Hiking to Natural Pools with kids

[TPunch42]

I did some research on hikes recently...and we are very interested in going to the natural pools and washing machine. But I wanted some advice.

1. Do you think this is a good hike to do with kids? Ours are 12 and 8. Is it steep? dangerous cliffs?

2. Can this hike be done in Tevas? We hike to Columbier in Tevas and we don't want to pack hiking boots.

3. Should we consider having Helene be our guide for this hike? Not necessarily because it is a difficult hike but would it be more interesting with a guide for my kids to learn about the island, etc. Are there things to see that we would miss without a local?

Is there another hike we should consider with them? Not including Columbier as we will do that for sure.

 

[Voosh]

Only really steep part is getting up the sand hill at the start. I would not hesitate to take kids - IF - you are experienced in trails. One adult takes lead, the other does back to help the kids.

The trails do have their edges. "Hug your right side of trail"

Going into the pools with kids is your decision. Assess and make your decision.

As always - BE SAFE.


As for shoes - Tevas are fine. For more aggresive rambling and climbing I would recommend something heaftier.

Helene knows her stuff. If in question, call her.

Enjoy. Just enjoy. Recognize what is your comfort zone.


Bring water, knife, phone and spirit of adventure.

 

[BBT]

I have done all the way over from Grand Fond to Saline in flip flops. I would not advise because of cactus, but to the pools its really pretty easy. Bring water as first time I did not and regretted it but have done this many times.

 

[MIke R]

kids yes for sure - espeicially if they hike regularly

TEVAs...yes no problem - assuming you dont have the cheap model they made for non hikers but instead have their actual hiking sandal used by white water
rafters

its not that difficult a hike at all

be careful of Urchins if you go in the water

 

[Voosh]

If you're up for it - DO IT. Ya can always turn back and say ya were there. No shame in that - ya went there. Most don't even try. If ya have any hiking experience, even mild, it's a fun trek.


BBT,

Talk about cactus, those buggers (and the rocks) shredded my expensive climbing shoes when I did Anse de Chauvette climbing from Saline. Did it once. Probably won't again. I ain't dat 'tupid.

Well... ya never know what burr up your arse gets ya trying one more time



Please. Do not attempt goofy climbing things unless ya have been there and can handle it. ALWAYS BE SAFE. Please. Getting medical attention and someone, first, finding you somewhere on the rocks and then, getting you out is not a pleasant thought on SBH or anywhere else.

 

[TPunch42]

We have hiked and our kids have done great. I did a ton of hiking growing up and our kids are pretty cautious and not crazy.

Great advice Voosh! No we DO NOT want to get hurt. Is July/June an ok time to visit the pools? Is it better to visit on a day with calm surf? high/low tide?

 

[Voosh]

I really don't know the summer season for the tides and waves in "the ponds." Never seem bad. It's just another trek and you take care of your own. Watch the trail and the kids. Should be "tres cool."

 

[SLM]

We did this hike (in Tevas) with our 6.5 & 9 year old this past April. It was an enjoyable hike but took a longer than I planned. Our round trip was between 2.5 and 3 hours. One hour of that was enjoying the experience.

There are several spots along the way where the path gets pretty close to the edge of the cliffs so and it was a little hair raising. Much of the path is dusty, sandy and / or rocky all of which is loose which made accidental slipping easy. If your kids have some experience and know when to be extra careful it will be fine.

We hike to Columbier in Tevas but if I were to do this again I would choose a closed toe shoe mostly b/c we had to stop and clean out small painful rocks from the Tevas several times and the added stability of a sneaker or Merrell would also be nice. Hiking boots are not needed.

We did not get in the water once we arrived as the urchins were everywhere and once you stepped in a cloud of sandy water made it almost impossible to see them. Maybe water shoes would be helpful but I don't know if they would protect your feet or not. We were all disappointed that we didn't feel safe enough to swim.

I have several photos which I'll try to post.

 

[SLM]

Photos 1

 

[SLM]

Photos 2

BTW - some nice white socks may have helped keep those rocks from between the toes!

 

[Voosh]

Welll! SLM. I guess that proved the point.

:up: :up: :up: :up: :up:



Just do it and enjoy.

 

[JEK]

I have made that hike a bunch of times and always draw a little blood somewhere along the way

 

[TPunch42]

Fantastic shots... Good to know about the Sea Urchins... I think expectations are important with kids... so if we go will will have the perspective that we may or may not be able to swim... that always helps when they are hot and think they get to swim and then can't...

Great suggestion with the White socks and tevas! While are not my idea of fashion, they take up way less space in the suitcase. We wear our Tevas right into the water most of the time, I might pack some swim socks as an alternative.
Are those urchins the poisonous variety?

 

[MIke R]

Are those urchins the poisonous variety?

yes....and there a lot of them there...more than I have seen anywhere else on the island

 

[TPunch42]

bummer... :thumbdown:

Hmmm.... maybe swim socks aren't enough then.. Might have swim shoes for both girls, not sure... of course that's one more thing to pack... already trying to get mask and snorkel in the carryon for everyone...skipping fins... maybe snorkeling with swim shoes is a good idea anyways

 

[MIke R]

those spines can penetrate soft material easily.....bring a bottle of vinegar with you in the event of an accident as you want to remove the spine and get vinegar on it as quickly as possible

as long as the water is clear you will see them and be able to easily avoid them

they re not on open bottom....the need rock and rock crevices

 

[SLM]

Photos 3 and final.

Despite that fact that we didn't swim the kids had fun. We knew about the urchins and that they might keep us out of the water.

Everyone loved the views. My son loved the different types of rocks. By the end of the walk they were tired and ready for a break.

Have a Great time!. Steve

 

[TPunch42]

great advice... After applying the vinegar, is medical attention required?

 

[MIke R]

generally no...from there you have to soak the area in very hot water for as long as you can stand it.....then vinegar again....

 

[TPunch42]

I'm guessing it hurts like hell!

Good to know these things in worse case. Thanks everyone for all the fantastic info!