Virgin Gorda - Elderly People going there?

[showdog]

Is it possible for an older person that doesn't walk really great get to Virgin Gorda and the Baths? My mom is going with us and she can walk ok but her knees are not that great. She also gets out of breath easily so we have to take it slow. She can ride a stationary bike for about 25 minutes at home and walk around the block but just slow.

Any suggestions? Does a sail boat go over there?

[Kabana]

here is a link to day trip boat charters in the BVI's


http://www.bvitourism.com/charters/day

[K&RCurt]

If she has trouble walking or breathing I don't think it's a good idea to attempt this. The path to the "Main" beach is fairly steep and doesn't have great footing. FORGET the path through the boulders and caves to the second beach. There is a somewhat easier trail from the parking lot to the second beach but it's quite long.

I didn't see any good way for a sailboat to get you to the beach, but someone may know if there is a small dock nearby.

The first beach

[K&RCurt]

Trail to 2nd beach

[the2ofus]

On our recent trip to The Baths on Virgin Gorda we used the first path to get down to the beach and the second path to come back up. I would not recommend either path for someone who is not in fairly good physical condition.

There are some steep descents and ascents and you are clambering over rocks, roots, sand and slippery wood steps. For someone who has trouble walking around the block on level land, and who gets out of breath easily, it would probably be too taxing.

Remember, there is no easy way out, so if someone is injured or becomes ill, it can be a real problem getting them back up to where they could receive medical help. On our excursion, a woman was injured when she slipped on the rocks going down. It required two people and a lot of time and effort to get her safely back to the parking lot. She endured a lot of pain in the process.

[arzz]

several years ago we were on a crewed, chartered sailboat and we took the dinghy in to see the baths -- we went in from the water and left that way -- never got near a parking lot or anything that civilized -- it is possible -- but if you come in from the water you have to be able to get on and off the dinghy -- not an insignificant task......

[gizmo]

showdog,

I agree with the others. I have done some research on this and found that if you have a bad knee, trouble walking etc., this is not the excursion to take.

I did see a post on the Caribbean Other board about a charter that took you to the Baths. You had to swim from the boat. I believe they said it took about 10 minutes to swim to shore.

Arzz mentioned a dinghy, and I have to agree this is no easy task to get in and out of.

Even if you managed to get your Mom there, from eveything I have read, it is no easy task to get through the Baths. Why take the chance of an accident?

[showdog]

Yes, I agree with all of you now after reading this. I just don't know what to do in Tortola. We were thinking about renting a car in Tortola and driving around there but it doesn't look like there is much to do or see.

There aren't many shore tours offered by HAL and obviously this one is one of the nicest but my mom won't be able to do it.

I just don't know what to do in Tortola besides rent a car and drive around the island.

Thanks:confused:

[CamilleandNick]

There are really some beautiful vistas from a rental car in Tortola. It is VERY hilly. We did this last year. Had a great time. We went to Pusser's and had a "painkiller" drink and watched the dinghies(MSP?) come in. We went to the Bomba shack to look around ...as it is famous for full moon parties and lot of strange signs...then on to Cane Garden Bay to swim. There are so many pretty spots on this island. However, we are booked for March 12th and may take a sailing trip in the a.m. and rent a car or hire a driver for the latter half of the day. THe Baths are beautiful ...but very steep and quite a workout of a walk. I would not suggest it for someone elderly that does not hike or climb well. It is a real workout for me and I am 38. Also, the view from the top of the baths just is not the same as from the ocean. There are other tours on HAL that offer sailing and snorkeling in the bvi's and while she may not snorkel..the sailboat views would be great, too, probably. Good luck.

[showdog]

Yes, I think that the rental car is a much better idea. I don't think she will be able to do the walk. It's not that important to me to see Virgin Gorda as we will probably go there on another cruise next year or the year after. I'd rather spend the time with my mom and drive her around the island this time.
Thanks for all the advice.