My grandchildren are capable of some pretty incredible hikes with prior planning and their effort at Goat Hill was spectacular, but that is another story. On Sunday July 17, I decided to see what kind of shape they were in prior to the more strenuous hike at Goat Hill or even the long but not too strenuous walk at Salt River.

The Christiansted Bypass

My friend Tom has been hiking along the Christiansted Bypass and I invited myself along with my grandchildren. We were joined by our friend John who used my camera to take pictures. We started at Contentment and walked the 1.2 miles to the intersection at Mt. Welcome on a Sunday to avoid any construction activity. The kids loved the freedom to run ahead in the absence of any traffic or people.

The Old Hospital

At the beginning, there was a slight rain which we pretty much ignored as we stopped to see the view and take pictures. Our first picture was the old Sydney Lee Hospital.

Back of the Anglican Cemetary

There is a well constructed and attractive wall at the back of the Anglican Cemetery and there is a gate and stairways down for the adventuresome who like to explore old Cemeteries.

Looking West to Richmond

Looking North to St. Thomas

Looking East to Gallows Bay

All along the sidewalk there were spectacular views of town looking West, North and East.

Protestant Cay, Christiansted Harbor, St. Croix, USVI

However the closest point seems to be at the planned overlook with ample parking which is not yet paved.

The Altona Lagoon Play Ground and Activity Trail

Naturally since we were so close, the girls wanted to go to the playground at Altona Lagoon which is one of their favorites. (We went there a few more times.)

While the views are excellent, the total cost of the road is much more than a million and is projected to be about $29,000,000 or about $25 million dollars per mile. Not a bad investment in a scenic trail for hikers and tourists in the middle of our global recession.