CHRISTIANSTED, ST CROIX
Aurelia
Shirley and Michael Webb-Speight
Thu 8 Mar 2007 14:20
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After an early night we went back into town in the
morning for a walk around with the shops open - much more interested than the
previous night. Found some interesting art/ sculpture made from old
oil drums, had lunch and acquired a permit to visit the Buck Island National
Monument. In the process of getting the permit Oliver and M toured the
historic buildings left over from the Danish colonists. Also met some
fanatical environmentalists who enthused about Buck Island and compared it to
the Great Barrier reef. Motored out there in the late afternoon for a swim
over the reef, and a lovely sit on the white sugary sand with the jungle behind
us and Aurelia anchored in the azure waters ahead of us. Pretty nice we
thought. Gave up the idea of serious snorkeling as too much hard
work! The kids found miniature angel fish, big barracudas and some cute
little sharks swimming in water that was only knee deep.
Around 5.30 pm we pulled up our anchor and headed
back around the reef into Christiansted for the night. As we came in
through the gap we spotted 'Hark' with Andrew and Elke coming up behind us, and
we spent another very pleasant evening with them, catching up on our various
travels over the last week. Our attempt to raft up was soon abandoned as
the slight swell coming into the harbour from the North threatened our polished
topsides. Today we have voted to head back out to Buck Island in preference to
hiring a car for a tour of the island. Will probably leave early in the
morning and head for St John, 45 miles to the north.
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