world highway splendor.
And there’s a lookout point to boot!
click on any photo to enlarge. |
Why was this project so significant that it wouldn’t die despite its exorbitant cost? Because all traffic going to the eastern half of the island had no choice but to funnel through the narrow streets of downtown Christiansted. It was a pain; it could take you an extra 5 to 10 minutes to get through!
http://www.panoramio.com/photo/30340475 |
And there’s a lookout point to boot!
Labels: Christiansted Bypass, St. Croix
Sunday, May 19, 2013
SMAC (Sun Moon Alignment Celebration)
A while ago, my very smart husband, Bob, figured out that
during the full moon, the sun sets and the moon rises within minutes of each
other. And since St. Croix is the
perfect spot to watch such a phenomenon, we turned it into a celebration.
And since Bob is an AGKG (Acronym Generating Kinda Guy), he
named it SMAC (Sun Moon Alignment Celebration).So, every once in a full moon, we head out to a suitable hill with 180-degree views, and we bring cocktails and appetizers in tow (bubbly always preferred).
And celebrate the majesty of the sun setting over the Maroon
hills in the west
And a little while later, the full moon rising over Buck
Island in the east.Labels: Life on St. Croix, Moonrise, SMAC, Sunset
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Fish
I’ve been swimming in fish.
Happy fish I made of fabric and beads and sequins.
They bring a message
And an invitation
These happy fish are available for sale at Kulcha Shop, 1A
Market Street, in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Labels: Calypso Art Quilts, Fabric fish, Happy Fish, Kulcha Shop, Save My Seas
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
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.
Labels: Annaly Bay Tide Pools, Life on St. Croix, St. Croix Hiking Association, Trumbull Trail
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Highlights of the Season - Part 2
The Agricultural Fair
The event has been renamed The VI AGRIFEST, which sounds like something else entirely...
Dancers demonstrating the traditional Quelbe Dance of St. Croix
Lots of cute baby animals to see!
The St Croix Orchid Society Show
A stunning array of orchids were on display
Lots of variety
And lots of ribbons
St Patrick's Day Parade
Everyone gets in the spirit wearing every shade of green
Water gun fights were welcome in the hot sun
Kurt Schindler rocked the Christiansted boardwalk playing from his barge
Live Music
Seven Handle Circus brought us “bad-ass bluegrass” straight from Georgia
Labels: Agricultural Fair, Kurt Schindler, Orchid Show, Seven Handle Circus, St Croix Culture, St Croix Music, St patrick's Day Parade
Monday, April 22, 2013
Highlights of the Season – Part 1
Here on St. Croix, the middle of April marks the end of the
tourist high season. It means that hotel
rates drop and there is a slowing down of events, most of which are scheduled
into this period between mid-December and mid-April, when the island swells in
population with tourists and snowbirds.
For those of us who live here, high season means a plethora
of special activities to lure us out of the house. There are plays, touring bands, annual
exhibitions, fundraisers, galas, a carnival and plenty of parades. Having the luxury to pick and choose from so
many activities is one of the things that I love about St. Croix. This past season I mostly chose to stay home,
but somehow I still managed to enjoy quite of bit of island spirit. Here are some of the highlights. You can click on any photo to enlarge.
The Boat Parade
Seaborne Planes flying in formation before the parade. Note the pontoons on the first two planes.
This boat had its own live band on board.
This boat celebrated 60 years of Christmas Carnival on St. Croix.
Seastock
A fundraiser for the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA)
Two of the costume contest winners: a hippie and a protester.
She won a painting of Jimmy Hendrix rocking on a sea shell.
Reliving the old hippy days.
The Dog Parade
Hollywood was the theme, here are the Ziegfeld Follies:
My Fave: Hitchkock and the Birds! (note the cigar on his armchair)
King Kong
Most adorable: the entire cast of the Wizard of Oz
And Eeyore the donkey as a hot dog! (note the condiment necklace)
Live Music
Tom Mason and the Blue Buccaneers came to sing pirate ditties.
Labels: Boat Parade, Krewe de Barkus Dog Parade, SEA, seastock, St Croix Culture, St Croix Music
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Little Owl
I wanted to
create something meaningful for my niece Sara on her birthday. I wanted it to bring her joy upon receiving
it, and to bring me joy while making it.
Sara loves owls, as do I. And so
it was fitting that a little owl would emerge from the woods, looking in awe at
the moon, and dreaming of all that could be.