(Where you going?) was a frequently asked when Matt made a sudden turn down a dirt road and the answer was always “Me ain know mehson” (I don’t know) – exploring.  Back in the jeep, we loaded our cooler and took off toward the west side of the island.  I wanted to see the rain forest, so we took the smaller roads that led to dirt roads instead of the main highway.  We managed to find the rain forest, which was amazing, with huge trees cresting over the roads, birds singing, and critters all over the place.  We only got “turned around” a few times and managed to find our way out to Frederiksted where we stopped at Freedom City Surf to catch some lunch.  We shared Mahi Mahi Tacos and super tasty seasoned chicken tacos along with a giant ear of corn soaked in butter and cheese!  Does life get much better?

Beach seating Freedom City Surf

We explored the west side of the island which was lovely and ran along the coast, but there were not many places to stop.  On our way to the north side of the island, we had to stop at the airport to clear out of the Virgin Islands.  Technically, we did not have to clear out since we are U.S. citizens and the boat is registered in the U.S., but we needed to have exit paperwork in order to clear into Bonaire.  After this little pit stop, we headed toward the north side.  We visited Spratnet (different from the Spratnet in St. Kitts) and stopped in at Off the Wall.  Both little bars are on the beach and have their own unique local vibe.  It was getting late and we had to feed the jeep and return her home – so we headed back to Christiansted.

Off the Wall restaurant.

Cool mosaic bar at Off the Wall

We had hoped to motor-sail over to Buck Island which is a 19,015-acre national park which is 6,000’ long, 2,500’ wide, rises 328’ above sea level and includes 176-acres of tropical dry forest and 18,839-acres of submerged land and coral reef system.  As we were checking out the entry to this island, we discovered that you had to have a permit to take a private yacht there– yikes!  So, we decided to get up early and head to the National Park center to try to obtain a permit in one day (even though it typically takes 3-5 days to issue a permit).    We submitted the application, the woman assured us it won’t take 3-5 days, but did not say anything about turning it around in one day so we decided to explore Christiansted on foot.  First, we explored Fort Christiansvaern, which is a Historic Site commemorating urban colonial development of the Virgin Islands. It features 18th and 19th century structures in the heart of Christiansted, the capital of the former Danish West Indies on St. Croix Island.  They have recreated old barracks, prison, dungeon, latrine, powder room, and artillery room.  Pretty cool with impressive views of the bay.  We then headed down their main street to check out the local wares.  Of course, I had to purchase a hook bracelet which is a St. Croix symbol of friendship and love.    Before heading back to the boat, we checked on our permit and a lovely lady hand walked it down to the police for us so that we could head to Buck island tomorrow!

St. Croix hook bracelet

Vibrant red flowers blooming all over the island.

“Check yoh latah!” (See you later!)