USVI-On-Line

Hi - It has been a tough couple of months for our family and we are so ready for a much needed vacation. My husbands brother was killed in a snowmobile accident at the end of February and then I got shingles on my face from the stress. Three days later my husband was put in the hospital for stress, high blood pressure, etc. Anyway, we are all starting to heal and need a vacation My husband is feeling good but having problems with his feet (probably arthritus) but doctor is not doing anything yet due to getting all his other problems taken care of first. He goes back in two weeks. My question is what beaches are not hilly and hard to get too?? We know several and yes I have both books but thought I would ask the experts.. I know Salt Pond is out of the question this time but I did love that beach. My kids and I may do the walk to Rams Head. Maho and Francis are good but we also want to try new beaches like Honeymoon or Saloman. I know he will go wherever we want but I do not want him to be in too much pain. Thanks so much!!! Have just started getting excited about this trip as we were not sure it was going to happen for us- Can not wait

Maho is probably your best bet - they've built a new parking area and there are bathrooms now too. Hawksnest isn't too bad. Lameshure is a rough drive but if you can get there early enough to snag a good parking space it's not a bad walk to the beach. Jumbie is much easier now with the new board walk, rather than the old steep stairs. I haven't personally been to Vie's beach but I think that one is easy to get to - maybe someone who knows can chime in on that. Honeymoon and Solomon might be tough going because you either got to go from the Lind Point Trail which I think has steep spots (again, no personal experience with that route) or you have to hoof it from Caneel Resort which means parking in their lot and walking quite a way just to get to the trail and then the trail is another good walk. Not awful..... but if your feet hurt it's going to seem like 50 miles. Have him try Aleve or, better yet, ask his doctor to prescribe Voltaren. Good luck!

Sorry for all the hard times and troubles. Hopefully they are behind you and StJ is the place to put them out of mind.
Hawksnest is a short walk to the beach from parking.
Trunk is a relatively short walk but has a slight hill.
Francis Bay is a VERY short walk but has a small parking lot that can fill up early leaving you to park on the road which increases the walk.
Maho is a short walk but you have to cross the street.
Cinnamon is not too far, a little further than Trunk but with a bit of a hill.
Haulover South is very short and North is close but takes a bit of balance to stay out of the mud on the path there.
Little Lamshur is very close to parking and parking is in the shade.

Little Lameshur is a good choice. Park right behind the beach and lots of options for walking/hiking for those that are interested while your husband relaxes.

Other easy beaches: Jumbie (short, short walk), Vie's beach, and Francis(also has hiking/walking opportunities).

A couple options:

Caneel's public beach. It's a lovely spot with good snorkeling, and you have the beach bar and grill there so you can make a day of it. Honeymoon is about 10 minutes walk further, the path is mostly (but not completely) flat but might be uncomfortable for your husband. There's a decent incline on the final approach to the beach. I think you may need to rule out Solomon this time. The path to it is hilly.

Haulover South is directly off the road in the East End. Much of this beach is rocky but there is a sandy part right in the middle. Good snorkeling on both sides along the cliffs.

Hansen Bay/Miss Vie's is a pretty short and flat walk. The beach is sandy. Shade is kind of limited so get there early to snag a spot or bring an umbrella.

A note about Hawksnest, it is not a bad walk but I have an issue there actually stepping down to the beach. Certain entry points have a BIG step down that me and my short legs try to avoid. So sometimes I walk around to the different entrances to see which is best for me. Just thought I'd mention in case that may be an issue. Good luck!

As always you guys are great. Our visit two years ago we went to Francis, Maho, Vies, Jumbie, Trunk, Cinammon and Salt Pond. All of those would probably work except Salt Pond Hopefully, when he goes back to doctor she will address the feet but for now wants the blood pressure and diabetes good which it is so we will see. As long as there are painkillers my husband will walk anywhere Again, thank you for all your responses. I will research later tonight. We are also going out with Captain John again with Palm Tree Charters. Really want to try the sushi at Caneel as our whole family loves sushi.

We went one year when I had just gotten off crutches from a broken ankle. One day we rented a dinghy to hit some of the beaches and snorkel spots that were a little further than I could handle walking. If you guys are up for that, it might be a good option.

Sorry for your misfortune, but happy that you will have a great place start the healing process. Has your doctor mentioned diabetic neuropathy ? If not, you may want to ask him/her about it. I see it ALOT in my clients with diabetes. Very painful feet.

I am so sorry this will be a well, well, well needed vacation

You have great suggestions - my picks would be Maho, Francis, Hawksnest, Vies and Caneel main beach. Honeymoon might work but it is 10 minutes from the parking lot.

Take care of yourselves and St John soon come

Pia

By any chance does your DH have a handicap parking permit, or will his Dr sign for him so he can get one before the trip. There are 2 curbside spots right by the restrooms at Maho, a few at Trunk( which I do not recommend for the walk) and also you can drive your car right down to the beach at Cinnamon to unload your DH and all the chairs and toys and then bring the car back up and park it. As a matter of fact, I don't think you even need to have a handicap sticker to do this, my DH just gets out and goes over to the window where you register for the campground and tells them his wife is disabled and cannot walk to the beach. They ask you to leave your license and then pick it up when you come back and park. Cinnamon is a great beach, with Warersports for the others, 2 benches if he doesn't want to sit in the sand and an easy walk, entry to the nice part of the beach. At the end you have someone go up, leave the license and do the pickup. Easy, Peasy.

Knolmom - I guess my post made it seem worse then it is My husband is just slower due to his pain in feet, he is also a electrical contracter (owner) of his business and is on his feet much of the day. He has had problems in the past (bunyons, diabetes, etc but not sure right now what is causing it. At his next visit I am sure his doctor will be looking into it but not sure anything will happen before our trip. He is very stubborn and will do anything we ask I just want to make it easier for him this trip. It has been an emotional last couple of months so probably will just go at a slower pace which is fine with me - not sure about the kids but they will adjust. We have a wonderful villa (Bay Rum Breeze) so super excited. Thanks for your concern it is greatly appreciated. Everyone is so helpful on this forum that is why I love it so much.

Would have loved to stay at Bay Rum Breeze for our family trip this summer but it was booked. Staying at ,Vista Caribe instead. You really don't need the HC plaque for Cinnamon and its a great beach. Kids will love it too. Of course Maho and Francis will be easier for you but if you come farther along the north shore rd, try Cinnamon. IMHO Trunk and Hawksnest are out, although they are 2 of my faves. Enjoy, I know we will.

Knolmom - that is VERY helpful information, about Cinnamon letting you drop off a person with accessibility needs. Going to tuck that away for the future!

Have you thought about renting a dinghy for a day then you could access hard to reach beaches