All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others. George Orwell All sorts of sea creatures grace the pages of this blog. But, unfortunately, I’ve shamefully neglected the beasts that roam the land. Like most other locals that have hosted a human civilization, the Virgin Islands have farm animals. But, in theContinue reading “Land Critters”
Category Archives: Creatures
I’m Not a Fisherman
“The charm of fishing is that it is the pursuit of something that is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope,” John Bucha I’m not a fisherman, but I have fish stories. My uncle Charles took me on my first fishing trip. I was four, armed with a bamboo pole, and hadContinue reading “I’m Not a Fisherman”
Hitchhiker
Words have a life of their own. There is no telling what they will do. Within a matter of days, they can even turn turtle and mean the opposite. Craig Brown Three species of sea turtles are known to visit the Virgin Islands. First is a Green Turtle, seen above, named for the color ofContinue reading “Hitchhiker”
Carribean Reef Squid
The only thing we have to fear is a giant wheelchair-crushing squid. Well… uh… actually, I guess that’s the only thing I have to fear. — Franklin D. Roosevelt Curious creatures, these luminous swimmers be. Forward and backward, gliding effortlessly with the smoothest of directional shifts, they keep a giant eye focused on the floating humanContinue reading “Carribean Reef Squid”
Barracuda
The books all say that barracuda rarely eat people, but very few barracuda can read. — Dave Barry These guys get a lot of respect in this world. Think of it: cars, hard drives, security networks, books, and songs all carry their name. They are the bad boys of the sea. Eyes wide open, the new snorkeler or diver willContinue reading “Barracuda”
Saint John Pumpkins
If you’re ever wondering what to wear, just dress like a pumpkin, you’re good to go. Devendra Banhart I’m about to let you in on a bit of a secret. There are pumpkins all over the Caribbean. They hide in plain view, typically on higher ground or a drier microclimate. Botanists who are in onContinue reading “Saint John Pumpkins”
Moon Jellies
We are all jellyfish, too pitiful and too afraid of being disliked to be honest. May Sarton Ouch, as true as it may be, May Sarton’s quote really stings. The good news is that the moon jelly pictured above has really short tentacles, is rather poor a hugging and as far as stinging goes isContinue reading “Moon Jellies”
Sailing Sea Sea 