Do I need a jeep on St. John? (the long & short answer)
Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 3:08 pm
The short answer is yes. The long answer is, as always, it depends. It depends on what you want to see, what you want to do, where you want to go and where you want to stay. Can you see some of St. John in a sedan? Yes, people do it all the time. It will depend on where you want to go and what the weather will be like. The north shore road is paved and well maintained and it will give you access to all the wonderful north shore beaches. But even there, between Trunk Bay and Cinnamon, is a set of switchbacks that can be treacherous in the rain.
It will also depend on where you are staying. Many villa driveways are steep and some even unpaved.
So the long answer to the often asked question is why would you want to limit yourself to how much of the island you will be able to comfortably and safely explore and where you can comfortably and safely stay?
I have been fortunate enough to have had three weeks on island this year and I have used my used my 4-wheel drive exactly three times. I have used it at critical moments that could have caused considerable discomfort and delays in our vacation had it not been available. Today I followed a Hyundai Sonata up the switchbacks from Trunk and they had to backdown unable to get up them on wet pavement.
Rent the 4-wheel drive. You and those of us behind you will be glad you did. And remember you have 3/8ths of the road from the left edge of the pavement. Everyone and I mean everyone else gets 5/8ths. Deal with it . If you do, you will have a much more relaxed time and your rental agency will probably appreciate it also. And another thing, pull over for locals. They know the road better than you and remember they get 5/8ths.
I'm going home tomorrow to "Almost Canada." I will miss STJ until I return next year. Have a wonderful time if you are planning your first trip. It will be wonderful.
It will also depend on where you are staying. Many villa driveways are steep and some even unpaved.
So the long answer to the often asked question is why would you want to limit yourself to how much of the island you will be able to comfortably and safely explore and where you can comfortably and safely stay?
I have been fortunate enough to have had three weeks on island this year and I have used my used my 4-wheel drive exactly three times. I have used it at critical moments that could have caused considerable discomfort and delays in our vacation had it not been available. Today I followed a Hyundai Sonata up the switchbacks from Trunk and they had to backdown unable to get up them on wet pavement.
Rent the 4-wheel drive. You and those of us behind you will be glad you did. And remember you have 3/8ths of the road from the left edge of the pavement. Everyone and I mean everyone else gets 5/8ths. Deal with it . If you do, you will have a much more relaxed time and your rental agency will probably appreciate it also. And another thing, pull over for locals. They know the road better than you and remember they get 5/8ths.
I'm going home tomorrow to "Almost Canada." I will miss STJ until I return next year. Have a wonderful time if you are planning your first trip. It will be wonderful.