8 Tuff Miles...soon come to St John USVI

First to cross the finish 2011 (photo www.8tuffmiles.com)

The time is drawing near for all those runners (and walkers) preparing for the 8 Tuff Miles race here on St. John, USVI.  The upcoming race is Saturday, Feb 25 at 7:00am and is celebrating its 16th year.  For those familiar with the island hills, you know how tough it is to just drive along Centerline Road from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay...we sure hand it to all those hearty runners who complete the race and receive their well-deserved t-shirts to show they are among the few and the proud.  To learn more about the race take a look at the website http://www.8tuffmiles.com/.  Come cheer them on as the 1100 runners make their way to the Coral Bay ballfield to cross that finish line on Feb. 25!

St. John Snorkeling Reveals Manta Rays

Most visitors who take a St. John vacation spend a good amount of time in the crystal clear aqua waters either swimming or snorkeling.  For those who have snorkeled in Maho or Francis Bays within the last few months, you may be among the fortunate swimmers to see the graceful sightings of two Manta rays who have made their home of Mary's Point along St. John's north shore.

Take a look at the video to see what one visitor captured while he was snorkeling in shallow waters just off the beach.  These Manta rays have up to a 6-foot width to their wing-like bodies and are a real thrill to spot while enjoying a day's swim.

Roseway Sails into St. John USVI

Schooner Roseway under sail (photo from the ship's website)

Roseway at anchor Caneel Bay, St. John USVI

It's a beautiful day on St. John USVI and looking out to sea you may spot the Schooner Roseway with its amber sails billowing in the wind and be transported to the days when schooners sailed these waters.  The Roseway spent a week off St. John USVI as part of its mission as a nonprofit organization teaching school children about the history and culture of sailing www.worldoceanschool.org.

This beautiful 137ft schooner was host to local students here on St. John USVI where they learned about the adventures the Roseway has experienced since its inception in 1925.  In recent years the schooner has made its winter home St. Croix and sails north to Boston each summer to take day charters out of Boston harbor.  It's been a treat for St. John students to experience a registered U.S. National Historic Landmark and we wish Roseway smooth sailing back to neighboring St. Croix.