Reef Bay Coastal Hike: The Petroglyphs

In our final installment of the Reef Bay Coastal Hike, we go from the sugar mill ruins to the Petroglyphs. Believe us when we tell you, the payoff is well worth the time. (And see if you can spot the National Park’s spelling error along the way!) Get ready for a zen moment. The Petroglyphs, below….

18 Responses to “Reef Bay Coastal Hike: The Petroglyphs”

  1. Ruth
    February 18th, 2008 05:23
    1

    Very nice. Thanks, guys.
    -Ruth

  2. CTC
    February 18th, 2008 06:16
    2

    I’d started to forget how nice this hike is… in the cool months. Thanks, CTC

  3. wontongirl
    February 18th, 2008 08:12
    3

    Thanks for taking me there this morning. I’ve always wanted to check it out, so thanks for making it so easy.
    Tammy

  4. Debra
    February 18th, 2008 09:09
    4

    Good morning walk! Happy Monday!

  5. liamsaunt
    February 18th, 2008 11:09
    5

    Very nice, and so peaceful at the petroglyphs. I’ve enjoyed following along on your hike.

  6. SteveV
    February 18th, 2008 13:27
    6

    Great clip!

    I’m pretty sure this trail is written about in the book “Isle of the Caribbees” by Caleton Mitchell. In this book the author writes of his adventures as he sails his boat, Finisterre from Grenada to St. Thomas (nice work if you can get it!). While on St. John, he writes of hiking to the petroglyphs…from your video it doesn’t look like much has changed since when the book was published in 1966 (Well, maybe the trails a little wider and the signs are new). Here’s what he wrote 43 years ago:

    “Following densely forested trails, Mel found old irrigation trenches and a lovely pool with Indian petroglyphs carved in nearby rocks. Who did the work, he wondered. Arawaks or fierce Caribs? Cacao, kapok, and flamboyant trees, hibiscus, sea grapes and other shrubbery created a tropical paradise.”

    I believe “Mel” is Melville Grosvenor, the then-president and editor of the National Geographic, the publisher of the book.

    Steve

  7. Julie
    February 18th, 2008 14:54
    7

    From the very cold north…..thanks for beautiful, warm stroll to the Petroglyhs. Brings backs lots of happy memories.

  8. Julie
    February 18th, 2008 14:55
    8

    From the very cold north…..thanks for beautiful, warm stroll to the Petroglyhs. Brings back lots of happy memories.

  9. St. John
    February 18th, 2008 15:38
    9

    Great video guys! I loved your reflection shot of the petroglyphs in the pool of water.

  10. Karen
    February 18th, 2008 15:41
    10

    Thank you for the Zen moment, that was fabulous!

  11. Melissa
    February 18th, 2008 20:15
    11

    I just started visiting your site as we vacationed in St. John last year and are going back in May. Great website! We are ataying at Caneel Bay. If you happen to have any tours of this resort, please feel free to post!! :-)

  12. Dave
    February 18th, 2008 21:21
    12

    Great Vid guys! Really enjoyed, nice camera work.
    SteveV, nice insite into that old book, thanks for sharing. :)

  13. Chicago Steve
    February 18th, 2008 22:51
    13

    Very nice indeed. Isn’t that the only running water on St John (other than right after a downpour)? Makes it extra special…

  14. rob
    February 19th, 2008 08:31
    14

    So…taking the hike in August would be…hot?

    I have to get out my books. I’m still baffled by where the boys started. How do you get to the start? Drive out South shore road until it becomes whatever it becomes and eventually ends?

  15. Nancy
    February 19th, 2008 10:12
    15

    One of our favorite treks. we did it in the pouring rain last year!
    Looking forward to this year–3 weeks and counting!

  16. Gary
    February 21st, 2008 17:36
    16

    rob
    No, you take Centerline to about 1/2 mile before Bordeaux if coming from Cruz Bay side, can’t miss the signs. August would be hot but Sept/Oct much worse. Please make sure you park well off the road, I travel it daily.

  17. Jeff
    February 21st, 2008 17:56
    17

    Gary and Rob:

    Gary has pointed out the popular Reef Bay hike that starts on Centerline Road.

    This hikem, The Reef Bay Coastal Hike, actually starts off Fish Bay road and gets to the Petroglyphs from the other direction. Check out Gerald Singer’s book for pretty good directions to where the trail starts.

  18. Zen
    February 26th, 2008 11:28
    18

    “I hea wata!”
    Made me laugh as it just reminded me of our trip in January. Its an inside joke for me. Made me laugh out loud. =-)

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