Sunday, July 30, 2006

The camera fell on the floor causing it to malfunction so I need to send it in for repair. My sincere apologies. A Tropical Wave has been passing through for a few days with heavy showers, thunder, and lightning causing the rocky guts all over the island to fill with flowing fresh water. Reef Bay has a spectacular water fall after a heavy rain. A friend and I hiked up to a nearby gut yesterday and found an awesome waterfall. It felt great! However, the rains have caused some minor flooding, including some areas around our new Pavilion and Cafe. A section of the Gabion wall collapsed due to the stress of recent construction activity as well as the flooding. More Gabion Baskets have been ordered and should arrive on Tuesday. A minor setback and fixable. We are waiting for cement to arrive on island so we can do the concrete pour for the cistern. We have had some setbacks this week but overall the progress is coming along. There is another Tropical Wave approaching the territory in the next few days. All eyes are on the weather now as the prime season for Hurricanes approaches.
However, The Sun will rise again.

Monday, July 17, 2006

I am back from a two week on island vacation. Alfredo has been finishing up on the stairway that leads down to the new Pavilion and Cafe. The railings will need to be installed this week.

The concrete has been poured in the forms and metal posts have been installed for the main floor of the Pavilion.


The forms and rebar have been laid out for the concrete pour for the 20000 gallon cistern.


I stayed in Sage Point 12 with a friend for a week during my on island vacation. It was a great opportunity to experience a new cabin. The wind was eternal and the waves soothed the senses. Rain showers would periodically come throughout the night. Seagulls and pelicans glided under the deck and out to the sea. The full moon was in all it's glory rising over Concordia. The sun rose right in the frame of the bedroom window. It was perfect. Stanley has created a fantastic place!



Tuesday, July 04, 2006

St. John's July 4th Parade in Cruz Bay! Awesome costumes were on display today.
Rhythms filled the streets as thousands of spectators looked on.
Moko Jumbies were out and about today. Glenn Speer's beautiful Mongoose Junction is the Architecture in the background. He is the architect on our new Pavilion and Cafe.
St. John is a great place to be a kid! The island life keeps you young always...
The Jouvert Dance Party happened this morning at 4a.m. Fireworks will fill the sky tonight. A colorful and festive day. It was nice seeing friends and neighbors in the crowds. This is a great time to be on St. John so please stay with us next year and enjoy the festival.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Salt Pond Beach is a twenty minute hike from Concordia. Great Snorkeling and hiking trails can be found here.
It will be fun to look back at these photos after the pavilion is completed and see the construction process.
It was such a beautiful day. The waves break along Drunk Bay's rocky shoreline. Nanny Point Peninsula situated in the middle has such rewarding scenery. The whole hillside has one acre parcels for sale.
I came upon a group of Concordia's volunteers at Salt Pond Bay. Many lasting friendships occur on this 13 by 5 mile island. Read about our Work Exchange Program at www.maho.org.
Pulling in closer to the Pavilion site. It took 4 months to complete the Gabion Stone Wall. Dave and Segundo began sorting out the greenhouse materials for installation.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

Sage Point 15 looks out over Drunk Bay. There were several surfers out today as a southerly swell came in. The Maintenance Staff and volunteers have been installing new solar panels on the older cabins. We needed to upgrade the old systems from a two panel service to a three panel. Everyone should consider solar when building a home. Great for drive way lights and garden lights. Science is trying to learn new ways to utilize solar without a battery bank. Go to this website for information about solar energy and consider whether it would be suitable for your home or business. http://www.history.rochester.edu/class/solar/solar.htm
John's Folly is right around the Nanny Point Peninsula. You look down on it when you drive up to Estate Concordia's Entrance. There is a rustic and truly authentic little novelty hang out in John's Folly called Sweet's. Take a drive or walk to Sweet's and kick back island style.
Here is Turks Cap 8. This cabin was built in 1993 along with 4 others. These were the first cabins to be constructed. Their design is different than our recent cabins but they have a rustic homestyle feel about them. Every Cabin has it's own character and view.
Coral Bay is the closest town to Estate Concordia. You can find ATM's, Groceries, Restaurants, and some cool historic sites. One of the great aspects of having the New Pavilion and Cafe is that you will not need a car as everything will be right here. But Coral Bay is worth a visit. There is rumor of a 116 slip Marina to be constructed in the near future.
The Turpentine Tree or Gumbo Limbo is full of leaves. This tree takes on so many personalities over the year. This will be the Frangipani section of Concordia. I need to install a few more room tiles on the cabins. Gail is working on the final tiles that will name each section. I will be taking a two week vacation starting Monday. I have a Philanthropist coming to see me.