Sun, Dec 6, 2015, 2:30 pm: Coakley Bay Shoreline Hike

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: Meet 2:30pm at Chenay Bay Beach in Southgate Coastal Reserve (not Chenay Bay resort) on East End Rd / Route 82. This is an easy to moderate walk along the beach and dirt path. It is 3 miles round trip. We will discuss the natural, cultural and marine resources of the area. We will be wading through water, so wear appropriate shoes and attire, including bathing suit if you want to swim. Ecologist Olasee Davis will be our  guide.

Driving directions: From Christiansted, go east on Hospital St. / Route 75, which becomes East End Rd. / Route 82. After about 3 miles, turn left and continue on Route 82. Go past Cheeseburgers, then turn left onto the first dirt road, which leads to the beach.

Additional info: The hike starts north of Estate Coakley Bay plantation off of Route 82. It is an early 19th century sugar plantation. In 1749 it was named for John Coakley Sr, the recorded owner. An earlier French name was "Grande Anse". Until recently the estate was comprised of several ruins, a great house, grinding mill, cookhouse, windmill, and partial structures of the sugar factory. The site includes some of the finest examples of typical Crucian plantation building, the best preserved being the grinding mill and a wind mill for drawing water. In the 1970's the Virgin Island government considered purchasing this site to preserve it, but it was bought by a private individual.

Southwest of Coakley Bay plantation is Carden Beach, which was settled in the early 1700's. According to archive maps, a portion was acquired in 1739 by James Barrow, and he established a cotton plantation. Later on, William Coakley assumed ownership in 1745, and the mill on the site was built in 1754. In 1781, Barrow consolidated his parcel of land, Potter and Thayer lands, and John Garden, son-in- law of John Coakley Sr, and formed Carden plantation. The land remained in the Carden family for nearly a half century producing sugar, molasses and rum. In the late 1700's and 1800's, battery was constructed to protect the Carden residents from seafaring privateers.

Over the years Carden and Coakley bay were owned by a series of prominent island families such as the Nielsens, Lunds, and Penthanys. As agriculture declined in the 1900's, the estates returned to shrub and the buildings were abandoned to the bush. Today the historic buildings are restored at Estate Coakley Bay. The new owners built into the historic structures, which help to preserve the integrity of the ruins.

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