St. Croix

We got up early to be ready to pack our backpack and be ready to meet our excursion at 9 am.  On the way to breakfast we saw the beautiful sunrise (though we caught the tail end it was still pretty).

We met our group and found that 2 very nice ladies (one of whom works for dept. of roads in Virginia and oversaw the Rio Rd. work and now is working on the Hydraulic Rd. work to come) was on the excursion with us.  There were 9 in our group in all - setting out to Kayak in Salt River, which really isn't a river anymore due to a combination of rerouting water for agriculture and efforts to eradicate mosquitoes... The island was blasted by 2 hurricanes in 2 weeks just a couple of years ago and everything was destroyed.  Our driver said there was nothing green left.  Now it is mostly recovered and new growth makes it green but you can tell it's new growth.  St. Croix is part of the US Virgin Islands, so they are American citizens and he was very thankful for the support in the recovery that they got from the government.  We arrived at our kayak spot and got ready to set out.

We got going and kayaked thru the mangroves and then to a beach.  They gave us info on Columbus's landing there and the history of St. Croix, and we saw a stingray.  Unfortunately in trying to get a great pic I missed it all together.  It wouldn't pose for me.  But I did get a couple of other shots.

These were from the little beach we landed on. 

Then we headed back to the put in point then back to town.  Bill and I wanted to grab some lunch at a place I had read about called Polly's at the Pier.  So off we went to find it - and voila - steps from the end of the pier.  We had the best grilled cheese sandwiches and the friendliest service at this cute little spot.

Across the road was a small park and it provided a good shot of our ship.

Right at the end of the pier is this clocktower and the remains of an old fort. 

Returned to the ship and had some down time before going to the Love and Marriage show... 3 couples from the audience - one newlyweds, one middle weds, and the longest married couple (64 years) who do a Newly Wed Game type thing.  It was hysterical.  Then off to dinner, and now off to bed as I'm totally beat after kayaking today!  Tomorrow on to St. John's, Antigua!  Nighty night.