Sept. 2, 2003 – If circumnavigating St. John by kayak sounds like a grand adventure, you may well prefer to do it in the company of other, like-minded eco-explorers. And the Friends of the V.I. National Park has such a trip already organized — a five-day expedition Oct. 6-10.
"It's a different way to see St. John," Friends development director Kim Lyons said. And, she said, it will contribute to the not-for-profit group's ability to protect the beautiful beaches the kayakers will visit on their excursion.
The trip, being run in conjunction with St. John's Arawak Expeditions, is limited to a dozen takers. No kayaking experience is necessary, but participants must be in good shape. Each of the four nights will be spent at a different camp site — Cinnamon Bay Campground, Maho Bay Camps, Vie's East End Campground and the V.I. Environmental Resource Station at Lameshur Bay.
The excursion will set off from Cruz Bay and will include stops at offshore cays, a visit to the Cinnamon Bay archeological dig, a bird-watching hike at Francis Bay, and a stop at Reef Bay to visit the plantation ruins. The cost is $995, including the four nights' lodging, all meals, kayak rental and sessions with park experts.
To sign up, call Arawak Expeditions at 693-8312 or (800) 238-8687.
To learn more about the Friends of the V.I. National Park, visit the Friends Web site.

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