One thing is for sure; the steep hillsides of the Virgin Islands do not lend themselves easily to soil conservation. With every rain we lose more top soil. This problem has been made worse with the construction of paved roads. The asphalt and concrete does not allow rain to soak into the ground the way it normally would, and dumps the runoff in places that it should not go. Artificial gullies are created from the runoff, carrying off many tons of soil and polluting our bays. Naturally the water stays in the guts, which have already lost all there topsoil, so erosion is much less. (If more information on how over development creates unnecessary erosion is wanted; let us know in the comments and we can do a blog specifically addressing that.)

With that being said, we need to conserve our precious Virgin Island top soil every chance we get. Terraces are one of the best ways. There is no shortage of stone, and no shortage of hillsides. The flat ground created by terraces benefits the islands in two ways. The first is that whatever water flows into the terrace will sit on top of the soil and have more time to soak into the ground. This is very helpful and on a larger scale, it has the potential to raise the water table down hill from the terraces. Adequate water is a huge obstacle to the vegetation in the Virgin Islands. The second reason this flat area is beneficial, is because the runoff carries the top soil with it, and when the water is trapped in the terrace, it deposits all the sediments and nutrients that it has carried down hill thus far.                                                

The beauty of the Virgin Islands lies in our gorgeous forests, our pristine beaches, and the ruggedness of our mountain ranges. All of these things will benefit if we do everything in our power to keep the soil where it belongs. So, if you find erosion around your house take the time and build some terraces! If you are planning on building a house (Villa Owners listen up!) in the Virgin Islands; incorporate terraces into the landscaping! Even better build them downhill from you planned excavation site before you start digging! Silt fences are written into code; and help in the short term but are made of plastic and tear quite easily. I have seen endless silt fences that have been destroyed but never repaired; and after construction is done they are left in the bush to become trash. 

Take pride in the beauty of the Virgin Islands. They are our home. Take care of them so our children's children can bask in their beauty. If you need further incentive to build terraces: it is a great way to be outside and get some exercise while partaking in a rewarding project!  

Last but definitely not least have some fun! 

The Daily News is doing its Best of the VI for 2014.  If you think that Love City Car Ferries, Inc. is doing an excellent job in this category, then go ahead and give us your vote.  Doing so, motivates us to continue doing our best to serve you.

For St. John voting Text 355002 to 813-701-2684 and for St. Thomas voting text 455005 to 813-701-2684.

Or you may click on either of these links to vote.

Best of the VI 2014 St. John

Best of the VI 2014 St. Thomas

Voting ends tomorrow, so vote for us today.

Thanks for your vote of confidence!

Sometimes we avoid issues related to these twin pillars hoping that eventually the problem will just go away. But we all know it never does.  Ultimately, the only solution is to face the facts:  1.  determine  exactly how much is owed, 2. determine where your money is currently being spent and in what categories (entertainment, food, rent, gifts, etc.,) 3. create a budget you can stick with, 4. keep yourself accountable.  
 
At Love City Car Ferries, Inc. we would like to help you by letting you know some ways you can save on your car ferry transportation needs in the United States Virgin Islands.  If you join the Vic Sea Miles Club Program*, you will be the first to know of sales, discounts and you will even get an annual free car ferry ride around your birthday. 

Also, pre-purchasing your tickets helps you to save also.  You can like us on Facebook and receive a 10% discount, if you book online. Also, if you are 65 or older you get an automatic discount, if you pre-register with our office. Did you know that currently we have a summer sale where you pay 25% less if you
catch the 6:15 AM trip from St. John (See blog dated 6/25/13?) We also offer
frequent traveler discounts that are negotiated on a case by case basis to both
businesses and residents. Finally, we offer medical rates if you travel frequently for medical reasons.  At times, medically related car ferry travel on board the M/V Capt. Vic is free.  

We understand that times are tough. Money and Debt for many are a vice when mishandled.  But, they can be a blessing when they are managed well. Pay attention to the details and remember Love City Car Ferries, Inc. would love to  help you save.

Image from http://www.pictureperfectdigital.com
*Vic Sea Miles Club Program terms and conditions are subject to change.

I read the quote above  in a book on real estate.  But I thought it to be applicable to all areas of life.  Yes, focus on the mainsail --goals, objectives, values, etc.  Get back to basics.  Do what is right.  Do what you know produces big results. 

The sad thing is that sometimes we meander through life without a mainsail.  Imagine you were on a sailing ship with no mainsail and a storm came.  The storms or even slightly high winds would toss you hither, thither and yon.  You may end up someplace you had no intentions of going.  Life is the same.  We need our mainsail to win.  

For Love City Car Ferries, Inc.  our mainsail is our customers.  You are why we do what we do.  Contact us at any time.  We appreciate you and whatever your mainsail is......focus on it.  Best wishes!