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I will be staying at Cinnamon Bay on St John's in July and want to hike from there around the island for snorkeling and general sight seeing. What kind of shoes would you recommend for safety (ie. snakes/spiders?) and dexterity? Hiking boots or tevas? What about beach umbrellas for shade? Is it too much trouble or is it worth it for an almost all day stay at the beach when you are a true pale face? Thanks, you experienced St. Johnsians, for responding to this post. Hey, and where do you folks hang out on the weekends in St. John? We want to meet locals and get a feel for island life from ones who know the day-in-day-out of it! ;>)
Ha, ha! A true pale face is NOT going to be out on the beach all day in July! Think short periods of time and yes, sit in the shade of the sea grapes, etc.and use lots of sunscreen. The National Park Visitor's Center in Cruz Bay will have excellent maps of the hiking paths. Sign up there for the escorted Reef Bay trail hike for lots of info on the flora, fauna and history. Light weight hiking boots or even good running/walking shoes are fine. They mostly protect you from the brush, not creepy crawlies. P.S. no 's- the locals are St Johnians ("JOE-nee-un") from St John.
The only little creepy crawly thing I saw while hiking were little leezards...and they're just plain cool. 🙂
I just had regular tennis/walking shoes and was fine. Definately don't go hiking anywhere in July without carrying extra water. The hike I did felt like I was hiking in Death Valley, CA (which I've done also)...and that was just from Cruz Bay to Caneel Bay...and was in September. I'd also make sure to carry enough money for cab fare in case you get worn out from the hike. 🙂 Other than that, it's a VERY beautiful island to hike around, and EE gave good advice about the Visitor's Center maps and tours. The Visitor's Center is just to the left of the ferry dock in Cruz Bay where you'll arrive on STJ.
Hello Jan,
I have always used good sneakers, boots aren't really necessary. Lots of water and sunscreen is great advice. You can also bring some bug spray particularly if its been raining the weeks before your visit to keep the mosquitos and other little bugs that live in the trees away other wise no creepy crawlies to worry about.
--Islander
