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Sunday, March 3, 2013

My Island Life: Beaches


My adventures living on a Caribbean island. Welcome to my monthly, or not so monthly adventures. We try not to commit too soon here on island.

Impression #8

One of the benefits of living on a Caribbean island, to my way of thinking, is that there are beaches. Lots of beaches. And my impression was right, at least as I’ve seen so far. I haven’t exactly explored them all. That will take years. 
But I have explored a few and to my surprise, they are all very different. From the shape, to the vegetation to the entry into the water to the water itself, despite being on the same island, they offer a variety of experiences. This makes sense as the Eastern end of St. Croix has almost a desert climate while the western end is home to a rainforest. So basically, there is a beach for anyone’s preferences.

Cane Bay
On the North Shore is Cane Bay beach.  This is a long beach with the requisite white sand and gradual entry.  It can be rough which is good for body surfing and there is not a lot of shade, but then again, there is Spratnet Bar right there on the beach and Eat at Cane Bay right across the road, so taking a break from the sun is easy on the palette.

Just east of the center of the north shore is Green Cay. This white sand beach is smaller, but well protected and boasts the Deep End bar as well as a hotel, so one can literally stay there for days. Further east on the way to Point Udall (the most eastern point of the United States) is Cramer's Park, a public beach with lots of trees and grass, plus public baths and changing rooms. A nice break from the busier beaches.
Sandy Point

But I have to say the best beaches reside on the West end.  For those who are The Bachelor fans, you saw one of our exquisite beaches, Sandy Point.  This beach has the most beautiful, soft white sand of any beach on the island.  It has no facilities and takes a bit of a trek to get to, but it is rarely crowded, with people that is.  However, it is closed down during turtle season. Yup, turtles return every year to lay their eggs on Sandy Point. A turtle hatching is always a reason for celebration as so many of these gentle creatures are endangered.

Rainbow Beach
But if a person prefers a beautiful white sand beach with a local bar and a pick-up sand Volleyball game then Rainbow Beach is the place to go, especially Sundays. It has live music and Jet Ski Rentals plus the entry into the water is deep, soft sand and there is even a proper parking lot across the street. Of course, I don’t have to park because it is a 5 minute walk from my house.

The last beach I need to talk about is my own. When I moved into this place it was perfect, lots of sand, sandy bottom and it came right up to the house! Since then I have learned that beaches change shape . . . daily! A couple hurricanes off shore and some storms that came from the south took most of the sand away beneath the water, but the beach all the way to the house is still nice and the two coconut trees provide just enough shade if I want it. The best part about my beach is that it takes 3 seconds to get to and that is walking barefoot :-)  So it may not be perfect, but it is perfect for me.
My Backyard
Lesson #8
Every beach is different. I may make time to explore them all, but my own will always be the best :-)

Stay warm,
Alexis

15 comments:

  1. They are beautiful, especially your backyard! I'm so jealous!

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    1. Hey, you know you don't need a passport to get here. We are in the U.S.! Stop by anytime :-)

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  2. Awesome! What a beautiful beach in your back yard! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I can't share beautiful photos of Scotland like you post, but I can share my backyard :-)

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  3. Dear Alexis, I'm having a little cabin fever as we had a layer of ice and then, got ten inches of heart attack making wet snow. I've been basically housebound for six days. But, in St. Louis yesterday there were numerous serious black ice accidents. SO--I loved your photos. Suddenly, I stood on warm sand oozing between my toes and smelled the coconut suntan/sunscreen. I enjoyed the warm sun overhead. Thank you for being like calgon and taking me away for awhile.

    On another note, I believe we met last April in Phoenix at the conference. If you wear the cowboy hats, it's you.

    Really enjoyed this timeout. jean

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    1. Hi BJ! So great to hear from you, but so sorry to hear about the frigid weather. I lived in New Hampshire for many years, so I understand what it's like. I'm so glad the warm pictures took you on a short vacation to our lovely island. That was the idea :-)

      Yes,I am the one with the hats and I remember meeting you! Hope your writing is going well.

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  4. Those look like nice beaches. Thanks for sharing

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  5. I've had the pleasure of walking on your beach, Alexis, and I can attest it is absolutely gorgeous. It's beautiful in Phoenix today, but I'd so rather be back on that beach!
    Marie

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    1. It was beautiful here too. The sun was out but we had such a regular breeze that I didn't want to come inside. Good thing I did. I'm already starting to look a little red around the edges :-} I hope you will come back to inspect the beach in 2014!

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  6. Lookin' good, Alexis (and I don't mean the beaches...I mean you!) Island life agrees with you. Lovely. What a great view to keep you inspired.

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    1. It is inspiring, Lyndee. Especially the sunsets. Even early morning when the house shades the beach. So peaceful :-)

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  7. I agree with BJ as we have had a lot of snow and ice lately. Just when I'm convincing myself that I love winter and snow-which I do-seeing your picutres and reading about them make me ready for the next season even if I'm not on a beach!
    Do you go swimming too, and see dolphins and other cool creatures???

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    1. I understand Dawn. When I lived way north, we always took a week break from winter and went somewhere warm. Yes, I do go swimming. In fact I was in the water today. As for dolphins, we see them occasionally. We see Pelicans every day. Turtles once in awhile. Flying fish, terns, nigh herons,iguanas, deer, etc. Definitely a lot of wildlife out here! Of course, in the road we see goats, horses, roosters, mongoose. It becomes quite an obstacle course to drive once you add in the pot holes :-)

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  8. I'm such an animal freak, so that along with the beautiful scenery and weather is sooo fantastic!

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