Articles
But Isn’t All of St. John Off the Beaten Track?
By Judy Colbert
Just as St. John U.S.V.I. was created
to be explored, so must Gerald Singer have been destined to explore
it, perhaps inch by inch.
When you decide you want to leave the gracious appointments of the Caneel Bay Resort, the lively atmosphere of Cruz Bay, or the ecologically considerate Stanley Selengut’s Maho Bay camp or the national park, then consult Singer’s book for the trail, scramble, beach or snorkeling spot that pleases your sense of adventure and ability. Singer includes notes about beach access, restroom availability, and directions.
He describes things you should notice, such as the air being filled with the aroma of the bay rum leaves (Cinnamon Bay Trail).
Singer warns you to beware of stepping on the low-lying cacti (Brown Bay trail) and the poisonous manchineel tree when you’re hiking and to avoid sea urchins and fire coral when you’re snorkeling.
Of course, you should read his book before your departure, for he lets you know things that aren’t in a regular guidebook to the island (and how many are dedicated just to St. John?). You’ll learn things that many natives may not know or have long forgotten. You’ll read about legends, island history, airplane crashes, sugar mill ruins, the flora and fauna, and more. Fortunately, in its paperback format, it’s light enough to take with you as your prime reference guide to St. John.
Singer has also authored The St. John Beach Guide and edited a book of essays entitled Tales of St. John & The Caribbean.
St. John: Off the Beaten Track
Gerald
Singer
Forward by Guy Benjamin
Sombrero Publishing
Company
ISBN 0964122014
288 pp, color photographs,
maps
$19.95