And again about 12:15, and in fact more or less through the night. And his friends and his rivals alike joined in. And then a dog barked.

Owing to a hotel reservation screwup that I’m pinning on Delta Vacations, we’re enjoying St. Croix the AirBNB way, in a nicely renovated apartment in a 200+ year old compound in downtown Frederiksted.

Our hosts moved here last year from Colorado and are in the process of turning the property into what seems like the perfect island mix. Their own home, three or four units to rent out short or long term, a smaller place upstairs for mom, and some modest rooms for caretakers and the inevitable freeloaders. And plenty of room for an unknowably large yammer of chihuahuas. It’s a big project, more than I think I would have energy for, but I certainly understand the impulse.

As the new day begins, the chickens seem to have taken a break, their song replaced by hymns from the Episcopal Church across the street. We’ll explore the town today, visit the dive shop, maybe hike through the rain forest to the tide pools. Rum is cheaper than coffee here, and it’s 77 degrees, which is 76 more than it is at home. All is right in at least this little part of the world.

* bonus points for getting the reference. I knew this was a thing, but I couldn’t remember what and I had to look it up.