usvi-on-line
books & maps
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smilesfromMN
- Posts: 141
- Joined: Mon Jan 01, 2007 10:19 am
- Location: MN
books & maps
Hi-
I've read several reviews of different books and/or maps that people have used while on STJ. I would love to get any opinions from the forum experts (everyone on this forum qualifies
). Should I get a copy of STJ Off the Beaten Path and/or Feet Fins & Four-wheel Drive? Any other books that are recommended? How about maps? If I have one of the books, do I need a separate map? Are these things that I need to order online before we leave (in 2 1/2 weeks!!!), or can I buy them at the visitor center? Our 5 yr old and 2 yr old will be with us, so we're not looking for any in depth hiking, extreme diving, or hip night life guidebooks. Thanks everyone!
I've read several reviews of different books and/or maps that people have used while on STJ. I would love to get any opinions from the forum experts (everyone on this forum qualifies
). Should I get a copy of STJ Off the Beaten Path and/or Feet Fins & Four-wheel Drive? Any other books that are recommended? How about maps? If I have one of the books, do I need a separate map? Are these things that I need to order online before we leave (in 2 1/2 weeks!!!), or can I buy them at the visitor center? Our 5 yr old and 2 yr old will be with us, so we're not looking for any in depth hiking, extreme diving, or hip night life guidebooks. Thanks everyone!Hi,
There is a book/map combo for sale on Anthony's site,
I know I like having at least one book about our destination before arriving....fun to read on the flight over.
Here's the link:
http://caribmart.stores.yahoo.net/
There is a book/map combo for sale on Anthony's site,
I know I like having at least one book about our destination before arriving....fun to read on the flight over.
Here's the link:
http://caribmart.stores.yahoo.net/
It takes both the sun and the rain to make a beautiful rainbow. --Unknown
I heartily recommend Feet, Fins, and Four Wheel Drive! If you don't have time to get it online, it's in stock at St. John Spice. This book gives you step by step driving instructions for all areas of the island. Addtionally, it has detailed descriptions of all of the beaches and hiking trails, how to get to them, and what you'll see.
The first time we went to St. John we showed up having booked only about two weeks prior and knowing almost NOTHING about the island. Thankfully, someone had left a copy of this book in the glove compartment of our rental, and it was a real lifesaver. We found we did not need a map for driving while using this book.
The first time we went to St. John we showed up having booked only about two weeks prior and knowing almost NOTHING about the island. Thankfully, someone had left a copy of this book in the glove compartment of our rental, and it was a real lifesaver. We found we did not need a map for driving while using this book.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
Hi Smiles!
My two cents...
We have both the previous and current edition of Off the Beaten Path. The current edition I much prefer to the previous...fantastic color pictures! Like Mia suggested, we purchased the first copy with the map combo. The map really is handy...waterproof & tearproof. Of the lastest edition, 163 of 296 pages are dedicated to the trails on STJ with loads of historical information and guiding information. Smaller sections of the book include Places of Interest, Coastal Ecology, Beaches, Favorite Snorkels & a Timeline. Each section has at least one if not several maps in different forms.
We also have Feet, Fins & Four-Wheel Drive. No color pictures...numerous maps. In FF&FWD, 20 of 146 pages are dedicated to the trails on STJ. Other sections include General Info ("What is Where?), The Beaches, Jeep Tours, Taxi Fares & Where to Stay.
As I read them, each book is geared a little differently. OTBP emphasizes trails & hiking...FF&FWD has TONS of very specific information about every beach (good for beachcombing...difficult to swim...best snorkeling...etc.)...as well as specific information about the trails and other useful information. I enjoy both of the books for different reasons. Given the choice...I love the way Pam wrote FF&FWD. I feel like Pam is actually sitting next to me & having a conversation with me! I cannot recommend FF&FWD enough. What I would really recommend is splurging & getting FF&FWD and the OTBP/Map combo...you will not be sorry!
Have a great time planning & anticipating!
Jen
55 & Counting
My two cents...
We have both the previous and current edition of Off the Beaten Path. The current edition I much prefer to the previous...fantastic color pictures! Like Mia suggested, we purchased the first copy with the map combo. The map really is handy...waterproof & tearproof. Of the lastest edition, 163 of 296 pages are dedicated to the trails on STJ with loads of historical information and guiding information. Smaller sections of the book include Places of Interest, Coastal Ecology, Beaches, Favorite Snorkels & a Timeline. Each section has at least one if not several maps in different forms.
We also have Feet, Fins & Four-Wheel Drive. No color pictures...numerous maps. In FF&FWD, 20 of 146 pages are dedicated to the trails on STJ. Other sections include General Info ("What is Where?), The Beaches, Jeep Tours, Taxi Fares & Where to Stay.
As I read them, each book is geared a little differently. OTBP emphasizes trails & hiking...FF&FWD has TONS of very specific information about every beach (good for beachcombing...difficult to swim...best snorkeling...etc.)...as well as specific information about the trails and other useful information. I enjoy both of the books for different reasons. Given the choice...I love the way Pam wrote FF&FWD. I feel like Pam is actually sitting next to me & having a conversation with me! I cannot recommend FF&FWD enough. What I would really recommend is splurging & getting FF&FWD and the OTBP/Map combo...you will not be sorry!
Have a great time planning & anticipating!
Jen
55 & Counting
"I didn't come here...and I ain't leavin'"