. . . May Every Sunset Hold More Peace

As you drive along North Shore, especially during our dry season right now, it is easy to spot the many sugar mill ruins that dot the now bare hill sides.  Several of the sugar mills of the 18th and 19th century used the trade winds to power the blades of the wind mill to crush the sugar cane to create the lucrative commodity of sugar.  Other sugar mill ruins used horses walking around an arena attached to an apparatus that crushed the sugar cane for boiling and production into sugar. 

Along North Shore there are three prominents sugar mill ruins with large remnants of windmills, Annaberg, Peace Hill and Catherineberg.  The structures themselves were beautifully constructed.  Various types of rock along with carved blocks of coral from the sea makes for amazing textures and colors. 

One of the great features of Peace Hill is the many arches that seem to be strategically placed to take advantage of the stunning views.  There are few bad places to watch a sunset here on St. John but Peace Hill is truly one of my favorites. 

A sunset, a good friend, and glass of wine

and the setting is complete!



Looking out at Hawksnest Beach.

There is a great website about the history of St. John that I just love.  If you are interested in knowing more about the sugar mill plantations on St. John feel free to take a look at this great resource!  http://seestjohn.com/history_sugar.html  

 

Caneel Bay and then St. Thomas in the distance

  

 

FYI - I also have a Facebook page for more photos!  Just look up Mountains and Seashore.  More photos being posted daily. 

 

C