USVI-On-Line

My wonderful new son-in-law and daughter (she can be wonderful also) have convinced us to go with them to St. John this month. I was wondering if there was some kind of exercise so that we can somewhat keep up our strength. I have heard some about hiking and was wondering how we could do some short or long easy hikes?

I have not read anything about hiking or exercise, but I have seen the word "painkillers" and I am assuming that this is some kind of island drink, I guess, and not pills!

If you are into hiking there are multiple trails to keep you busy. There will be alot of info on this site if you use the search option or you can purchase a book. We have St. John Off the Beaten Path but also there is a book I think titled Feet Fins and Four wheel drive. Both books can be purchased from this site. Snorkeling can be a good form of exercise on the island and I have seen people jogging. I brought my running shoes last trip but failed to use them.

We did the reef bay hike in November with the Parks services. It was great ... easy downhill hike and boat ride back to Cruz Bay. You should sign up before you go down ... I think it cost $26 each for the taxi and boat portions.

Have a great trip !!!

"Painkiller Pills".........that's an idea I haven't heard yet.

If you're asking what kind of exercise you can do now to prepare for doing some hiking with your kids on island, I'd suggest power walking, or if you have access to a treadmill, adjust the incline so that you are walking "uphill".

I found this site useful:

http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Trails.htm

pmk

cypressgirl wrote:"Painkiller Pills".........that's an idea I haven't heard yet.

They might be illegal?

There are lots of great hikes and the books mentioned above will help you find them. You can get a quick look here: http://www.trailbandit.org/bandit.htm (click on the 2006 Map link at the top center.)

You can also get some excercise kayaking (there are a few places to rent kayaks) and of course swimming and snorkeling.

You can also check out the yoga classes at Maho (www.maho.org) and Caneel (http://www.selfcentreinternational.com/ ... edule.html).

I love hiking on St. John - it helps balance me out after all the painkillers that I drink Seriously, I do love to do the challenging hikes and I have run on island. My favorite, most challenging hike is the Caneel Hill/Margaret Hill hike. The entrance is right near town and it takes us about 1.5 hours. It's straight up on the way up but the views are worth it! We also tried the Cinnamon Bay trail this past trip - it is less challenging - took us an hour and had an amazing view of Cinnamon Bay. The trail bandit map and info is great as posted above this.

Have a wonderful trip!