LOCALadk Magazine
Issue link: https://localadkmagazine.uberflip.com/i/434744
Epic Journey Story and photos by Anne Brewer It's February in the Adirondacks, -12 degrees with a fresh three inches of snow. I am in flip flops, a t-shirt, and shorts, and my plan is to run from the car to the airport terminal. The coat and boots are being left behind because where I am going I won't need these things. I am leaving for azure blue water, warm sand, sunshine, cold drinks, and happy people. I am heading to the Caribbean Island of St John in the US Virgin Islands. St John and the neighboring British Virgin Islands offers a winter escape close enough that an early flight leaving the east coast has you dipping your toes in warm water by the afternoon. Fly to St Thomas, jump in a taxi for the wild ride to the Red Hook Ferry, and enjoy the 20-min trip to St John. The island of St John is 19 square miles, of which two- thirds is protected by the National Parks, thanks to the Rockefeller family. What this means for you and me is that the island offers great hiking, healthy reefs on which to explore the sea life, and some of the most beautiful soft white sand beaches anywhere. The best way to experience St John, in my opinion, is to spend as much time as possible on the water. The area is perfect for sailing and is a popular destination to rent a sailboat and cruise the islands. But, if you like to paddle, the ideal way to really become part of that azure blue Caribbean water is from the cockpit of a kayak. Arawak Expeditions is a kayak outfitter out of St John. Arthur Jones, owner, has been providing guided day trips and multi- day trips for 16 years. One of the reasons Arthur has stayed on the island this long, and raised his family there, is because of the National Parks. It's what drew me, too. The five day camping adventure begins once all the gear, food, and kayaks are loaded onto a powerboat. You enjoy a nice cruise over to the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, where you clear customs. From there the boat brings you to Peter Island, where it's time to jump into the beautiful blue water and let the Caribbean start to work its magic. Camp is set up with tents LOCALadk 50 Winter 2014