Annaberg Ruins, Leinster Bay and Maho

Since we are on the east end of the island, we decide to check out the Annaberg Ruins.

When the Danish government took control of St John in the early 1700s, they enslaved the natives to grow cotton and sugar cane. A mill was built and Annaberg became one of the highest producers of sugar on the island. There was a small 6 month insurrection by the slaves in 1733 but they were defeated by the Danes (and French troops from Martinique) so many committed suicide rather than remain slaves. A sad part of St. John’s history. Finally, in 1848, the Danish government freed the slaves.

It was time to pause and reflect.

As we moved to the overlook of Leinster Bay and Waterlemon Cay, I was once again struck by the sheer beauty of this place.

Have you ever seen colors like this?! So awestruck by God’s creation!

As Michelle pulls me away from the view, she reminds me that we still wanted to stop by another beach on our way home before sunset. And I was definitely going to want to snorkel since turtle sightings were guaranteed. Okay!! Let’s go to Maho!

Another beautiful beach with many palm trees to hide from the sun….yes! The reflection from the sand and the water can get a nasty burn if you try to lay out in the sun , which is a big mistake a lot of tourists make and have to suffer with the pain of that sunburn for the rest of their vacation🥵

As we get into the water, I hear other snorkelers yelling out that they’ve spotted turtles so I swim over to that area. I see turtles!!! But what’s weird to me are these fish that look like they are hanging on the turtles. I find out they are remoras, fish that suction onto the turtles eating ectoparasites off the turtles shell. Who knew?🤷‍♀️

There are so many turtles at Maho because it’s a rather shallow spot with seagrass that they love to eat. You would think the turtles wouldn’t hang out there because of so many tourists but it seems they’ve made peace with the fact that snorkelers want to swim with them🥰. But what you should never do is touch the turtles because they can become infected through human bacteria. Another lesson learned.

Well, our day is ending and it’s time to get back to Cruz Bay. And not to disappoint, when we reach Michelle’s apartment we are rewarded with another great sunset.

See you next Tuesday!!