Good Bye Maho Bay Camps

Sunset over Maho Bay Camps, St. John on its last evening .

The last guests watched the final sunset over Maho Bay Camps on it's official closing date of May 15, 2013. The well known eco-resort here on St. John has been in operation for over 37 years with founder, Stanley Selengut at the helm.

Many will mourn its closing since this unique community was formed for environmentally conscious travelers even before "eco" had become a recognized part of speech.  People have been coming to stay at the tent cottages located on the lush hillsides of Maho Bay for so many years that honeymooners have become parents and then grandparents bringing their entire family to enjoy living in a tree house for a week or two each year.

Maho Bay Camps was forced to close because the land where the eco-resort is situated on has been sold to a single individual for a family compound.  Concordia Eco-Resort, sister resort to Maho, will continue to operate from its location near Salt Pond Ba,y so some of Maho's guests will be checking that out as well as Cinnamon Bay Campground.  But some things just can't be replaced and there will be a hole in the heart of guests and staff who will forever carry happy memories of their stay at Maho.

Beach-to-Beach Swim 5/26/13

Swimmers jump into the 10th Annual Beach-to-Beach Swim

Ready, Set......SWIM!  Join the fun on Memorial Day Weekend when beginners to advanced swimmers take to the water at Big Maho Beach as part of the 10th Annual Beach-to-Beach Power Swim.  You have your choice of three different abilities:  short course (Maho to Cinnamon) 1mi; intermediate course (Maho to Trunk) 2-1/4mi; or long course (Maho to Hawksnest) 3-1/2mi.

Whichever course you decide on be sure to register before May 24 for the Sunday, May 26 race.....and most importantly show up at the big beach party at the end of the race at Hawksnest Beach.  It makes all that hard work worth it!  For more information see http://friendsvinp.org/race-info or call (340) 779-4940.

March Fundraisers for St. John Schools

Julius E. Sprauve School Gala, St. John USVI

St. John boasts a variety of schools to help guide our young people as they grow up here on island.  This is the month when you can help fund these schools which operate on a slim budget.  Here are three fun events that can make a difference for St. John children.....

Sat, March 16--Gifft Hill School  Dinner and Auction at the Westin St. John Resort $125 each for information call (340) 776-1730www.giffthollschool.org/auction.

Sat, March 23--Guy Benjamin School Benefit Flotilla at Vie's Campground at noon.  $20 each for information call Mary at (340) 513-8141

Sat, March 23--Julius E. Sprauve School Benefit Gala and Auction at Caneel Bay Resort.  For information call (340) 776-6336.

Schooner Roseway arrives in St. John this week!

World Ocean School comes to St. John, USVI

Watch the horizons today for the red sails of Schooner Roseway to come billowing in on a broad reach from their home winter port of St. Croix. This Schooner is unique in its mission as The World Ocean School helping students learn more about themselves through experiences at sea.

This week the Roseway will be working with Julius Sprauve School in Cruz Bay and Guy Benjamin School in Coral Bay. as Abby Kidder, co-founder of the non-profit organization puts it, "we offer a platform for students to experience the beauty and inspiration of sailing Roseway through Caribbean waters, bringing academics and community-building to life."

We're happy to welcome this beautiful schooner to St. John waters and enjoy the view as they sail by packed with local students each learning while working aboard a historic tall ship. For more information about the Schooner Roseway click on http://www.worldoceanschool.org.

St. John Arts Festival this week!

There is a lot going on this week here in St. John for the 13th annual St. John Arts Festival and most of it takes place in Cruz Bay this weekend. Saturday, Feb. 16 the park near the ferry dock, Frank Powell Park will be the place to be....you can see Caribbean dancing, listen to steel pan drums, and watch school children exhibit their ballroom dancing skills.

In the coming week you'll be able to enjoy Koko and the Sunshine Band (Monday), Sambacombo Band (Tuesday), and Inner Visions (Wednesday). Be sure to stop by the small park near the post office and check out the local crafts for sale as well as delicious treats to take tot he beach.

A walk through Cruz Bay is a must during this Presidents Day vacation week....just soak in the music, do a little dancing, and buy some gifts for friends back home. For more information see www.stjohnartsfestival.org.

VI National Park Meeting on St. John Jan. 27

Cinnamon Bay Campground on St. John, USVI

This Sunday, January 27 at 2:00 pm is your chance to learn all you wanted to know about the Virgin Islands National Park.  The Friends of the VI National Park will be holding their annual meeting at the Cinnamon Bay Campground restaurant, so you could even get a swim in before going to this interesting get together.

As a special feature, the meeting will have as is keynote speaker the director of the park system for all of the United States, Jon Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service.  The Friends of the VINP have done an incredible job in fundraising and watching out for the park's interests on St. John over the years, so it will be informative to hear Joe Kessler, the president of the Friends, update us on accomplishment of this last year and plans for the future.

Whether you are an island resident or a visitor, you may want to check out the Friends website http://friendsvinp.org/ for information about St. John and upcoming seminars.  For more information call 340-779-4940.

Lobsters in St. John, USVI

Caribbean lobster--a delicacy found on St. John USVI

Often we are asked what favorite dish is preferred by visitors to St. John....it's a tough one since there are so many amazing choices at restaurants around the island, But we would have to say LOBSTER is at the top of the list.

You may wonder what the difference is between the Caribbean lobster and those you would find served up at lobster shacks along the Maine coast. If you take a look at the photo, you'll see something is missing on local "bugs" here in the islands...they have no claws! They shuffle themselves along the bottom of the ocean with just legs and a big tail. Their primary means of defense are the sharp spines that cover the body.

But don't be concerned about missing the claw meat when you order a grilled lobster at Aqua Bistro, Fish Trap or one of the choice seafood restaurants on St. John. You'll have more than you can handle since these local crustacean grow 5-10 lbs when they're snagged by local fishermen. You may find its the only time you have been filled up on lobster with no room for key lime pie. Bon appetit!