Ralph and Jenni's
Appalachian
Mountain Club
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Ralph and Jenni's |
Upcoming Adventure Travel trips:
Cinnamon Bay, St. John, U. S. Virgin Islands: Snorkeling, Hiking, and Unwinding
Updated 2 15 2018
As you have probably heard, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have been devastated by two hurricanes. In light of the circumstances, we unfortunately found it necessary to cancel the AMC Adventure Travel trips to St. John for 2018. Moreover, we recently made the decision to not offer an AMC Adventure Travel trip in early 2019.
We've continued to follow the news from St. John and have recently spoken with the management of the USVI National Park and the CEO of the concessionaire who has recently operated the Cinnamon Bay Campground.
As previously reported, St. John took direct hits from two category 5 hurricanes in September. There was very significant damage to many structures and infrastructure and to Cinnamon Bay Campground. The good news is that there have been significant efforts to clean things up and make repairs. The roads are now drive-able and with the assistance of hundreds of professionals from western US national parks the beaches and trails have been cleared. Electric power has been restored to most of the island. Most land-line telephones have not yet been restored and neither has cable. Some internet exists and as always cell-phone service is spotty.
Much of the National Park employee housing was damaged and about 30% of the personnel including the interpretative rangers were evacuated. They won't return until there is housing for them.
The water plant at Cinnamon Bay is running again. However, the water distribution systems were submerged in salt water. New pumps will be needed and have been ordered. The condition of the pipes is unknown. The condition of the waste water system is unknown.
Most of the cottages were destroyed by falling trees. Many of the tents were damaged. None of the furnishings had been removed before the hurricanes hit. All of the downed trees are still there throughout the campground. There will be no services at Cinnamon Bay until at least 12/20/18. What services might be available and when is not known. Some of the restoration may take years.
Here is a picture taken of Cinnamon Bay in September 2017 and before hurricane Maria. In the lower right corner are the remnants of the archeology museum and the water sports shop:
In times like these, it is important that we continue to support the Virgin Islands National Park and the people of St. John. Without them we wouldn't have been able to participate in the wonderful trips that we've been doing for some 50 years. There are a number of organizations which support the Park and St. John. We will mention here just two of them:
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, https://www.friendsvinp.org/
This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the natural and cultural resources of Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) and promotes the responsible enjoyment of this unique national treasure. They also coordinate the work of volunteer groups including us when we help do projects on St. John.
An email which Ralph, a member of the Friends, received in Fall 2017 from the Friends says in part:
Virgin Islands National Park was seriously damaged, along with an estimated 90% of the homes and businesses on the island. The oldest structure on St. John, the archeology lab at Cinnamon Bay was destroyed. Maho Bay Road was destroyed. Cinnamon Bay campgrounds were wiped out. Coral Bay is practically flattened. The flora and fauna of the island are decimated. The landscape is almost unrecognizable. From the Reef Bay trailhead you can now see both shores of the island. It is not the St. John we know and love.
The community is strong and many relief agencies have come in to help, but there is so much work to do. Although nature is resilient, we must do all we can to not impede its successful regeneration. Right now, that means clearing debris, safely removing harmful waste, restoring roads, cleaning up the mangroves and shorelines, among many other essential tasks. The Friends is committed to doing what we do best - raising funds to protect and preserve Virgin Islands National Park and effectively managing projects that ensure the park for future generations.
You can donate to the Friends at: https://friendsvinp.org/how-to-help/donate
St. John Community Foundation, http://thestjohnfoundation.org/
SJCF was formed just after the devastation that hurricane Hugo inflicted on St. John back in 1989. Their mission is to provide services and support programs that positively engage people, build resources and strengthen the St. John community. You can learn more about them and the many other groups they work with on their website.You can donate to the Foundation at: http://thestjohnfoundation.org/donate
Unfortunately, it will take many months and probably years for the Virgin Islands National Park and St. John to recover from this disaster.
With deep regret,
Ralph, Jenni, and Doug
Doug, Jenni and Ralph in St. John.
To get an idea of what St. John trips are like take a look at the next link:
For notes and pictures from recent St. John trips click here.
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Pictures from previous AMC Adventure Travel trips:For notes and pictures from recent St. John trips click here.
For notes and pictures of the April 2014 trip to Puerto Rico click here.
For notes and pictures of the February 2014 trip to New Zealand click here.
For notes and pictures of the August/September 2012 trip to Austria click here.
For notes and pictures of the December 2010 trip to Trinidad and Tobago click here.
For notes and pictures of the June 2009 trip to Ireland click here.
For notes and pictures of the May 2008 trip to Utah click here.
For notes and pictures of the October 2005 trip to Italy click here.
For notes and pictures of the June 2003 trip to Iceland click here.
For notes and pictures of the March 2002 trip to New Zealand click here.
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Links:
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Last updated: February 15, 2018 |
Jenni and Ralph |
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