A little info about the island

St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, measuring 28 by 7 miles, approximately twice the size of Washington DC. The Virgin Islands are located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. The total population of the island is about 60,000, and there are two main "towns", Christiansted and Frederiksted. It has a varied terrain, from a dry and arid East end to a lush and green West end that even includes a small rainforest! The average temperatures are between 83-88 for highs and 71-77 for lows. The easternmost point in the United States is actually in St. Croix and is known as Point Udall. St. Croix is 40 miles from St. Thomas and St. John, and you can get there by ferry or seaplane.

English is the most common language on the island and St. Croix lies in the Atlantic Time zone, but does not follow Daylight Savings Time. During the spring and summer we are on the same time as the East Coast of the U.S., but are one hour ahead in the winter. Compared to Dallas, there is little shopping on the island. Most shopping is done at the two Kmarts or a Cost-u-Less (the island's version of Costco).

St. Croix is home to Hovensa, one of the world's largest oil refineries. It is also home to the Cruzan Rum distillery and the only casino in all of the Virgin Islands. St. Croix's outstanding beaches are open to the public, even the beaches adjacent to St. Croix's resorts.

Big News...

We are moving to the United States Virgin Islands!!

Over a year ago we were laying on a beach in Mexico and thought to ourselves, why don't we find a place like this to live. After arriving back in the states R began checking out some of their offices in the Caribbean, and learned that they had two agents on St. Croix. Last April we traveled there to see what it was like and came home with mixed feelings. We had pretty much given up on the idea when his agency announced an opening there a couple of months back. The traditional three year assignment was cut to two years, which we thought was less of a risk in case we really hated it. He applied, was interviewed in Miami, and was offered the job! The transfer is all paid both there and when we return at which point he can pick any office in the US to return to. It's an opportunity that we couldn't pass up and will be moving in the next 60 days or so. Until then we will be getting our house sold, along with two cars and several toys including his beloved harley! We are very nervous about the move, but how often does one get an opportunity to venture outside of their safety-net with a guaranteed return in two years. It is a perfect time in our lives for such an adventure and are hoping that when done we'll look back and be very thankful for the opportunity!

Blog

I am going to attempt to keep up with this blog to update our move and life on the island for the next couple of years.