1) Right now, just off the beach at Trunk Bay, St. John (www.stjohnusvi.com), a child is wading into the warm water and peeking under the surface for the first time. With her parents by her side and a mask as her window on the reef, the color and excitement of the tropical sea come alive. Schools of tiny fish swim in formation almost within touching distance while, down below, angels and butterflies flit above fairy-tale castles of coral. She laughs through her snorkel as a bloopy-eyed puffer waddles past. Hand in hand with mom and dad, she floats in the calm water while they teach her the names of the fish. It's bigger, brighter and more thrilling than any schoolbook or television nature show she's ever seen. — BF
|