Sat, Apr 23, 2016, 6:30 pm: Full Moon Hike to Ham's Bluff Lighthouse

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: This is an easy to moderate full moon hike of 2 miles total to the Ham's Bluff Lighthouse on Maroon ridgeline and back to the starting point. We will discuss the coastal, natural, historical, and cultural resources of the area. Olasee Davis, ecologist, will be our guide. Bring a small flashlight. For more information call Joyce at 778-9087, or Cathy at 772-2073.

Meet at 6:30pm at the beach-front parking lot across the road from Paul E. Joseph Stadium.

Driving directions:
- From Frederiksted town, go north on King St. / Route 631.
- When you see Fort Frederick (large red building) on your left, continue another 1/10 of a mile to the parking spaces on the left side of the road.

Area info: The only lighthouse on the island is at the top of Ham's Bluff. It was built around 1914 and was used to guide the ships into Frederiksted. Mount Eagle is in the distance, and Blue Mountain is the one with the antennas. Maroon ridge starts just south of the lighthouse and below is Maroon hole. Maroon Ridge slumbered until July 20, 1912 when the Danish Lighthouse Service purchased 22.5 Danish acres at Ham's Bluff on the northwestern end of the ridge from J. W. Blackwood. By July of 1913, the round white painted steel tower resting on a concrete base at an elevation of 394 feet was completed at the cost of 60,000. Danish Kroner. The gas light emitted a double flash every 20 seconds that was visible for 25 nautical miles. In the past, a keeper, an assist, and a laborer dwelt in the two concrete houses at the base of the ridge and used a horse and a burro for transportation. The Buck Island lighthouse was built by the Danes to capitalize on the boom in trade they expected to recap in the Virgin Island from the newly built Panama Canal. The intent was to make the Virgin Islands an attractive way station for commerce between Europe and Panama. This would also enhance the islands attractiveness to the United States Government which was negotiating for the purchase. After the purchase in 1917, the U S Navy assumed operation until 1919 when they gave it to the U S Lighthouse Service.

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