Thursday, June 25

Safety Meeting and a Boat Tour

I found my charger!

My second package of goodies has arrived!

It's a good day! I started the day with a meeting with the Safety Committee and learned about exciting things like birds that attack and dive-bomb people's fries and hot dogs as they leave the concessions food stand. Birds dive-bombing bald heads is also a concern that has been discussed recently. The meeting was helpful in understanding more about the park and how different divisions are working together to reduce risk and improve safety in the parks.

I have my work cut out for me. I'm eager to narrow down what I can accomplish this summer while I'm here.

After the safety meeting and some tours around the park to discuss a new jog trail and a trail addition, I hopped on a boat with the acting Chief Ranger and set off for a tour around the island. We started heading around the northern shore of the island, leaving from Cruz Bay and heading towards Mary Point. Just before we made it to Leinster Bay, some warning alarms for the engines sounded. The real issue wasn't really anything serious, it turns out the computer thinks it overheating, when really, it's not. At any rate, not wanting to get stranded out too far from shore, we returned to Cruz Bay and decided to reschedule the tour for another day. Even though we had to turn around early, I did get some great information from Jeff about the mooring and anchoring rules and regulations for the Park. It was also awesome to get some photographs of the beaches, cays, and islands, and to learn about other points of interest and in-holding areas. During the short tour I also got a better grasp on how EMS works on the island as well as law enforcement, and how the National Park Service, Coast Guard, and the USVI Police interact.

Carnival heats up this weekend and will be in full swing. I've been warned to stay away from violence that may break out in the streets during the party times. There will be great music with lots of bands, a food fair, a huge parade, fireworks, and a beach jam between now and July 5. I'm hoping I can see some of the events and experience carnival. I doubt I'll venture out alone for any of the excitement, so hopefully I'll find someone that also wants to check out the events.

I left work around 4:30 and headed for the beaches to run and swim some before going home for dinner, relaxation, and sleep. I like going to bed earlier and getting up earlier here. Working 7am to 3pm just seems like a great idea down here. The run, although hot, went well. I hopped on a steep (steep is relative here) hill with Tom, one of the LE Rangers, and made it about half a mile before I decided to turn around. I'm out of shape! I was horribly winded from the ascent of less than 200 ft. I need to run more.

I'm going to stop at the grocery and buy coffee, sugar, and cream, to make at home rather than buy it every morning for $2.00 at the Deli (I think it costs a lot that way). And get vinegar to season the coffee pot so that it's clean and descaled for certain. I'll rinse it with lots of hot and soapy water as well. It's rather gross looking.

Literally had to wait for chickens to cross the road today on my way to the grocery store. I stopped off at the Star Fish Market and walked away with some coffee and creamer. The selection of coffees was pretty limited, Maxwell House was the most economic choice, blending flavor and price for a good fit with my budget here. I'm hoping I am not sorry about not choosing the coffee that was $9 for a half pound. It may prove easier to just get coffee each morning at the local bakery and coffee shops, with $2.00 a cup, but I like having my coffee right when I get up in the morning.