Photo On the Map: St. Croix, USVI

I didn’t anticipate cacti in the Virgin Islands, or a 5:45 am sunrise for that matter. I found both in Point Udall on St. Croix, holder of the title for easternmost point of US territories. Things aren’t often what we expect. Sometimes they’re much more. Eyes wide, I soaked in every sparkling, minute detail of the Caribbean blue at Isaac Bay. What is it about turquoise water that makes my heart go pitter-patter? Cliché as it is, views like this never get old. I’ve seen so many picturesque beaches, seascapes, and scenic hikes… but somehow it’s always like the first time. Big breaths, smiles, sunshine, a light breeze, laughter: such things make for a day filled with “happy.”