USVI-On-Line

I have Pam Gaffin's book, but would like some forum advice as she is such an avid hiker that easy to her may not be to us . We would have to park at Salt Pond and go from there, correct? We haven't been to Salt Pond yet. What is the walk like to Salt Pond and then on to Drunk Bay? Approx how long does it take and is it hot and hilly or fairly easy? The landscape there looks so interesting that I would like to check it out.

I'd love info on this too!

The hike from Salt Pond to Drunk Bay probably takes 5 or 10 minutes and is flat. There is a salt pond on your left most of the way.

It is in the sun the whole time. That part of the island is more arid than the North Shore so you see more cacti (sp?) and more plants that grow in arid climates.

The hike from the parking lot down to Salt Pond Bay is easy cuz you are going down hill. It is also in the sun, no tree cover.

I honestly am not sure about the times, I don't wear a watch and am not usually in a hurry anywhere I go much less on STJ.

The walk back from Salt Pond is another story for this flatlander. It is uphill and it is usually hot when we go. We always end up doing those hikes and Ram Head in the heat of the day. Honestly, it's not that bad but it is all uphill.

Just bring water and a hat and you will be fine.

Both places are definitely worth the hike. If you want to hike even more, go listen to the water flow out of the rocks at the Blue Cobblestone Beach on the way to Ram Head. You can get a small example of that sound across the street from Shipwreck. That is one of my favorite sounds.

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That's why I like it Jorge

Salt Pond clothing optional? We were there twice last trip ... but mush have missed the optional part.


Thank for the info on the hikes ... in the plan this year.

I don't think Salt Pond is even remotely a clothing optional beach. Was there last Oct and never saw many people there and definitely none were au naturale.It is a great beach however and normally doesn't have many people there.

onthelake wrote:Salt Pond clothing optional? We were there twice last trip ... but mush have missed the optional part.

I think that was a spot of humor. I've seen rangers ticketing the No Tan Line crowd on that side of the island - there is a ranger residence behind Little Lameshur Bay. $50 Federal fine. Keep it stowed, except at the villa. I have heard from locals that Kiddle and Grootpan Bays are not in the park and are Nekkid friendly.

Cheers, RickG

RickG,
I was trying for humor ... guess I missed.

I'll be keepin everything stowed (at least at the beach) !!!

onthelake wrote:RickG,
I was trying for humor ... guess I missed.

I'll be keepin everything stowed (at least at the beach) !!!

Hey, I laughed! If you get ticketed, make certain you make a copy of the ticket before you mail it for payment.

Cheers, RickG

The hardest part of that hike is the walk back up to the parking lot if the suns out HOT HOT HOT. To Drunk Bay is very easy but again hot if suns out. The figures at Drunk are pretty cool, but if ya only do one hike go towards Rams Head the scenery is spectacular. I only went as far as the cliif that overlooked the cobblestone beach and was happy as could be it was awesome. Hope to go the whole way this trip. Tip don't wear flip flops for Rams Head this requires at least tennis shoes I did it in swim shoes doable but tennis shoes would have been much better.

First - I was only joking about the clothing optional part, I mean come on...have you seen my pics - no way in heck I would be out on a beach nekkid.

Second, Cat did the Ram Head hike in flip flops her first time to STJ, and I thought I was gonna have a heart attack watching my sister out at the very edge of Ram Head leaning forward. I kept waiting for that little bitty piece between her two toes to pop and her fly forward. She is used to flip flops and goes everywhere in them so she said it was fine hiking in them.

I wear Tevas for it and am fine.

Just remember that part of the island is HOT as everyone keeps mentioning so do bring water, and do lock your car doors (after removing keys) before heading down.

You will enjoy it all.