Well, not all "the improvements" the National Park Service has made along the north shore are pleasing.
While Trunk Bay has new lifeguard stations, and there are new walkways through some ruins, it's going to be tougher to get to some of the most popular beaches.
The availability of parking spots at both Maho's beaches and Cinnamon Bay have been reduced.
At Maho, Rangers have begun issuing tickets to vehicles parked on the shoulder of the road and along the beach. The Service says it's built a new parking lot, and people should use it.
Meanwhile, at Cinnamon Bay, the Service has signs threatening $175 boot fees for anyone found parking at the Campground's lot and who is not a registered guest. Folks staying at Cinnamon have to get permits from the front desk which they can then put on their dashboards.
Both moves are likely to have several effects. First, visitors will be frustrated. They've got a huge SUV, full of beach chairs and coolers, and nowhere to park it. Nowhere easy, that is. They'll park it somewhere! Probably along the road, so driving along the North Shore will require a bit more caution.
Second, restricting parking may generate more interest in shuttle buses from Cruz Bay to the beaches. Which, of course, begs the question,where do you park that SUV in CB? Quick, answer - the parking lot at the Enighed commercial dock.
It's going to be an interesting winter season!