searching for the green flash

Since getting to this island almost 6 years ago I've been in search of what's called the "green flash" at sunset here on St. John. While perhaps not seen quite as often here on St. John as other parts of the world, it apparently has been see here at Maho. The idea told by those that have seen the flash here (and from a quick Wikipedia search) is that seconds after or during sunset you'll see a ray or flash of green as the sun sets.......how cool is that?! Well, apparently the odds of being able to see one are near impossible here on St. John, but that doesn't stop me from trying each night as the sun sets.

Last week I had the pleasure of being able to sail with Capt. Fred & First Mate Renee of the Pepper here at Maho. Pepper is an Island Sloop, just 23 feet long, but with plenty of room for the 6 of us to catch the evening breezes and enjoy a beautiful sunset sail. Watching the sun set over St. Thomas on the Pepper was quite enjoyable, but unfortunately I'm still in search of the green flash.

How to end a great day?

Yesterday afternoon I decided I would cap my day off with a little sunset sail. It was my first sunset sail of the season and I went out with Fred and Renee of Pepper. I walked down to the beach just as Fred was pulling up in the dinghy. The water was flat like a pool and the easy ride to the boat gave Larry, Susan, and I an opportunity to get acquainted with one another. They are from Pennsylvania and this is their first time visiting, some friends of theirs told them about Maho. (Larry is an Eagles fan and myself a Titan, so the playoffs weren't a topic we stayed on long.)

After boarding Fred gave us a breif history of Pepper, and island sloop. Back before there were roads on the islands, donkeys were the only real mode of transportation. So for several hundred years, island sloops were used. They are very simple yet practical designs and it is easy to see how much easier it made getting imports, exports, animals, and people to and from other nearby islands. There would have been no seats on an island sloop, just plenty of storage and standing room, one mast, two sails, and a tiller. A great boat for getting around the area and perfect for an intimate sunset sail.

Renee passed out some of her famous "White Cap" drinks (will have to sail for that recipe) and snacks and we sat back to let the wind carry us onward. Along the way Fred and Renee were great tour guides giving us historical facts and fun facts about the islands and stories from the past, but it didn't feel like we were on a tour, it all just kind of flowed seamlessly as we sailed along. Susan is a sailor at home and got to try her hand at the island sloop, but we didn't make Larry take Renee's place pouring drinks.



The sunset was great, and we all just kind of stared not really talking, just appreciating. Honestly, it didn't even dawn on me that i hadn't captured it with a photo until just now. It was just one of those moments where everything faded away and the only thing that mattered was that, well, nothing really mattered in that moment........but in the best of ways.

March 23 Sunset

It's always nice to see the sun set into the water or behind St. Thomas. Sometimes though it is too cloudy. Those days aren't so bad either.....