USVI-On-Line

What is the name of the large rock on the side of the road by Peace Hill?I always wondered if it had a name because of it's large size.You can see this rock from Oppenheimer Beach.Parafins...

I always call it the wholely crap I don't want to hit that one.

Isn't it Easter Rock?

Parafins,
The legend of Easter Rock (named for its oval/egg shape)that I heard 40+ years ago was that mischievous Mocko Jumbies would roll the rock down the hill into the sea and then roll it back up again. If the rock is wet when you drive past it, you will know that the Jumbies are nearby.
Mags

I thought it was Easter Rock as well. Every Easter Sunday the rock is wet having rolled down to the beach for a dip. Doesn't matter how hot of a day, the rock is/will be wet. I think I read that in STJ Off the Beaten Path.

Cool legend have to tell my wife that one. Always look at it from Hawksnest and say how out of place it looks, like someone had moved it there. Know we know its the jumbies ya know Jumbie beach is right around there.

Wow!Thanks for all the info.If you have any more please add. I wonder if there are other landmarks such as this that have names along with a story?Parafins

Someone needs to tell parafins about the "fork in the road"

To paraphrase St. John Off The Beaten Track by Gerald Singer, the rock travels to the sea every year on the night before Easter. It takes a drink in the bay, then returns before the sun rises.

According to scientists, it is the only one of its kind in the valley. The rock broke off from a much larger rock during a violent volcanic eruption millions of years ago, was tossed into the air, and landed at its present location above Hawksnest Bay.

How's that for an answer? I found many interesting tidbits in this book. It and Feet, Fins, and 4WD are great resources.

I read that in "Off the Beaten Track" too. Welcome to the forum pjayer! You'll be addicted.

TYVM kygirl. I have been reading for several weeks now, and do enjoy it. Look forward to checking ON-STJ, TA Forum, and this one each day (several times), so is that a sign I'm addicted? Probably so. Also, I can't wait until I can post my very own ticker.

pjayer wrote:To paraphrase St. John Off The Beaten Track by Gerald Singer, the rock travels to the sea every year on the night before Easter. It takes a drink in the bay, then returns before the sun rises.

According to scientists, it is the only one of its kind in the valley. The rock broke off from a much larger rock during a violent volcanic eruption millions of years ago, was tossed into the air, and landed at its present location above Hawksnest Bay.

How's that for an answer? I found many interesting tidbits in this book. It and Feet, Fins, and 4WD are great resources.

Pjayer ,I need to get a new copy of "Off The Beaten Path" book.I bought mine back in 2000 and doesn't mention the rock at all in that copy.So maybe by Christmas, Santa will put one under my tree. Parafins

Parafins - In case Santa needs some help, my book is the 2006 edition, and we purchased it earlier this year on this website. Hint, hint Santa.

I love the Easter Rock story. Gerald Singer's story is reprinted on both their old stjohnbeachguide.com, as well as the new seestjohn.com.

http://www.seestjohn.com/geology_easter_rock.html



We have our own Easter Rock experience. My youngest daughter Ana was 6 on her second visit to St. John in 2004. We were there during spring break the week before Easter. As we drove down North Shore Road on our way to check in to Maho Bay Campground I told the story of Easter Rock to my daughters. I expected an interesting conversation and some curious questions. Instead, Ana started sobbing and demanding that we turn around. The idea that this rock might be haunted and out to get her if we went past scared the snot out of her. The rest of the week Ana insisted that we use Centerline Road. We'll see if she is calmer when we are on island for Easter week next year.

Cheers, RickG

Regarding my reference to "the fork in the road" here's a photo... (scroll to the last pic) -- the "Dip" signs are also worth a chuckle:
http://www.chachka.net/signs_of_st__john.htm