US Virgin Islands News

Nearly 900 complete 8 Tuff Miles

A 33-year-old man from Bloomington, Indiana captured first place in the 14th annual 8 Tuff Miles Race Saturday with a finishing record time of 46 minutes and 26 seconds.  Thomas Chorny's pace bested the record set last year by St. John's Jeremy Zuber. He, however, apparently did not compete this year; he was not listed among the 898 finishers, also a record number for the almost 8.38 mile race from Cruz Bay to Coral bay.

The top woman finisher was 36-year-old Ruth Ann David of St. Thomas.  She completed the course in 58 minutes and 3 seconds.  She was 10th overall.

Racers ranged in age from 11 to over 70.  Kids, 12 and under, accounted for 6% of the racers, while the 30-40 age group was the largest with 24%.  Almost 17% of the racers were 60 years or above.

You can see the complete race results on the Web at http://8tuffmiles.com/results.htm

Why she loves St. John

Janet Simonsen made the trek to Coral Bay Saturday to watch the finish of 8 Tuff Miles.  Figuring she'd get some gas for the trip home, she found this at the Domino station. (www.stevesimonsen.com)

Thursday's notes from St. John

St. John Source

• Lime Inn's Chris Meyer says tourists are in a better mood
  

2009 Blues Festival DVD now available

• Watch the video

Westin's new restaurant is ready for prime time

By Karin and Bob Schlesinger

Cruz Bay Prime is the new steak and seafood restaurant at the Westin Resort. We noted just minor changes (from previous food ventures on the second-floor of the main building, besides adding some) modern twists to the décor.  The friendly attentive service from the entire staff exceeded our high expectations.   

Cruz Bay Prime’s full-menu offers everything from salads ($8 Caesar) and appetizers ($12 lobster cappucino) to entrées including local seafood ($25) and a 16-oz. prime rib eye ($45).  The wine menu was small but diverse with a selection which most wine drinkers will find very acceptable. Our individual glasses of Louis Jardot Pinot Noir ($11 glass; $44 bottle) arrived aerating in mini-carafes ready for an initial pour by the waitstaff. Nice touch.
 

Surly Cantina's back

"Anyone in need of a steak asado taco/burrito?," asks Suzanne Schlessinger, co-owner of what was the Surly Cantina at Wharfside. "We're back!!"

(Co-owner) Craig Sullivan is taking over the kitchen at Crazy Cracker's. We open on Saturday. With the Surly Cantina menu plus some other new bites."

A few weeks ago, a dispute with the landlord forced Suzanne Schlessinger and Craig Sullivan out of their Wharfside location the street even as a new eatery opened up in their place, using a similar name and the same chef, she said. 

Hawksnest, out with the old

Hawksnest is one of the best beaches on the north shore.  And it's getting some buffing thanks to new signage from the National Park Service.  These picture's show the difference between the old (The Inquiring Iguana took the one at the bottom) and the new one, above, was (taken by a real pro, Janet Simonsen (http://www.stevesimonsen.com/).

It's been good beach weather for several weeks, even hot, say locals.  AccuWeather forecast today is for Real Feel of 90.  No rain for several weeks, either, which is putting a lot of pressure on cisterns.  (That roaring sound you may hear is a water truck on the way to your villa!)

Where the money for Gifft Hill repairs came from

CNN reports ... "The U.S. Virgin Islands are riding a wave of federal tax dollars these days."

CNN estimates Gov. John de Jongh's administration has the territory in line to receive $130 million dollars.

Construction projects benefit parking, roads, fishermen

Nearly $20 million dollars worth of government-financed construction, excavation, ferry boats and consulting are being spent on the island this year, according to an article in the Virgin Islands Daily News. Most of the work is being financed by an $87 million government bond issue

Reporting on a statement from the Department of Public Works, the Daily News said the largest project is the $6.9 million Cruz bay Roundabout which is 90% complete and due to be finished in June.

Other projects:

A marketplace for local fishermen and a parking lot at the Enighed commercial port costing $2.2 million.  Commissioner Darryl Smalls is quoted saying the lot is "temporary" until land can be found for a parking garage.

St. John music video on YouTube

The island's multimedia guru, Steve Simonsen, has completed production on a music video featuring the work of a London-based rock group. Elspeth Rose, lead singer for The Awe Kids, asked him to produce the video.

"Elspeth contacted me through Facebook months before her trip," Simonsen said. "She asked if I would help her create a music video."

Her parents and brothers live on St. John. Her mother, Helen Lalich, is an artist (www.heleneltis.com).

The Awe Kids were founded just about a year ago. Within a few weeks, they were playing clubs and heard on the radio.

"Just in it for the Music" is their motto.  All their music  is produced by 19-year-old James Rockhill who also plays keyboards. They are touring the UK now.

• Click to watch "Love Spell" by The Awe Kids

Island Notes for Tuesday

Live de Life Living

• More St. John Fun

St. John Life

• Film Society event Thursday

Yelp

• Tap Room gets 4 star review