This little pineapple, barely a handful, grew outside my bedroom window. That side of the house does not get any rain (unless there is a storm, then everywhere gets wet), so it stayed small for months, then gave up and turned yellow. But it smells so good. I'll eat it in a day or two.
The lighthouse at Hams Bluff. I hadn't planned to hike up there on that day, so I didn't take any water. But I found myself up there anyway. The lighthouse is in bad shape. I wanted to climb up and look out, but the metal floor was rusted through. So I decided not to risk it.
Ruin of the greathouse at one of the plantations during St. Croix's "Golden Age of Sugar." I don't get too excited about the island's history, as it is mainly about slave labour. The greathouse is where the European planter lived.
Another view, including a smaller building.
Do you think this coconut was terrified because he knew I was going to bash his head open? At some point in the future, I will post a video of me removing the husk from this same coconut, with Pierre giving a running commentary.
A pretty neat location on the north side of the island. After a 1.5 mile hike up and down the hills and thru the bushes, you arrive at these tide pools. When the tide is high, the water comes crashing over the rocks and look like water falls.
Looking out at Protestant Cay from outside the house where my mother grew up.
The botanical gardens held their anual Mango Melee. They had on display countless varieties of mangos and other fruits. I was on patrol to keep people from feelin up de mango dem.
The kids mango eating contest. They had to eat 5 mangos. I didn't see who won, as I turned away after one of the kids regurgitated her mangos.
It didn't take long...
...to degenerate into a shameful display...
...of flesh.
But really, since when is it the standard to wear a bikini and feathers on your head and call it a costume?
...and the conduct...they need to clean up this mess. It is embarrassing.
One of the largest cultural events of the year, the festival parade, held on January 2nd, began innocently enough. This is Ms. St. Croix.
Interesting skirt. The girl in front was a bit energetic.
Some beautiful shots here and there.
Colorful costumes.
Hmm...the costumes are shrinking.
How long does it take for pineapples to grow to full size and ripen?
That fig is almost ripe, but I doubt I will get to taste it. The birds always get them first.
I thought it was an oversized weed and almost chopped it down when I saw two ripe tomatoes.
I've never eaten a papaya, (I know, you don't have to say it.) but I guess I'll try one when these are ready.
Big sour limes. I still don't know what to do with them.
lc Nippan 'Livinza x blc Momilani Rainbow
blc Hawaiian Leopard
slc Marie Nohava Hallowed
blc Golden Tang
lc Blazing Treat
Some of the boats in the boat parade. My photos came out all fuzzy because I took them from aboard one of the boats.
Judging of deserts at the botanical garden.
Oooh...little guava tarts....
Now this is fish the way I like it - complete with the head and eyes looking at ya.
Virgin Islands International Islamic Society, Inc. I figured that since all the grocery stores, furniture stores & gas stations on the island are owned by Arabs, there must be a mosque somewhere. It was built in the 1960's.
Overlooking the beach at Carambola Beach Resort.
At the beach, not too far from Sandy Point.
Sitting in a life guard chair at Cramer Park.
Fort Frederik in Frederiksted.
The pier at Frederiksted, where the cruise ship dock and people go swimming and scuba diving.
Geocaching atop Mound Eagle, the highest point on St. Croix. Compared to the Himalayas, calling this a mountain is almost a joke.
Exiting the "rain forest" at St. Georges Botanical Garden.
A pool of lilies? at the botanical garden.
The botanical garden is at the site of an old plantation ruin.
The eastern end of the island is more dry and has cactus.
