Where Have All the Hippies Gone?

     The answer is.....Coral Bay.

Coral Bay, on the south side of St. John, was the center of plantation life in early 18th century, and there are still a few ruins laying around.  Now it is known as a home for some eccentric sailors and artistic types who want to keep the same laid back and somewhat seedy atmosphere it has always had.  Donkeys roam free, along with the goats and chickens.  But since it now has some great restaurants, bars, and art shops, it is being discovered more and more by tourists. 

Recently, Ray, Jim and I went to a place there called Pickles, which is a deli/bar with a backyard.  To give you an example of how quirky this place is - the bathroom also has shelves of books for sharing with titles such as "A Study in Existential Philosophy"!  The occasion was a benefit for a guy called Mike who has the ice cream truck, from which he fell and broke his foot and needs to go to Florida for a major fix.  We had heard there was going to be music, so thought we would like to see it.  No one told us the theme was 60’s hippie - but as Jim said, I don’t think it was much of an effort for anyone to find clothes to wear.  The whole community came out in support and to have fun on a beautiful night where the sea breezes mixed with the aroma of a certain herb which is now legal in some states.  We had a blast!  (Drug free)

Mike himself performed early on - from his wheelchair. All evening different people performed in a jam session.
 $7, 000 was raised that night.

Glad he clarified he is talking about edible crabs.

Even in hippie-land they have to check their iPhones.

Are they getting married?

Don't worry-Be Hippy

Is this an AARP convention?

The end of the night the evolving band really rocked.  We have seen Channing, the girl playing the clarinet, before and she is so talented.

Jim and Ray 

Unique use for a conch shell in a bathroom.

At Ivan's Stress free bar we hung up a new Steeler towel - look closely for our names on it.