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Sounds like a lovely start to your trip! Enjoy!!

We kicked off our Sunday at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club with classic Bloody Marys, smoked salmon and a bagel for me, and a Western omelette with home fries for David—he’s loyal to that combo! I like to mix it up, though, bouncing between a few favorites. We spent a couple of hours there, chatting with the waitstaff and some friendly patrons at the bar.

We timed it perfectly to catch the procession of mega yachts and sailboats heading out to sea. Always a treat watching them glide by as the passengers wave—of course, we waved right back!

Afterward, we headed back to Beachside Villas, where the wind was picking up and the waves were pretty rough. We took a walk down to D’s Beach Bar, which is super convenient when you’re staying at Villa 1. It was early afternoon, but we still snagged two front-row chairs. The place was buzzing, packed with people on the beach and inside for Sunday brunch. After soaking up enough sun, we retreated to the restaurant for a cocktail and shared some tuna tartare. It was a bit heavy on the Sriracha mayo, but the tuna was fresh and the sauce was flavorful, so we didn’t mind. Next time, I’ll ask for lighter sauce.

Later that evening, we headed out for dinner, not sure where we were going but ended up back at the SMYC. We wanted to catch up with the night shift staff. They had a live singer and guitarist, but she was a little off-key. Not sure what her name was, but they were busy, and the whole area along Airport Road was busy with activity.

We Landed at The Greenhouse. No trouble finding parking, and we decided to sit at the bar to chat with Jacob, hardworking bartender/waiter. David went for the jerk-style group fillet with mac & cheese, and I had the BBQ chicken and rib combo with coleslaw and plantains. Everything was delicious, though David was still hungry, so I shared some of my ribs with him.

All in all, a fantastic day! Looking forward to more adventures on the island!

I knew I could count on the TTOL gang.
Thanks!

Get one of the Bitter End Reserve balls on-line. They are closer to shore and more protected which makes for an easy dinghy ride. Ask them to have Captain Kinto pick you up and take you to Saba Rock. It was very easy and much better than a wet dinghy ride. We were there 2 nights ago. Leverick was pretty rolly and choppy last night.

I normally drink either US or Australian wine for the most part.

Lee Bay will be windy. It might be impacted by the swell. Hard to call it with the shift to the NE.

Better buy now before the tariffs kick in. I bought a case last week here at home to have on hand.

I love me some Cote de Provence!! Have some in my fridge now. It always reminds me of SXM.

Welcome back to paradise.

Went to BZH. Haven’t been there in a couple of years. In the past it was ok since Irma. Before Irma it was my favorite- best crepes and gallettes, I ever had. New owner since Irma; less emphasis on crepes and gallettes more on main dishes. Something has happen in the two years. Same menu but the preparation was superb. We both had the Cabri - dried ham, pancetta, goat cheese, honey, walnuts and mesclun greens on a buckwheat gallette. Flavor for the ages. Either we are getting senile or this place upped its game 100%. ( other people we talked to had the same experience) so not senile yet. With nice bottle of Mediterranean rose. Cheaper than Cote de province but very good. I remember getting cote de province rose for $8 a bootle on French side now $19 in stores. $40 -$50 in restaurants. Going tomorrow to try their main dishes on Monday night

Morning went to Philipsburg church, then to breakfast at Chesterfields are go to Sunday breakfast, Basil reserved a table for us. Good breakfast. Same as last week. Very consistent restaurant.
Back to Princess Heights to chill by pool.

Tonight off to Big Fish.

I've heard that about the kiosk last week! I hope the weather is good 4 u.

There were probably only 2-3 days it was below 60 degrees in S Florida this winter, not unusual.

D's Beach Bar is terrific and I love the ease of parking there. Right on the beach, and terrific view.

What airline were you on? Would want to avoid that one.

Glad you arrived home ok. Decompressing after one gets home is the worst.

Lee Bay? Not far

You are going to be in the 15 to 20 knot range the next 5 days. Only good news is the N swell drops a bit on Tuesday and clocks around more to the east. Any of the protected anchorages will be fine. If you want to hide a bit from the wind Great and Little Harbor on Jost. Cooper, Great harbor at Peter, Bight but avoid the cut there. Cane Garden Bay should be OK Tuesday night or later. Marina Key will be OK but windy.

Sorry to leave paradise. Our flight scheduled for 11:35, delayed. We left at 12:40p Not sure why a delay except the plane that arrived at the gate looked like it was from the early 80's and no one got off so it couldn't have been the BOS/SXM Saturday flight. Very old plane that we all thought should have been scrapped but at least we had a plane.

Arrived BOS after a couple of circles. Never saw such a crowd. Our luggage was at carousel # 7, i think because we passed that many. Three planes mixed together on one belt so a fiasco trying to get luggage. Made a note to go back to carry-on again next trip.

Crowds even at GA, fortunately hubby needed a wheelchair so we were whisked past them to another areas. There was even a shortage of wheelchairs and also of personnel to push them. Ttwo chairs per person pushing along, crowds of people bumping into one another also made me glad for the chair or for sure slow moving hubby and his cane would have been knocked down.

Finally made it through and to the curb where we caught to Hilton Garden Shuttle back to hotel where our care was parked. \Before leaving home we'd decided to re book a room for arrival because of last year arriving at 1 am and not wanting to drive in the dark.

Sunday morning leisurely drive home in daylight to now collapse and rest. I need a vacation.

Photos will possibly follow.

Anyone have anchorage advice for the weather this week? (see Wx below)

It was windy when we grabbed a ball at Trellis last night, but it wasn’t bad, even when some stuff rolled thru this morning. We’re still here now to pick up our kids arriving this afternoon and I’m curious about Trellis vs. Marina Cay tonight.

I’m curious if anyone has recommendations for specific areas of mooring fields or anchorages that would be good for this week.
This is our fifth or sixth time here and I feel that I’m pretty familiar with which areas are best to avoid.

Cheers

—————-

Increasing North East to East Swell, Wind Easterly to East-Northeasterly Force 3 to 5 Gusting Force 6… Partly Sunny to Cloudy! Chance of Showers!

Sunday 30th March 2025 – 09:00am – Surf Advisory! Small Craft Advisory!

Take Extreme Care on ALL North Shore Beaches due to SURF and RIP CURRENTS - including The Bubbly Pool JVD and Anegada.
The Baths NPT Mooring Field: RED FLAG - NO MOORING at The Baths - NO SWIMMING!
(For further information call: National Parks Trust 541 2420).

Parrottville

Maybe try that floating bar/restaurant off the beach from Grand Case Beach club, or you could get the boat from Grand Case pier. Just a short boat ride out. I can't remember the name...

update- Balaou Floating Restaurant

balaou-restaurant.com

I am looking for a motel, B&B, or condo in St. John within walking distance to Cruz Bay and a sandy beach for 4 people. 2 bedrooms would be great. By walking distance I mean no further than a half mile. Any suggestions? I realize this may not be possible. It's been 30 years since we've been to St. John. Not interest in the Westin.

Thanks for taking us along with your posts and pics!

The end is always so sad but memories last. Safe travels.

Update: Was able to get Embassy Suites for parking and the night before our trip. About $270 including 8 days parking and lodging the day before our trip.