Tiny Panic

​I did this painting of Latitude 18 when it was up and running. Latitude was our local hangout when we lived in Red Hook, and it was a hopping place back then with live music every night.

I spent some time today gazing listlessly out the window. I was taking in the fabulous colors and watching people frolicking in the bay. 

Every once in a while I'm overwhelmed with the beauty of the ocean around here. The waters run from deep blue to the most tantalizing turquoise and aquamarine. When the sun shines, and the breezes blow off the sea, it's bright, beautiful, and most of the time it's serenely peaceful. 

Sure, there is the occasional hiccup, but I don't mind most of the time. Most of the time, I've been pretty content and grateful to be here. 

As we're planning to leave the island in a couple of weeks, I'm getting a bit panicky because I want to redo some of my favorite things before we go. 

We want to visit St John and our favorite little haunt there like The Sun Dog Cafe, where lots of people gather to tip a few and have some laughs. I want to have a Pain Killer at the Beach Bar on Cruz Bay. I've heard its open for business now, so we've got to check it out.

It's time for one last round of our favorite bays and beaches.


We want to dip our toes in Honeymoon Bay on Water Island and perhaps relax to the smooth vibes of a local band. 

We can't leave out Hull Bay, Magens Bay, Lindquist Beach, and I can't forget Sunset Beach. 

I'm looking forward to visiting some of the many restaurants we've come to love: The Coconut Cove at the Ritz, The Twisted Cork in Frenchtown, Gladys' Restaurant in Charlotte Amalie,  and Fresh Bistro at Yacht Haven Grande. 

Unfortunately, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devoured a couple of our favorite haunts. 

We've had to bid a fond farewell to Latitude 18 (painting above) on Vessup Beach and Epernay in Frenchtown. They have shuttered their doors permanently or quasi-permanently because of storm damage. 

Mahogany Run, a once picturesque golf course, was ruined by the hurricane. What was once a beautifully maintained track of land is now, well, not. Trees grow out of the bunkers and bushes are sprouting out of the greens.

Yes, it's time to say goodbye to all our favorite places. On April 30th we're off on new adventures. 

I can't wait to see what's next. 

I'll be writing my last post from St Thomas for quite some time next week. I hope I'm able to report success on our final days in paradise. 

Until next week, I wish you peace! 

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