Taking a Hike

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Last week in St. John, I took a break from the beach to hike the lovely Reef Bay Trail, one of the most popular in the USVI National Park. It's 2.5 miles downhill (works for me!), and at the end there's beautiful deserted bay and beaches. Encyclopediac rangers lead the hikes, pointing out flora and fauna as you go; as you descend through the moist subtropical forest, watch out for some of the wildlife I've pictured here. That spider's the size of a kitten. Near the end of the trail, you'll encounter the ruins of the Reef Bay sugar mill, now home to a huge population of hermit crabs and bats. I unfortunately didn't photograph the ruins because I desperately needed to use the "Lady Bird Johnson" facilities. Seems the former first lady hiked the Reef Bay Trail herself in the early 1960s, and when she enquired about a restroom, the ranger indicated that it was all around her with a broad sweep of his hand. Upon her return to the mainland, Lady Bird generously donated the money for the outhouse that now bears her name. At the end of the trail is the big payoff: a stretch of deserted beach and nearly undisturbed green hillsides hug a quiet blue bay. If you're interested in participating in the hike on your visit to St. John, the park service runs guided tours on Mondays and Thursdays, but they fill up fast.

Go to www.nps.gov/viis and reserve a spot far in advance. Happy hiking!