Cool nights

[naturegirl]

Just wondering if I should bring any long sleeved cotton shirts in November. Is it cool at night then? Do the restaurants have ac? When I lived in Florida I always had to wear a sweater in the restaurants even in the summertime because of the ac.

[sapphirecat]

Hello, Naturegirl,

Mostly the restaurants are open to the breeze. I've never been cold anywhere in STT or STJ.

You might consider a batik to have to throw across your shoulders should you feel a bit cool if you happen to go to a restaurant with a/c. Off hand I can only think of a couple, literally, that are a/c'd.

Cat

[Coden]

I took a sweater for our visit last Christmas and never once brought it out to use. But you know that with the weather it can change at a drop of a hat. Probably best to be prepared and take your cotton shirt.

[Dave-a-roni]

I agree with Coden, always be prepared and have it.

[naturegirl]

Thanks all,

I guess jeans are out of the question. I usually don't go anywhere without my Levi's.

[PA Girl]

I did wear a sweater once or twice during a January trip only because it was really windy riding in the jeep with the windows rolled down.

My mom, who is always cold, would wear lightweight pants at night on the patio. I think jeans may be too hot even on the coolest nights.

[LysaC]

naturegirl,

We always travelled down in early/mid December from Boston so I had a hoodie sweatshirt for the travel days down/back.

The hoodie always came in handy on the nights that the tradewinds were kicking up and my sunkissed/burnt skin was sensitive.

We stayed on Gift Hill twice and I used the hoodie almost every night cuz the tradewinds could get a little chilly.

[KPlumm]

I think that it makes a difference on where you are. Our first villa was very high up in the Coral Bay area, and if we sat on the windward side of the villa at night I needed long pants and sleeves. We have since stayed lower in Coral Bay and twice on Gift Hill and I have not needed long pants/sleeves.

[sea-nile]

I guess that depends on where you are leaving from. I am leaving from Chicago in November. I think I will be starting with long pants and a sweatshirt, but those will have to come off as soon as we touch down!

But I will have those clothes if I need them for a cool night. I'm thinking that I won't.

[Dave-a-roni]

Oh, and Naturegirl... were you the one who posted a few months ago about camping at the Maho campgrounds? If that's you, and your November trip is it, I am looking forward to seeing some pics of the campgrounds and what it is like there. I am SO curious about that. And, if it's not you, well, you can just laugh at me!

[naturegirl]

Sorry, Dave-a-roni it was not me staying at Maho. We are staying at a villa near Cruz Bay.

We are leaving out of New York so I will have at least a hoodie and a pair of comfortable long pants for the plane. I guess I will leave the Levis at home.

Is it worth it to bring hiking shoes or does anyone have suggestions on the best light weight walking /hiking shoes or sandels.

[sunlover]

I've always found that STJ is the perfect temp! I'm comfortable in long sleeves or a tank top, shorts or lightweight pants.

[brenda]

Unless you are going to do some serious hiking, Teva's or a similar shoe will be fine. I have never worn pants at night and we have been in November, March and June. I always like to have something long sleeved available just in case. I usually have a hoody which I wear enroute and a 3/4 length sleeve shirt. As for shoes, I now go strictly for comfort .

[naturegirl]

Thanks all, I think I will buy the tevas with the enclosed toe for the reef trail hike. I heard that some people bring their hiking boots just for this hike.

[liamsaunt]

Thanks all, I think I will buy the tevas with the enclosed toe for the reef trail hike. I heard that some people bring their hiking boots just for this hike.

You definitely don't need hiking boots to do the Reef Bay trail. John and I hiked it in open-toed tevas/merrils. John got one smallish blister on his ankle, I was completely fine. If you wore socks with your sandals you will be even safer from blisters. Just make sure whatever you bring has traction--the trail is slippery from all the rotting leaves.