Sun, June 7, 2009, 5:30 am: Hike through Northwest St. Croix

General info for all hikes and walks: Hikes and walks are $5 for members, and $10 for non-members (become a member). Unless otherwise noted, the pace for hikes is moderate, lasting 3-5 hours, covering 3-5 miles, the terrain is hilly, footing is sometimes uneven, and we follow trails and possibly paved or dirt roads . Walks are easier and shorter than hikes, and usually follow paved or dirt roads, no trails. The guide may periodically stop and talk along the way. Bring sturdy, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, water, snack, bug spray, rain poncho, and camera. Shorts or long pants are OK. For day hikes, bring a hat and sun block. For night hikes, bring a small flashlight. There are usually about 20 people. We depart about 30 minutes after the posted start time. For some hikes, we will meet at the indicated location, then drive a short distance to the hike location.

Specific info for this hike: Join us for a long hike through the northwest corner of St. Croix, to Hams Bay, Annaly Bay, Wells Bay, Wills Bay, Sweet Bottom Bay, Davis Bay, Central Scenic Road, and Caledonia Valley. We'll start from the steep hill of West Scenic Road near the Hams Bluff lighthouse, and proceed on East Scenic Road overlooking Annaly Bay. Then we'll hike a steep path to Annaly Bay and proceed along the northwest coast, climbing rocks to Wells Bay and the Trumble Tail. Then we'll head south on Route 78 (Central Scenic West) to the Caledonia Valley tropical moist forest. The terrain is moderate to very steep. We will be hiking on dirt paths, paved roads, and on rocks. The hike is very difficult and steep in some areas. Total distance is about 10 miles, lasting about 5 hours. Ecologist Olasee Davis will be our guide.

For more information call Dorothy at 718-8409, Cathy at 772-2073, Sonia at 778-2076, or Joyce at 778-9087.

Meet at 5:30am at Paul E. Joseph Stadium, just north of Frederiksted. From there, we will drive about 4 miles to a parking area at the bottom of West Scenic Road.

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