I have a sturdy pair of Teva sandals that I wear all the time regardless of where I am on the islands. They are designed for hiking as well. As for you time in Manhattan, 3 or 4 hours won't do it justice. Grab a bite to eat, have a drink and get to bed and most of all don't miss your flight.

Agreed. A few hours to venture out into the city will only make you tired, and you won't see much. Hit a decent restaurant and rest!! 🙂 Also, regarding footwear, last year my whole family brought sneaks and sandals...the sneaks sat in a corner until it was time to return home, I only had the kids wear them so their feet wouldn't be cold on the plane and when we got home to our cold state! We all had good sandals and they were just fine for the light hiking and walking that we did.

Being from Connecticut, I travel to NYC frequently. I have to agree with most of what others are saying (get a decent meal/rest), though I have to disagree about the whole "you can't see a lot in the city in 3-4 hours" philosphy. The city is an amazing place with tons to do. Just walking around at night is phoenomenoel, and the Roasted nuts on the sides of the streets are uncomparable! =) Hope this helps!

Kelsey

Ditto on the sandals and sneakers as above. As for NYC, at least walk around Times Square to get a feel of the sights and the sounds. You can also grab a bite and drink at one of the many places around the square... some of which brew their own beer on the premises.

I agree with Kelsey. All depends on where in Manhattan you are staying, but a couple of hours walking around soaking in the culture of an unfamiliar city is a great way to kickstart a vacation. No, don’t plan on a show or a museum or tour. Find a little sidewalk café or bistro and relax. If you’re talking about THIS Saturday, the weather is supposed be a big improvement over the last few weeks.

I was going to ask why in the world would you stay in Manhatten if you're flying early the next day. You would still have to travel a ways to any of the city airports and risk unforseen delays not to mention the expense. But then I noticed your comment on Birkenstocks. That says it all.

Actually it's some other sandal with a name I can't pronounce. In retrospect, you're probably right about staying in Manhattan, but then again we live on a small island near Vancouver BC -check us out- http://bowen-island-bc.com/info/index.html- and don't get many chances to get to a really really big city. Or another island with really really warm water!

Continuing the theme of sensible footwear, our beaches here on Bowen Island are mostly rocky and some folks wear rubber beach shoes in the water. I find them kind of cumbersome, but then again I've never stepped on a sea urchin, either. Is that a concern?

Ah, yes, Vancouver Island, BC. Momabear and I toured the island on our motorcycles before the first son came along. It was July and still raining. Fortunately we were wearing our rain suits when we visited the aquarium. The local "Shamoo" soaked everyone else.
Yes, stepping on a sea urchin is a concern. The spines have barbs and break off. Some one correct me if I'm wrong, but I think there is toxin in the spines. First aid starts with a stiff CR&C (Cruzan Rum and Coke)
The good news is that not all beaches are infested with sea urchins.

Bassman

Sea urchins, in my experience, are found in nooks and crannies around the rocks. If you stick to the sandy bottoms it’s unlikely you would ever step on one. (Someone correct me if I’m wrong on that.) They are black, spiny, menacing-looking things and you’ll never mistake one for a pretty shell. I suspect most encounters are a result of swimming or snorkeling close to the rocky areas and a wave catches you off balance and you brush against one or reach out with your hand to steady yourself. Because some of the best snorkeling is around rocky areas, I wear gloves for protection.

Hey, Island Timer, what kind of gloves do you wear? Would fingerless paddling gloves do the trick, or do you wear gloves with full fingers??

Bassman ouch! on the Birkenstock comment, I hope you wear a helmet, in our business we call you organ donors! haha

You shouldn't have any problems with sea urchins on St John. Most of the swimming areas are very sandy and not very rocky at all which is where the icky urchins generally live. If you're snorkling then just look out where you put your hands. There's no mistaking a sea urchin.
Also, you'll see lots of people who live here walking around wearing the most comfortable, buy ugly clog like shoes with holes in them called Crocs. There's also a similar brand made in Hawaii which I can't remember the name of. If you get the chance, try a pair on. You'll buy them.

Yes, Lolly. A full face helmet, full leathers. boots gloves, built-in body armore. You folks have been trying to harvest my organs for 40 years and haven't caught me yet. LOL!!

Bassman

Mischievous, gloves with fingers, absolutely. That’s key. If I see something interesting on the bottom I might want to pick it up and check it out (no, not live coral or something that is being lived in). There are special gloves with velcro straps available at dive shops that are lightweight, comfortable & flexible. About 20 bucks as I recall. The ones I have are from Tesa but there are other brands.

Oh good, it looks like we'll fit right in sporting the ugly shoes LOL! Honest to God, they are butt ugly but the most squishy comfy things I've had the audacity to wear. We all have a pair specifically for vacationing. I was wondering if we'd be getting strange looks and whispers of OMG, get a load of the ugly shoe family! Guess not. Cool!