Cruz Bay, St. John USVI
03 May 2010 | Salomon Bay, St. John
We went into Cruz Bay and dropped the anchor for the maximum 3 hours allowed. We tried to get a departure paper from the USVI's for the BVI's... but we don't have too! So much for reading all the "outdated" 2008 cruising books and guides... things change so rapidly here, it's best to pick up a local travel information booklet or go to the nearest travel information booth, or just ask another cruiser who looks like he's been in the place for a while.
Bottom line: We dropped 2 anchors, so that we wouldn't be in the main ferry channel; walked to the customs office and after filling out two forms and lining up, we found that we just wasted an hour of our visit (they all had a good laugh too); then walked up the road to check out the shopping area (I found a pair of Teva's (sandal/ hiking shoes).. my other ones (over 20 years old split apart). We bought some groceries and headed out. I thought it would be a wonderful town to explore further and we may go back tonight.
We are now on a mooring ball about a half mile away. This is St. John and 2/3rds of this island is under the auspices of the National Park Service. There will be no fishing here!