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Last minute trip back to the island
#310813
12/26/2023 02:58 AM
12/26/2023 02:58 AM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 26
cipher77
OP
Traveler
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 26
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It appears we'll be there for the new year. Can't wait to get there in 24 hours.
Looking for some suggestions and many thanks in advance!
1. My daughter is old enough now to want to rock climb/boulder on the island - anyone have ideas? Should we bring our climbing shoes?
1.5. - good hiking? Jungle or craggy beach. Both work.
2. Cliff jumping!! Would love to do it now that she's older. Locales??
3. The name of a reliable/trustworthy charter?
4. What to do with the charter?? Haha, I know, I know. The worst planners ever. We'd love to see turtles, cool beaches, etc. Thoughts??
I've been on this board for years now - thanks tons, in advance, for every single suggestion!!
Happy holidays, all. Cheers
Last edited by cipher77; 12/26/2023 02:59 AM. Reason: Hiking!
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310823
12/26/2023 09:18 AM
12/26/2023 09:18 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832
Central Florida!
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cipher--best wishes with your last minute trip! I hope you pack your patience as things have been a major crap shoot recently.
As far as your questions in general, I'm not much of a hiker, so can't really help you much. But do bring your hiking shoes. I certainly would not count on picking some up on island. I hear about a place called David's Hole that is supposed to be cool. Pik Paradise is a great view, but not that safe. You might be able to find a group trip going up there that would provide more security.
Enjoy! And do post about your trip upon your return!
Carol Hill
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#310832
12/26/2023 12:27 PM
12/26/2023 12:27 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 26
cipher77
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Posts: 26
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Uh oh. Do tell. Crap shoot how, exactly? Electricity, water... How else?
We're hoping to get some beach time in. Some decent food. Some views and some fun.
Fingers crossed it all works out, then.
What's up with pic paradis? What exactly is the issue with safety in broad daylight? Thanks for your insight, BTW. Very much appreciated.
PS - anyone recommend a good massage therapist for the next week? Would love it if they were able to swing by every other day.
Last edited by cipher77; 12/26/2023 12:42 PM. Reason: Masseuse
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310833
12/26/2023 12:51 PM
12/26/2023 12:51 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Cipher,
Crap shoot? Most likely referring to the airport arrival and departure issues which seem to have improved over where they were a month or so ago, or so I’ve been hearing.
I am not familiar with climbing shoes as such but I don’t think they’re going to be needed for SXM climbing and hiking. If you really want to do some serious hiking, book a daytrip over to Saba if the seas are calm. The hiking there is phenomenal and very picturesque.
No worries about ‘decent’ food as there’s a reason SXM is known as the gourmet capital of the Caribbean from snacky beach fare to very high end gourmet if that’s your pleasure.
Electricity issues can happen anywhere anytime. Water issues (or lack thereof) are more typical on the partie Francaise. Bottled drinking water is not necessary on the Dutch side where the water is desalinated and very drinkable. On the French side it pretty much depends on where you’re staying.
Pic Paradis is anyone’s guess. Many years ago it was perfectly safe and we often went with our young ( at the time ) kids and then it changed somewhat. Lots of car break-ins while visitors enjoyed the views and I do recall reading about armed robberies. But in all fairness to Paradis Pic I haven’t read of any issues for quite a while. My understanding is you can arrange for group hikes to the top possibly through Loterie Farms? but I have only ever driven up myself. And the views from the top are spectacular.
Cliff jumping and such are way beyond me but I’ve never heard anyone speak of doing it. There is a deep pool amid the rocks at the far side of Mullet Bay Beach that might work for you.
Beach time? Ah, beach time!!! Beautiful beaches with beautiful views and warm caressing waters. You won’t be disappointed, for sure.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310839
12/26/2023 02:04 PM
12/26/2023 02:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649 Brookfield, CT.
pat
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,649
Brookfield, CT.
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Thank you, Linda. Appreciate the heads-up and corrections done. The surprise is that’s the only typo……😊😊
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310840
12/26/2023 02:24 PM
12/26/2023 02:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,303 CT
pony600
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Traveler
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,303
CT
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Not sure about now, but in the past, Pic Paradis, in addition to car break-ins, they would block the road for your way down and rob you. Like Pat, I have not heard of anything recent. You could search on You Tube for hikes on St.Martin. I know I've seen some for David's hole and another for a hidden pool. I believe there's also a hikers group page on facebook that may give you some ideas. Haven't heard of any cliff diving, but in the French Cul de Sac, there used to be base jumping. We could see them from Orient beach but don't know where the take off place was. Patty Healing Hands is supposed to be excellent. We have friends who book her multiple times per trip.
If life hands you a lemon, just squeeze it on a lobster!
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310846
12/26/2023 03:09 PM
12/26/2023 03:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832
Central Florida!
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cipher--I was speaking about the airport in particular. As far as electricity and water, on the Dutch side, the electricity goes off from time to time, but usually just for an hour or two. Water is not a problem on the Dutch side. If you rented on the French side, I hope you rented someplace that has a cistern. There have been a lot of reports about the water going off on the French side, sometimes for hours at a time, or longer.
As far as Pik Paradis, I personally wouldn't go there with kids, unless it was a large group. I haven't heard much lately about crime there, but I really doubt that it has gone away altogether. MANY reports of vehicles being broken into and also reports of robbery, in broad daylight.
Even though they are not little anymore, I might suggest you check out Parrotville, which is a lovely family activity and a bargain at $10 each!
Enjoy.
Carol Hill
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Re: Last minute trip back to the island
[Re: cipher77]
#310854
12/26/2023 04:46 PM
12/26/2023 04:46 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,832
Central Florida!
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The problems with water on the French side seem to be really popping up the past couple of years. It doesn't happen all the time but a real PITA when it does. Does the place you are staying have a pool? If so, note that the most immediate need people have stated has been water to flush the toilet. So, a bucket of water from the pool works. You need to check with whoever you are renting through, as they may well be providing bottled water for drinking. Other than toilet flushing, the biggest problem is if the water is off for hours and hours and you can't take a shower. Now, that could really suck. Hopefully this is not a problem for you.
Carol Hill
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