Author Archives: John Boyd

About John Boyd

I have been hiking the hills and beaches of St. Croix, Virgin Islands for over 35 years and in retirement, decided to become a Heritage Hiking Guide specializing in the local history, geology, plant life and environmental changes that accompanied all groups of settlers over the last 3000 years. Unfortunately, aging of my body has temporarily limited my aggressive physical activity and I am using my intrinsic curiosity to explore the very obscure history of St. Croix prior to World War I. The oldest recorded History was dominated by the actions of Absolute European Monarchs who claimed ownership of the Island. Of course, all their actions were reported upon by official scribes who were controlled by censorship. Regardless of the outcome, reports were always positive until the king was dead and a new monarch crowned.

Update on Snakes!

Posted on December 18, 2017 by John Boyd

When I first wrote the section on Safety, I ignored the issue of Snakes because there never was any. That began to change with the shutting down of the Hovensa refinery. These are not venomous snakes but rather slow moving … Continue reading →

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On A St. Croix Rainy Day, What Is There To Do?

Posted on March 18, 2016 by John Boyd

Starting with basics, there is no such thing as a bad day in Paradise. If it starts to rain think about snorkeling. No worries about lightening or thunder, we only get that a few times a year and no more … Continue reading →

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My weekend visit with Bansky

Posted on March 14, 2016 by John Boyd

I am on vacation in Virginia and it is too cold to go outside and be active so I am getting caught up on tasks that most people do painlessly on a daily basis. I have to be severely bored … Continue reading →

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Where did the phrase “batsh*t crazy” come from?

Posted on December 7, 2015 by John Boyd

The title question comes from a scholarly page discussing the question of the origins of the phrase “batshit crazy.” The phrase seems to have developed some legitimacy as it is now included in the Oxford English Dictionary. The scholarly citations … Continue reading →

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The Diggers come looking for the Ark of St. Croix

Posted on September 14, 2015 by John Boyd

Sandstone Maltese Cross. While in Virginia on vacation, I got to see a program staring Ringmaster Tim Saylor and King George Wyant, also known as Ringy and KG, of the Anaconda Treasure Company. This very dynamic duo came to St. … Continue reading →

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Thanks to Island Visitors; Hiking is Heating Up!

Posted on February 7, 2014 by John Boyd

I started hiking as a business in 2012 and like most new ventures it was very slow. I spent far in excess of what I made on advertising and all the other items a new business has to deal with. … Continue reading →

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St. Croix Should Treasure Their Pirate History!

Posted on December 5, 2013 by John Boyd

I have to admit that I was more than a little amused by the rum barrel debates over the placement of decorated rum barrels in the Historic District. However, I was also a little disappointed at the lack of historical … Continue reading →

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Caribbean Night at the Palms

Posted on November 30, 2013 by John Boyd

I am finding a whole new dimension to Caribbean Night at the Palms (at least for me). I started doing a weekly book signing at Caribbean Night in the Craft area and am having a ball. The women have been … Continue reading →

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This Avis News Story Says it All!

Posted on September 9, 2013 by John Boyd

For those of you who missed the story in the St. Croix Avis, I was  delighted with the positive vibes. So here is a copy of the story.

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Lost Pirate Treasure of St. Croix – Book Description

Posted on August 26, 2013 by John Boyd

My research and book tracks all known pirate activity on the island of St. Croix. Many pirates brought treasure to the island as did smugglers and merchants. It is well documented that Captain James Martel was killed on the island … Continue reading →

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