TravelTalkOnline Forums Thread Like Summary - TRIP REPORT, Nov. 14-Dec. 4, 2024 - Part 5

This is the fifth and final report for the period November 14 - December 4, 2024.

MISCELLANEOUS

Betsy
Betsy, the innkeepers’ cat, is usually waiting outside my door each morning. One day she was not. I almost called for her until I noticed she was cuddling with dad Doug before he went for his morning swim. A sweet moment.


Horny Toad
I so love the views from the balcony at Horny Toad and never tire of the amazing colors.



The pigeons (or whatever they are) were building a nest in the balcony rafters. Innkeeper Doug came to clear them out. I felt bad and wished I hadn’t told him; they started right up rebuilding their nest. I didn’t tell him this time.


The morning colors are just so spectacular.


While you can’t see the sun hit the horizon from Horny Toad, you can still see some pretty impressive colors at sunset. This was after it started raining.


More morning colors. I love it when I wake up early enough to see these beautiful scenes.



More sunset colors


One never knows if the sunrise is going to be pink or orange, or both.



Young sailors competition


Beached sailboat still not removed


Last morning on island



IN CONCLUSION

This visit was four weeks long, where prior November trips have been five weeks. I wished I had not shortened the trip as I was not ready to leave after four weeks. I enjoyed seven boating charters/sails, which were the highlights of the trip for me.

That said, the bloom is off the rose as far as SXM is concerned, for me, at least. The inattention to the infrastructure was much more pronounced this time due to the heavy rains. Potholes everywhere. That wouldn’t be so bad if you could see them, but with the flooding, you can’t. In my view, it made driving actually dangerous, but maybe that’s just an old-lady reaction. The traffic is also a big issue. It’s not just at rush hour anymore. Regardless of time of day, you might get stuck for some time without moving. And then there’s the ever-increasing cost of air fare.

On the positive side, the Horny Toad is as wonderful as ever with fabulous views, day and night. Islanders are still friendly. The food continues to be fabulous. And the beaches are gorgeous, when you can get a beach day.

So who knows how many more visits are in my future? At this point, I do not, although I have reservations for two trips in 2025.

Attached Images

They moved to Connecticut a year or two ago. Visits to the island have not been the same without their presence so it was very special to have them back.