Hiking from Francis Bay to Waterlemon Bay on St John 100 days after Hurricane Irma

Kayaking around Francis Bay St John after Irma
With Pacific Wave moored safely in Francis Bay we decided to kayak ashore and take a hike over to Waterlemon Bay to see how the bay and the Annaberg Sugar Plantation looks now, 100 days after Hurricane Irma ravaged the islands.

St John old sugar mill buildings post Irma
As soon as you reach the road you immediately see one of the old sugar mill buildings that has lost it’s roof to Irma, but it’s structure still looks good.

Hiking from Francis Bay to the Annaberg Sugar Mill post Irma
Walking down the road a little future you can see how the hillside is now two-tone where the winds from Irma hit one side of the hillside stronger than the other, check out the different shades of green and brown. A massive clean up effort was taking place to remove the trees that had fallen across the road and to clear the way for vehicle access to the Annaberg Sugar Plantation.

Shipwrecks in Mary Creek and Anna Point St John
Sadly there were numerous shipwrecks along the way in Mary Creek, we counted four catamarans but there could be more.

St John Donkeys that survived Hurricane Irma at the Annaberg Sugar Mill
Approaching the Annaberg Sugar Plantation we were so pleased to see these three donkeys that had survived the hurricanes. They appeared to be just as pleased to see us as they wondered over to see if we had any food to offer. We had nothing for them but they were happy to be stroked.

Annaberg Sugar Mill standing tall after Irma
The Annaberg Sugar Mill is standing tall looking striking against the bright blue sky.

Views of Mary Creek from the Annaberg Sugar Mill post Irma
The views from the Sugar Mill were as stunning as always with the turquoise Caribbean Sea glistening in the sunshine.

On the rocks at Annaberg Point SY New Horizons and Breakaway II
Looking down towards Annaberg Point sadly two boats were on the rocks with the day charter boat New Horizons holed and on her side and with Breakaway II looking in better shape.

Hillside behind the Annaberg Sugar Mill St John looks great
The hillside behind the Sugar Plantation and the Rum Distillery is recovering nicely.

Caribbean Hawk Moth Caterpillars Munching at a Frangipani Tree post Irma
These Caribbean Hawk Moth Caterpillars were busy munching away at this Frangipani Tree.

Turpentine Tree with Termites survived Irma
Continuing our hike towards Waterlemon Bay the usual trail has been washed away but you can weave your way through the trees and along the beach to reach the beach. This healthy Turpentine Tree along with its Termite nest survived the hurricanes.

Trail from Annaberg Sugar Mill to Waterlemon Bay St John
You can see the amount of erosion to the path, you can clearly see a bridge that wasn’t visible before.

Views from Annaberg Point St John of Great Thatch and Little Thatch BVI
The rest of the bay looks great and the water looks very inviting. Waterlemon Bay was extremely quiet with onto two yachts on the moorings.

A New Home for this Land Crab
On our way back to the yacht l came across this land crab that was in need of a new home as he was bursting out of his current shell, so l even found a larger home for him.
Follow our blogs as we sail around the British Virgin Islands and update you on the latest status of the anchorages. Read all about Francis Bay and Maho Bay on St John.