OBSERVATIONS / THOUGHTS / RAMBLINGS

WEATHER – was windier than many of past eleven years. It also had more showers and outright rain storms. But it was much better than being in St Louis.
TRAFFIC – actually seemed more crowed on roads than past. Really, however the worst area is along Welfare/Airport Road between 4:30-6:30pm
Road to Butterfly Far/Orient Beach is being paved.
A lot more traffic along road from Phillipsburg to OBBR, especially in the early evening.
CRIME - Didn’t see any. Saw more police, even driving through OBBR.
OYSTER BAY BEACH RESORT – resort itself is in good shape. Building is continuing with the new Time Share building almost completed and should be opened in March or early April. Unfortunately the new building, contrary to promises this past May and when it was started, is now slated to have it’s top floor turned into ten condos (Starting @$750,000.) with their own pool on the roof. The remaining three floors, rather than being offered, as originally promised, to the general “floating” week owners, will be sold to a new group of “fixed week owners” for $26,000. In a further slap in the face of owners, one of the six unit, 2 bedroom “floating “ buildings overlooking the Marina will be converted to Condos , starting at $450,000. I can tell you that many owners are VERY unhappy. Just like the poor people who invested at Pelican with the promise of a lifetime view of Simpson Bay, people who invested in Oyster Bay, many who have many weeks, and have built it through their maintenance fees into a wonderful premiere timeshare, are now being “spit on” by this new management team.
EVen more unfortunate is that some of the employees are also unhappy with new changes. I hope Mr Gold will reconsider some of the recent decisions. .

Another great trip made better and better by contribution to the TTOL and Go Beach Boards. Thanks to all who stopped to say hi.

Hey!

AGAIN ! Thanks Norm...splendid photos and good updates. It's a JOY to see cement being poured in the right places on the French side.

Denis

You have made your report well worth the wait! Enjoyed each part immensely, just missing the fact that we weren't there this year to share it with you!

Great photos, too! Thanks for sharing, Belinda

Totally enjoyed your trip report and the photos were great! I cannot believe how much your son looks like you!

Yeah, I don't think you have to worry about the mailman on this one. Glad you enjoyed the report.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/02/2009 11:09PM by SXMNorm.

Norm, I thoroughly enjoyed reading all five parts of your trip report. The pictures were great! Thanks so much for posting this.

Annie

Enjoyed your report and especially the pictures. I was thinking the same thing about how much your son looked like you!

Thank you Norm so very much for this report.
I found out more info from you in your report,even more interestingly to us than even the great food you described.
.
My husband and I have been going to SXM for a month now every year for 13 years this year. Must be the lucky number for us regarding the road to the butterfly farm now being paved. Is it from the main road?? If so happy days!!. That road was so bad by January 12 this year we were taking the long way around to Orient Beach. My husband will be thrilled if it is all paved finally.

I a very saddened and somewhat upset about Oyster Bay and the new buildings not available for us timeshare people. Every year there is a hassle to get where we want to be. We book in April for December. Love the resort but frustrated with the hassle to get what we paid for every year when we book. Saying that can't wait to get there again this year.
Regards
Sharon

Sharon, The picture of the Butterfly Farm road was taken towards the beginning of our trip. By the time we left, Feb16, people were actually dring on the finished half and they were working on the unfinished part. The rental car people must be estatic because their car's shocks and tires, and bottom of car won't be abused anymore,.......at least for another twenty years.