Question about Gibney

Lindy · Post by **Lindy** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:16 pm

Augie's picture reminded me that this beach is on this year's agenda. I don't recall seeing any parking areas marked for Gibney. Where do you park when you go there? Or do you park in the Hawksnet lot and hike over? Are there any landmarks near the road to know that you're heading to the right spot? I don't want to accidentally trespass on private property, especially with a group of 9 people but I really want to get to this beach without having to swim over from Hawksnest. Thanks in advance!

augie · Post by **augie** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:21 pm

The best place to park is in front of (off to the left side - not blocking it) this gate:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/10044245@N04/4091798872/" title="stj09_066 by augiegator, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2587/409 ... 9f00_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="stj09_066"></a>

Or, you can do like I did (not advised) and see the gate with no cars in front of it and assume that you're not supposed to park there, and drive up to, and hike back down from, the Peace Hill parking lot.

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:22 pm

There is parking for 3 cars to the left of the iron gate. You will see the gate after you pass Hawksnest.

They fill up early and them people park on the road. I never have because I am chicken, so if we get there late, we just go to another beach.
If you are going with 9, then I am guessing 2 vehicles. You will need to get there early!

Do not park in front of the gate.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:23 pm

Parking at Gibney is extremely limited and basically spontaneous.

You basically have to get there super early and park at the gate but only on one side and you need to be careful not to block the entrance or the gate itself. It's tricky. Keep in mind people live there and there is a rental. So it's rude (and illegal) to block access.

You have to tuck in off the road as much as possible or risk getting a ticket.

We swing by and if there's a reasonable place for us to park we go for it. If there isn't we move onto someplace else like Jumbie or another beach altogether. It's the luck of the draw.

Pote · Post by **Pote** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 1:38 pm

here is a wider view of the gate with parking on the left of the photo. Not too crowded Aug. 23rd! ;^)

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pote/4971296322/" title="DSCN4092 by pote757, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/497 ... 234b3a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="DSCN4092"></a>

Lindy · Post by **Lindy** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:41 pm

Thanks everyone! I KNEW you'd be able to help. If we're lucky enough to snag a couple parking spots is the trail down to the beach pretty obvious? Again, I don't want to be wandering around on someone's private property. And once you're on the beach is there a certain area that is public, to the left or the right? We go in early November so I'm hoping that parking will be fairly open since we normally don't have any problem at Jumbie. And we always have a back-up plan (and walkie talkies) for a second choice if our first choice is too crowded that day.

msgcolleen · Post by **msgcolleen** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 2:54 pm

The trail is obvious and heads straight down to the beach. There is not much beach to your right by the yellow Oppenheimer building but great snorkeling to the right. There was a picnic bench the last time we were there. The Gibney Beach cottage is on your left in the middle so we tend to keep going further west to stake out a shady spot. Good luck!

Lindy · Post by **Lindy** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 4:31 pm

Thanks again! Can't wait - we're down under 2 months and counting. I really do need to figure out a ticker.

rpplano · Post by **rpplano** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 5:52 pm

All of the beaches are public from the waterline up to the vegetation line. However, be respectful of the far left where the Gibney house is. There are still people living there.

dctac · Post by **dctac** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:00 pm

So is this Gibney beach house a villa?

hugo · Post by **hugo** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 10:21 pm

There is a small residence and two short term rentals inside the white fence, and the original Gibney family residence to the west.

stjohnjulie · Post by **stjohnjulie** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:04 am

It's pretty easy to spot. In front of Terri Gibney's property is a white picket fence. She has a gate, some times open, sometimes closed, that leads down to her house and the two villas she has. Just past the white picket fence is the drive with the iron gate that leads to the Oppenheimer house. This is where the 3 spots of parking are. Do NOT park by the white picket fence. This is Terri's property, and even though I see people park there sometimes, I just don't think it's very respectful.

Once you are on the beach, you will see the yellow house, that is the Oppenheimer house (which was left to the people of St. John), then Terri's house, then her beach villa (garden villa is behind it), and a little further down, Eleanor Gibney's stone house. Terri has beach chairs in front of the Beach villa, those are for her guests. Although it is ok to sit in front of her beach villa, I just stay away from it because there is so much other beach and I am just trying to be courteous to her and her guests.

If you happen to be there when an event is going on, the iron gate may be open. You can rent out the Oppenheimer house for parties, and if you do, you can drive down and park near the house. But unless you've rented out the space, or are attending an event there, don't drive down, just park outside the gate.

aroobagirl · Post by **aroobagirl** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:01 pm

I have always wanted to go to Gibney beach but am handicapped and don't want to walk down there only to find I can't make it back up the hill. I wish exceptions could be made for people that have accessibility issues. So many beaches are already out of the question, it would be nice if some that could be made accessible would be made accessible. Just my fervent wish...

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:18 pm

Aroobagirl--

I wonder if you and others who have physical challenges might consider starting a permanent thread on beaches and parts of STJ that are more accessible than others.

As much as I might try to think about these things in order to give guidance and advice there is so much that folks who don't have physical challenges take for granted. It's not that we're insensitive or don't care but it's stuff we might not even think about.

I could certainly start a thread with places that I think are more accessible than others (if you'd like I can list a few beaches to start) but I really think this should come from folks on the forum who have first-hand experience.

Ultimately perhaps the goal could be to help on- island businesses and the Park Service do more to improve accessibility for ALL.

I know that several folks on this forum could contribute. Just trying to think of ways to make this forum helpful to EVERYONE!!

And I know not all disabilites are aliek so what holds true for someone who uses a wheelchair may not apply to someone who requires some other form of assistance or has other specific needs. There's no one size fits all but this would be a move in the right direction.

What do you think? Maybe we can all pitch in with this effort?

I'll post this idea in a new thread...

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Mon Sep 13, 2010 3:30 pm

Ok-- done.... see my new thread on this subject on the forum. I really hope folks will help out with this new effort!

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Question about Gibney

Question about Gibney