Living on St. Croix

Smooth Water Sailing on St Croix

Jim Nealon — Thu, 10 May 2012 23:34:16 +0000

My wife and I sailed into St Croix in December of 2002. We were leaving the uncertainty of the general strike in Venezuela against Mr Chavez. After three years of cruising the east coast of the US , Bahamas, and eastern Caribbean we had never experienced any episodes of piracy or even petty theft we preferred not to tempt fate, so we split. St Croix was only a 2 ½ day ( and night ) sail in our faithful 44 ft slop , Endymion.

We ultimately settled here (another story), moved ashore and kept Endymon on a mooring in Christiansted Harbor. Weekend trips to Buck I. and the occasional trip to the BVI’s were the extent of our sailing exercise. I soon became aware that I was making more trips to the boat to fix things than to sail her. Then there was the annual storm season dilemma on where to stash her safely.

Fortunately, over many conversations with a friend at a west end beach bar (known to a few of us as the Sprat Hall Yacht Club, SHYC) and a few strategic recreational day sails, my friend decided to buy Endymion from me to fulfill his dream of sailing around the world. Coincidentally, this fellow had an abandoned sailboat on a rusty trailer in his back yard which he had no use for , so he donated it to the crew of the SHYC with the proviso that it be quickly removed. The crew and I put the trailer together, evicted the critters living on the boat , and the trees growing in it. Cleaning and repairing followed. Ultimately we had a gleaming white trailerable sailboat ready for launch. We sailed this 26 ft Igloo cooler with a mast from it the ramp at Frederiksted’s fishermens’ pier to her mooring in front of the Sunset Grill.

Now, a year later the happy little yacht can be seen sailing in the smooth water protected from the tradewind generated seas on the west end of St Croix. It is skippered and crewed by a variety of west end suspects all out for a gentle sailing adventure between Butler Bay and Sandy Point. For at least a few hours they dream of horizons beyond those sunsets, but they all know that this little yacht stays close to home.

The Bistro at Gallows Bay Off the beaten track by Kelly Simon

tanderson — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:59:32 +0000

The Bistro at Gallows Bay

Off the beaten track, in an area tucked away, is Gallows Bay. It took me 3 times visiting the island before I found this jewel of a shopping area. Gallows Bay is located behind Schooner Bay Market Place, just East of Christiansted. Travel down one of the many entrance roads and you will see a quaint group of stores, a wonderful hardware store, a post office, a hairdresser and much more! My favorite bookstore on island, Undercover Books, is located right next to The Bistro. The Bistro is a fantastic new restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch. Think Starbucks meets Panera. The Bistro opens early and the coffee aroma, the fresh pastries and their signature breakfast sandwiches will keep you coming back! It’s a great spot to meet for lunch before, after or in the midst of errands and shopping. The staff always greets me with a smile and the delicious food is served very quickly. Eating outside under the new awning is an option, or you can dine in the newly renovated, air conditioned dining room. You will enjoy every meal you have from The Bistro! The website is bistrovi.com

My Day has Begun from Lisa Salamah

tanderson — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:47:11 +0000

I wake up in the morning and the frenzy begins. Ok I’ll be honest the frenzy begins before I wake up. Raising 5 kids is like running a small school or daycare without the days off. I often wake up to the sounds of my youngest (21mnths) exclaiming at her highest possible vocal levels, requesting my immediate services including everything from breakfast to her favorite TV channel. She never seizes to amaze me with her abilities to express herself so accurately at such a young age. The initial feeling I get is OMG not this morning, IT’S THE WEEKEND, I NEED MORE SLEEP, but then she begins her carefully thought out, and methodical display of pure cuteness. She unloads a barrage of symphonic pleases and compliments them with her well practiced, ‘I’ve got you wrapped around my finger’ smile. My thought quickly changes to OMG, that is too cute to deny, then as if she could read my mind, she proudly smiles with a sense of achievement as if she is thinking; a hah I got her! After changing diapers, serving breakfast, and securing her favorite TV channel I think to myself, hmm maybe I can steal a few more minutes of sleep before the other wave begins. I quickly realize that this is merely just a dream, an unrealistic thought that vanishes quicker than the baby devours her breakfast, which is pretty quick. Her 4yr old brother soon banks the corner entering my room with a ‘tadda’ type of exhibition that can only make you want to laugh and cry at the same time. While it is adorable it is also a grim reminder that my long morning had only just begun. It is at this time a crucial decision is made. Do I wake my husband and assign him the task of guiding our youngest boy through his morning routine and go back to sleep or do I let him sleep in and tackle it myself. This decision is soon made for me because much to my delight I strategically placed my husband on the side of the bed that is closest the door, therefore he receives the good morning tackle that my son has practiced to perfection. Thankfully I have a wonderful husband who enjoys raising our kids with me and usually capitalizes on opportunities like this since his shifting schedule limits his mornings at home. The third wave consists of my 8yr old twin girls, who are twice as nice but also double the trouble. The combination of their arguing, and my husband settling their disputes are enough to wake my oldest boy who is almost 13 and super reliable. He makes me proud and his cooperative attitude makes it an easy job to raise him (so far). He tries to handle the frustration of mornings with the twins gracefully, which I’ll admit he probably knows them the best. At this tender age however, he often needs the help of my husband or me. This sometimes comes in the form of restraint, to keep them from choking each other. I pretend to sleep and enjoy listening to all of them as they try to be quiet. The ruckus soon spills over into the kitchen where I will later discover that their experiments with breakfast have left a tornado type impact. Their futile attempts to clean it are both frustrating and endearing. My day had officially begun, and I think to myself I get to do this again tomorrow ‘yeah’; I thank God for my wonderful family.

Sonia Moore-Williams… why am I here?

tanderson — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:37:55 +0000

I am Sonia Moore-Williams, a member of the ReMax family – and I would be happiest in finding the right home for you. When you buy on the island of St. Croix, you are offered the opportunity to capture the true essence of island living by:

Enjoying picturesque and amazing views,

Decreasing the stress in your life,

Breathing fresher air,

Making time for fun in the sand and sea,

all in addition to a legacy of seasonal activities on the island.

Sailing in the Caribbean from Karen Stanton

tanderson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 23:46:14 +0000

SAILING in the Caribbean – Many places to go and lots of ways to do it. For some, Sailing is a means of Relaxation – a reason to get out on the water for the day before you start another work week. The wind blowing in your face, the salt spray covering your body and the gentle sound of the waves hitting the bow of your boat – does not get any better than this. For others it is an Adventure – Load the boat up with supplies and go. Many islands to explore and visit. The crossings to the other islands are never the same. The Caribbean waters for the most part will offer you a brisk sail across with an occasional sighting of a whale or Dolphins and Always you will see the Flying Fish. But then there are those Sailors, who can not get the relaxation part or the adventure part of this sport into their Heads. These Sailors have one thing on their mind – Competition. For them – It is the Sailing Regattas that draw them onto the waters. These Sailors will spend thousands $$ on equipment and spend weeks tweaking their boats into the perfect racing machines. The Caribbean islands offer some of the Best Sailboat Racing in the World.

My advice – If you like to Sail – Come to St Croix. For those Sailors that just want to Relax or want the Adventure or want to feel the Adrenalin of top notch racing, our island and waters have it all.

She never Wore Sensible Shoes from Dawn Johns

tanderson — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:44:20 +0000

She Never Wore Sensible Shoes…

I was born on a bright sunny day in Chicago in the first week of March.

That may not seem unique or unusual unless you are from the great plains states – and you would know – the sun never shines the first week i March. I was reminded of this rather pious notion frequently during my childhood.

So when my 60+1 birthday fell on a hedonistic Saturday, last Saturday, having lost 40+ pounds in the last six months, – I had a mission. I wanted to replicate my favorite breakfast – thinly sliced Mahi with hot sauce that I had on the beach on Kona Hawaii, pizza for lunch (I am a Chicago girl- I can only go so long without pizza!!), and my very favorite dinner from the best restaurant, Tutto Bene, on St. Croix -

If I had drawn my last breath at the end of the day I would have left this world a happy person……….all done while wearing red patent leather stilettos…….

St Croix Shopping in Downtown Christiansted from Linda Burrel

tanderson — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:41:15 +0000

St Croix has something for every budget and every taste. Visit Nelthropp & Low for diamonds, fine jewelry, Crucian hook bracelets and exciting gifts. They have lots of island inspired items that appeal to tourists and Crucians alike. Their one of a kind Chaney jewelry made from shards of old china are unique and beautiful. Find them in downtown Christansted www.nelthropp-low.com

Ib Designs has a wonderful selection of jewelry, featuring original and exclusive designs Island inspired and created here in St Croix. Look for their great selection of hook bracelets and unique Chaney jewelry. Easy to find in downtown Christiansted on company street www.islandboydesigns.com

Cache of the Day has lots of island treasures and special gifts. Great gifts for every one on your list. Large selection of of home décor items with island and sea themes. Best selection of greeting and birthday cards as well as gift cards and gift bags, etc.

Baci Duty Free has a great selection of jewelry, sunglasses, watches and much much more. They also have rum, rare liquors and cigars. Conveniently located one block from the Boardwalk in downtown Christiansted. bacidutyfree@gmail.com

Royal Poinciana has great island and Caribbean inspired gifts. If you are looking for a special hostess gift this is a great shop to browse. They also have soaps, lotions and candles.

D&D Studio is a fabulous gallery filled with fine art photography. They also have a great selection of cards and posters. D&D Studio is easy to find on Company Street in downtown Christiansted. Don’t miss their new art studio across the street. The elegant Bassin Fine Art studio sells paintings and art work from a variety of Caribbean artists.

Don’t forget Hotheads just off the Boardwalk for Ladies Clothing, hats, accessories and swimwear. They have lots of Island inspired items for every age, shape and size.

ScuBoutique located in St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Advertures (SCUBA) has a great selection of T-shirts, shorts and sportswear. Plus they have a huge selection of Crocs for the whole family.

Saturday Morning at the Market from Claudia Carrington

tanderson — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 23:35:54 +0000

What a fabulous morning it is, the sun is shining, there is a beautiful breeze blowing, I am a bit chilly and have a shirt wrapped around my shoulders, and I am off to market. I look forward to Saturday mornings at the market where I can get fresh, locally grown produce, meet and visit with other island residents.

This morning I was able to pick from 3 varieties of eggplant, the farmer there said the color was mauve, I had not heard that term used in a long time, that made me smile. Scallions, basil, fresh brown eggs, tomatoes, bananas, cucumbers, cabbage, squash, bok choy, lettuce. It was so exhilarating to see so many items to choose from.

I know you are wondering why I am getting so excited about going to a market. Well, on the mainland farmers markets are everywhere. On St. Croix we have just started getting an abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetable to choose from and it is adding greatly to our style of living.

Here is something you will not have to do without if you decide to come on down and make St. Croix your 2^nd home destination.

Rowdy Joes… a review from Michelle Miller

tanderson — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 23:33:46 +0000

Looking for somewhere different to eat lunch or dinner here on sunny St. Croix? Look no further than Rowdy Joe’s North Shore Eatery, just a few minutes down the road from Cane Bay Beach. Rowdy’s is one of my favorite restaurants on St. Croix, featuring “good mood food,” brewskies, creative cocktails, and homemade ice cream. As you walk into the restaurant, you’ll notice the relaxed atmosphere right away. The reggae music playing in the background, the chalkboard menu, the dartboard, and lounge seating area with leather couches all contribute to the laid-back vibe.

Personally, I like to grab a table by the dartboard and play cricket until my lunch or dinner is ready. You might prefer the lounge area, a seat at the bar, or a table outside on the covered patio. Wherever you choose to sit, you won’t be disappointed with your meal. The menu is varied, and there is something to please every palate. For an appetizer, I recommend the edamame peas. They’re fried and coated with a teriyaki sriracha sauce, and they’re out of this world! I get them almost every time I visit Rowdy Joes.

If the edamame aren’t your cup of tea, then maybe you’d enjoy the soup (which changes daily) or one of the fresh salads. There’s a bleu cheese cheesecake served over greens that is delicious, or the Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, pine nuts and yummy pesto. For your meal, try Chef Scott Bryan’s fish tacos. Everyone raves about them. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, then maybe a pressed sandwich is what you want. Their offerings include a Cubano, a hot Italian with pepper relish, and a roasted turkey breast with Gouda cheese and caramelized onions. All the sandwiches are served with a side dish. I get the polenta every time, but they also have rice and beans, and an Asian noodle salad.

Whatever you do, be sure to save room for ice cream. It’s homemade and it’s wonderful. The flavors change frequently, and have been known to include: pumpkin butterscotch chip, mango, chocolate with Reece’s Piece’s, cookies and cream, key lime pie, and rocky road. Whatever flavor you pick, you can’t go wrong with ice cream!

Rowdy Joe’s kitchen is open 12-9 PM, 7 days a week during season. Hours change during the off season, so it’s best to call ahead, 340.718.0055.

Why St. Croix? Thoughts from Julie San Martin

tanderson — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:31:08 +0000

The weather

It is always a beautiful sunshiny day in St. Croix; perhaps 10 to 20 days a year are less than satisfactory. Temperatures vary from the mid-70’s to mid-90’s; constant trade winds make it feel cooler. We are surrounded by a constantly changing shade of blue Caribbean Sea.

The people

Population has remained constant in the US Virgin Islands for the past two decades. With a total permanent population of 52,000, St. Croix qualifies as a small town and definitely possesses a small town feel. It is customary to greet others with a “good morning” when entering an office or shop. After a few days on the island, visitors are regularly greeted by the locals, you are one of “us” now.

The lifestyle

Two 300 years old towns, uncrowded beaches, water sports, multiple golf courses, and tennis are shared by tourists and locals. Part time residents are encouraged to participate in the island’s many clubs and activities. Orchids, croquet, ruins rambles, community theater, and triathlons are some of the many ways we “entertain” ourselves. All this is low key and unpretentious, truly the lifestyle of the rich and famous, without being either rich or famous!