This not the first park I’ve had to access by ferry – that would be Isle Royale – but it is the first airport I’ve flown into – St Thomas – that had a greeter handing out rum shots – I declined.

The two islands are in easy sight of one another and twenty minutes on the ferry makes the connection. Of you come here though allow a couple of hours total. You’ll figure out why. 

Pretty good first day. I hiked the Caneel Hill and Lind Point trails which combined create a loop from and back to the NPS Visitors Center. The 1100 ft of elevation was not a problem but these are the rockiest trails I’ve yet come upon in my tour. Real ankle twisting stuff. You’ve been warned. 

I learned my third trip lesson today: rain gear in the tropics does my keep you dry. It just shelters your ramped up sweat glands. So, forego it; take the drenching. You’ll smell better and be a damned site cooler. (This does not apply to your camera which should be protected at any cost.

The trail was not memorable and I’m guessing that will be a continuing theme. Running around the hills here is not the draw. The beaches are. And they’re gorgeous. To have something like this contained inside a National Park is truly spectacular. They’re on my list for the morrow. Until then.