St. John, USVI and BVI Report

I returned last night from St. John and thought I'd give a report on the current state of the island and the recovery efforts.

You don't have to look hard to see the devastation from Irma. It's still pretty much everywhere. From the sea there are still many boats washed up on shore and the islands look more like the California hillsides (brown) than that lush green tropical vegetation we're used to down there. Palm trees are few and far between.

The recovery efforts are understandably still focused on rebuilding the infrastructure. There are some problems with that. For instance, Wharfside which is the main bar and shopping area when you enter Cruz Bay is only partly operational. Because of a legal dispute which not only are they not party to but that they also have no influence over Beach Bar and Joe's Rum Hut currently have no expected time to reopen. There is no work going on in either location. The Westin is rebuilding but it's a slow process and they won't reopen for at least another year.

Caneel Bay is currently a topic in Congress. They're nearing the end of their lease and the cost to rebuild currently outweighs any gain to be made by rebuilding and reopening for the remaining term of the lease.

On a brighter note, the people of St. John are very positive and welcome any of you that want to return. Many iconic spots are open and Trunk Bay is as beautiful as it ever was. At least the beach and water are and right now it's free to all visitors.

The Willie T opened for business on Saturday in its' new location at Great Harbor on Peter Island. It's still one of the rowdiest and raunchiest bars you can visit.

I'll be sailing the BVI for 10 days at the end of June then staying on Jost van Dyke for a couple of days so I'll add more BVI detail when I return from that trip.

Now some pictures.

Trunk Bay



Trunk Bay from above. The damage to the foliage is apparent.



It's always a good day when Captain Steve from Rockhoppin' is your captain for the day.



Again, the damage is apparent.





The B Line Bar on Little Jost van Dyke is open for business.



As is Corsairs in Great Harbor on Jost van Dyke



Last, but not least the new and larger Willie T which reopened on my birthday.





Oh, I ran into this guy on the Willie T and couldn't pass up the photo opportunity.



Again, if you love St. John and the BVI come back soon. The people welcome you and can once again use your tourism to help recover.