Bob's Blog
Thoughts From an Island Photographer

Happy Monday!

This week started out with a late afternoon walk to the top of Windy Hill overlooking Annaberg Plantation, Leinster Bay and the BVI’s.  While the ruins area was heavily overgrown, we agreed this must still be the most picturesque  picnic area on all of St. John. 

Windy Hill At Sunset Ovelooking Leinster Bay

Inspired, we decided to walk back to the same location the very next day to show you what the view is like in mid-morning.  We love this place, overgrown or not. The morning walk was worth every step.

Windy Hill Picnic Area Overgrown, But Beautiful

We were about to pick out way through the vegatation to the picnic table for a closer look, when St. John’s version of the calvary arrived.

The Calvery - VI National Park Volunteers

VI National Park Volunteers Mora Watson and Ron Ledoux, led by Volunteer Leader Jeff Chabot, had arrived to clear undergrowth at Windy Hill this very day. It was like a miracle. The crew was small – park volunteers are down over 50% percent this year – but they quckly moved into action. 

VI National Park Volunteers In Action

Watching them work, we decided to make this Photo Monday about volunteering. 

It’s easy to do and the commitment is small. Sign up at the National Park Visitors Center, or just show up every Tuesday and/or Thursday morning. The van meets and picks up volunteers at the Maintenance Shed next To Mongoose Junction at 8AM, at Cinnamon Bay Campground at 8:15AM, and at Big Maho Bay near the trailhead to the campground at 8:30AM. Bring water, sunscreen and a snack.  You’ll learn a lot and help make a difference in a very short amount of time. 

In less than an hour, our new best friends had cleared out the picnic area, making it ready for visitors to enjoy in all its glory.

Windy Hill, St. John Picnic Area Overlooking Leinster Bay

Free T-Shirt For Park Volunteers!

What a fantastic job! The next time you are in the Leinster Bay area, take a detour up the Johny Horn trail a short way to the top of the hill and have a picnic. Think of us while you’re there. Better yet, consider volunteering for a few hours.

As a little added incentive, the VI National Park gives you your own volunteer T-Shirt once you volunteer just twice. 

VI Park Volunteers Ron Ledoux & Mora Watson with Ranger Jeff Chabot

A special thanks this week to Ron Ledoux and Mora Watson for taking time out of your vacation to making everyone else’s a little better.  You’re the best!  And, to Jeff Chabot for recognizing Windy Hill as a special place for all of us.   

Until Next week,

Karin and Bob Schlesinger
Your Island Photographers