help w golf cart for disabled visitor

[templek]

Hi everyone,

We found out last week that my husband will be able to come with us to Hopetown the week of July 23. He has a rare aggressive cardiac cancer and has been in treatment for 19 months. He is pretty weak and can't walk far. Because I didn't think he'd be able to come, I hadn't tried to get a golf cart. Now I hear from the two rental places I called that they are all taken.

Can anyone help us find out if it is possible to rent one privately? It would really help him a lot.

Thanks and I can't wait to get to Hopetown.

kathy

[BA]

Kathy,

I can't help you with the rental - but there are rules about taking the cart through the settlement proper of Hopetown. We had a similar situation one year (my father in law had to use a cane temproarily due to back & knee injuries) and we were able to get special permission/permit to drive the cart through town to take him to the house and then back to park at the basketball court or goverment dock. It wasn't much of a problem. We did get a few dirty looks taking the empty cart back through town to park it - as long as he was on board with the cane, people did seem to understand - and we did not abuse the privledge.
If you rent privately ask the owner about your special needs.
Sorry I wasn't any help in answering your original question - hopefully someone else will be able to chime in with a solution for you! Keep trying the rental agencies, people cancel for one reason or the other all the time and one may become available.
Good Luck and have a good time!
BA

[templek]

Thanks so much. We were able to get a cart through Island Rentals. Whoever answered the phone said they didn't have any, but then when I emailed, they very kindly emailed me back and worked it out. We can't take it into town because they don't allow that even if the person is disabled, but I think my husband can make it from Carissa Cottage do where the cart will be. And I will probably bring a fold-up wheelchair. So hurrah to Island Rentals. My husband will enjoy being able to go down to Abaco Inn. ---kathy

[nancy mcdaniel]

is up on a bluff overlooking the famous Hope Town harbour. It is short walk from the Front Street where you will park the cart, up the stairs next to Parliment House and then hang a right and up an incline to your cottage. You will find it handy to have a wheelchair or some sort of a transport. Remember the Bahamian sun is very hot this time of year. Maybe the Hope Town Health Clinic has one? Lucky for you the clinic is also very close to your cottage. You guys will really enjoy watching the comings and goings in the harbour. Lovely screened in porch on the harbour side. Close to Harbour's Edge Restaurant, Hope Town Harbour Lodge for lunch/dinner. Also, Hope Town Fire and Rescue have really talented First Responders. You will have a lovely time of it. Everyone will be extremely helpful.

[BA]

That is great news!
I'm so glad you were able to get a cart - persistence pays! HT Harbour Lodge makes a great "home base" - food, drinks, ocean, pool all right there. Those in your party that feel like exploring can come and go as they please and others can just settle in for the day. Nancy is right on about the helpfulness and friendliness that you will find in the people of Hope Town. Have a wonderful vacation!
BA