Off the Wall

Another tradition in the Jungbauer household is that Steve is never home for his birthday. Even though he has the much coveted age-defying genetics that help him maintain his youthful good looks and frighfully-fit forty-something figure, I think he still hates to be reminded that he, too, is getting older. OUCH!

In years (and previous jobs) past, Steve and I frequently found ourselves traveling to different destinations to celebrate his birthday. Recently, we have enjoyed celebrating together! Last year, we celebrated in Aspen. This year's destination was St. Croix.

St Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, but probably the least visited. No wall-to-wall tourists or even a Wal-Mart --- which suited us just fine.

The island has a quaint and quiet personality. It is dotted with old sugar mills and decorated with wrought iron.

If you recall from last year, Steve's birthday get-away was also another good reason for a triathlon . . . . . and so another tradition was started. This year, however, instead of battling the elements of altitude, cold and snow, St. Croix challenged Steve with sand, heat and humidity.

Here is the course description: Swim over coral reefs to Cane Bay Wall (the Abyss) and back. Bike an exceptionally scenic rolling course along the shore and past the only site in the US where Columbus landed. Run a rolling course through the rainforest along the shore past the infamous "Beast" of Ironman (in)fame.

Hence the name Wall 2 Wall refering to the 1000 foot abyss and the "Beast" that would even weaken Lance Armstrong. (Fortunately, you only do the Beast in the Ironman course.) For a little more interesting twist, add narrow, pot-holed island roads that are still open to traffic AND . . . don't forget to ride on the LEFT!

The ocean swim was calm and clear and Steve came out of the water with a great time. On the bike, it looked like he even relaxed and enjoyed the ride a little bit.

Not too many other bikers back yet . . . Steve's orange Comet is already racked!

Enjoying some scenery on the home stretch.

Not only did Steve win his age group, he placed 8th overall! No trophy to show for it, but because he was the triathlete that traveled the farthest, he won a one week stay for four on St. John.

Afterwards, we took the advice of one of the locals and hiked up into the hills and back down to the beach to find the wave pools. The path was a little obscure . . . . . .

. . . . . . . but the view was awesome!

After our hike we relaxed "Off the Wall." We could have walked there, but Steve wanted to drive his JEEP.

It was great to be Off the Wall.