Hiking on Hassel Island, St. Thomas

Chris looking out over the harbor at Charlotte Amalie

Informative plaque

Hassel Island is located in the main harbor on St. Thomas at Charlotte Amalie. There are several historic ruins here, and the park service is developing a nice trail system around the island. It’s close to where we’re anchored, so we dinghyed over one day to stretch our legs. The ruins of the Creque marine railway, which was used to haul sailing ships out of the water for repairs, are being restored. There’s also a hilltop battery where cannons were mounted by the British as defense against the French for the channels into the bay. Aside from the war-time ruins, the island has the remains of the original family homestead of the Hazzels (not spelling change over time), as well as interesting flora and fauna.  The iguanas here were funny; when we rounded a bend in the trail, they’d take off at top speed, sometimes on their rear two legs, sounding like elephants lumbering through the brush. Of course, the beautiful vistas were to die for.

Look at the beautiful stonework around the door

Boy, you don't want to fall into the bromiliads with these spines!