On a clear day...

[Coconuts]

St. John offers amazing views of numerous other islands and cays, but the clarity of the atmosphere determines just how far and how clearly you can see. On a very clear day from Gifft Hill, we can make out the slopes of El Yunque in Puerto Rico, which is 65 miles away. Its summit is nearly always in the clouds. Vieques and Culebra are usually visible at 45 miles distance, but it takes clear air to really make them pop. Visibility is typically clearest in the winter; from April through October, Sahara dust comes and goes, making clear days less frequent. Water vapor in the air is another factor. When we aren't on island, a simple visual comparison in the Spice Cam image provides a good sense of how clear the air is: simply compare the relative contrast of Thatch Cay against the adjacent (but farther away) Great Hans Lollik. Thatch Cay is just over 4 miles from the ferry dock, whereas Great Hans Lollik is over twice as far away, at 8.5 miles. Normally, both will be visible, with GHL being a bit lighter and lower in contrast. If the two islands are comparably contrasty and dark, the visibility is excellent; photo-ops await! If GHL is barely visible, or missing altogether, heavy Sahara dust or a passing rainstorm are the likely culprits. The two islands are labeled in the attached Spice Cam image, taken today, on a day of average visibility.

Thatch and GHL

All the best,

Kevin

[betsyv]

Thank you,
I will take note and use this info, and use it when I am next on island...