Paradise 101 - The Virgin Islands (Part One)

I can think of no better introduction to the tropics than a visit to "America's Paradise" - The U.S. Virgin Islands. I was privileged to have several opportunities to explore and photograph the USVI from 1985 to 1995 and each trip was an amazing experience with my best friends. I amassed hundreds of photos, mainly of St. Thomas and St. John, but was startled to go through them and see how many were - well, bad. Luckily, we kept going long enough for me to get some good shots, and I've included a few here. Crank up the reggae and enjoy. The photo above is the obligatory shot of Trunk Bay, St. John (all tourists are required by law to shoot this scene).

Above, we have the view to which my exceedingly gracious host awoke every morning. The waterfront on the far shore is Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. (1986)

I have eleventy shots of Magen's Bay, but none of them do this gorgeous beach justice. This photo taken in 1989 from high above comes close.

I learned to celebrate sunsets long before I ever set foot upon Key West. The 1987 shot above was taken looking west-southwest over Charlotte Amalie and Water Island.

One lesson I learned in the Virgin Islands was to turn around and check out the sky opposite the setting sun. This second shot from 1987 shows why that's always a good idea.

I'm not sure which St. John beach is shown in this 1985 photo, but the fact that it is so unspoiled by development is a testament to the genius of making three-quarters of the island a U.S. National Park.

Okay, this 1989 picture is not particularly good, but it's my first halfway-decent shot of what would become one of my favorite tropical subjects - the pelican. I also like that this one is sitting on a roof. I haven't seen that since.

Again with the setting sun more or less behind me and just below the horizon, I captured Charlotte Amalie and its harbor still aglow in March, 1989. I'm not sure if the crowd of boats was there for a regatta or a blue marlin tournament, but something was definitely afoot.

I told you it was possible to take a bad photograph in paradise, so here it is. I love the colors in this 1985 shot of St. Thomas at dusk, but I had no tripod, as evidenced by the blurry lights and edges. In my 16x20 print of this frame, the lights show exactly how the camera was moved during the quarter-second exposure - they look like little cobras, poised to strike.

THANKS EVERYONE, for the comments and kind words of encouragement!

COMING SOON: Once Around Key West, and later... Trains!!