Eastern Fish Bay Gut
by Gerald Singer, December 1, 1995 This seldom-traveled gut can provide a link between the Fish Bay Road and the L’Esperance Road. A good way to begin this scramble is from the Fish Bay Road where the gut crosses the road a little to the west of Guavaberry Farms Nursery. The ascent is gradual and an elevation of a little more than 400 feet is attained upon reaching the L’Esperance Road. The first part of the walk is over relatively level terrain through the Fish Bay development. As you leave the developed area, the grade steepens. Tall and mature trees, orchids and flowering vines line the sides of the gut. Birds, especially several species of mountain doves abound and their songs are the predominant sounds heard in this region. The result is a peaceful and quiet escape away from any signs of human civilization and an opportunity to commune with the natural beauty of St. John. In several areas there are shallow pools, which are home to crayfish, crabs, and small fresh water fish. Eventually the gut will fork and the main right hand fork is the way to the L’Esperance road. The bottom of the gut here is moss covered in many places and often has running water. It is extremely beautiful, but also very slippery; so proceed with caution. A beautiful mature mango tree can be found at the fork of the guts. The gut crosses the L’Esperance road in the vicinity of a fragrant and beautiful stand of Bay Rum trees, which is a perfect place to stop and rest and perhaps enjoy a picnic or a snack. From here you can go back down the gut or walk up the dirt road to Centerline Road |