|
Excerpted from St. John Off The
Beaten Track ©
2006 Gerald Singer
The Lind Point Shoreline Scramble takes you from downtown Cruz
Bay to Salomon Bay Beach by way of the rocky coast. The distance
along the shoreline is a little less than one mile.
The natural pathways found on St. John, an island of thick forest
and tangled undergrowth, generally follow the ridges of mountains,
natural drainage guts, or shorelines. Most of the trails made
by Amerindian and early European settlers, and even the modern
roads found on St. John today, follow these natural paths.
The shoreline between Cruz Bay and Salomon Bay is typical of
many coastal sections of St. John. Those interested in experiencing
this environment will have to make their way through a section
of mangroves and then climb up and down the rocks along the shore.
This adventure should only be attempted by two or more athletic
individuals who have experience in rock scrambling. It is extremely
important that you proceed with the utmost caution and are aware
and attentive at all times.
A good place to begin this walk is by accessing the Lind Point
Trail, but turn left onto the dirt track that crosses the trail.
This road takes you to what is now the National Park Service
boat launching area.
Between 1967 and 1995 there was seaplane
service between Cruz Bay and San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Croix
and Tortola. The National Park boat launch once housed the ramp,
rustic offices and ground facilities for Antilles Airboats, a
seaplane company that lost their planes to Hurricane Hugo in
1989. Afterwards, other companies took over, until they too lost
their aircraft to a hurricane. This time it was Hurricane Marilyn
in 1995. After that, the National Park announced that it would
no longer lease the seaplane ramp and that wonderful scheduled
seaplane service that at one time enabled visitors to change
planes in San Juan and fly directly to Cruz Bay is no more.
There is no defined trail. Begin by finding your way through
the tangle of mangroves that extend for about 50 yards along
the shore. This may be the most difficult portion of the walk.
Remember that wet rocks may be slippery. Once through the mangroves,
you will be negotiating rocky shoreline interspersed with sections
of beach.
Heading west along the coast of Cruz Bay Harbor, you can observe
the barges, ferries, sailing yachts and small motor boats entering
and exiting the bay. At the mouth of the harbor the rocks get
taller, and the scramble gets more dramatic. Right after the
coastline begins to turn north, you will come to a cobblestone
beach at Lind Point. An old, now unused, underwater telephone
cable comes ashore here.
The coastline between Lind Point and
Salomon Bay is undeveloped and pristine. Take some time to observe
the coastal marine life that has developed with only minimal
impact from the activities of human beings.
Continuing to the east you will come upon a small coral rubble
beach. There are three types of beaches on St. John, cobblestone,
coral rubble and coral sand. It is interesting to note that all
three can be found along this short stretch of coastline.
Immediately after the tiny coral rubble beach, you will come
to a larger cobblestone beach. Just past the vegetation line
are large pieces of galvanized roofing that once were on National
Park housing units up the hill on Lind Point. Imagine the force
of the wind that was able to carry this heavy metal roofing such
a long distance. (A hurricane in 1916 blew the roof off of the
Methodist Church in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke. It was later
found at Cinnamon Bay on St. John, more than five miles away.)
Continue the scramble until you get to the sand beach at Salomon
Bay. For those so inclined, this is an excellent opportunity
to reward yourself with a refreshing swim.
You can return to Cruz Bay the way you came or via the Lind
Point Trail.
More Trails |
