This will make up for not posting a report on my November trip.
Down via USA, one FF ticket and one regular ticket that was vouchered twice for a total of $160 on next Nov. trip. Flight was on time, but the luggage was split. One bag came with us, the other one decided to get down via Charlotte. Flight home was early. Funny thing on the return. Got gigged by the Xray machine in SXM. First pass found a cork srew/bottle opener that had a knife blade on it. Didn't know it was in there. Second pass found my collapsible multi-purpose tool gizmo. It too had a fnife blade in the handle. When we unpacked in SXM I couldn't locate it so I assumed it didn't get packed. The whole thing was kind of embarrassing <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />ing But my thought is, how come US security in PHL didn't spot them?
Always rented from Hertz via SXMcars (Jack Rinaldi). Didn't last Nov. and was not 100% pleased with the local rental agency. So, we went back, rented from Best Deal via Jack. In the 40 some visits to the Island I got the cleanest & best running rice burner ever. There wasn't a scratch on it and the inside didn't smell. When I returned it they, I watch them clean a car. They actually pressure wash the engine and compartment. Also I did the 8 days on one tank of gas. First time ever. Also the price was $26/day total. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />on this rental company, Jack Rinaldi included. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

BEACHES:
Cupecoy a bunch of times. Began the week with high surf and small beach west end and a small beach at the steps. By the end of the week the surf calmed and the two beaches were connected with a nice strip of sand. You could actually get in and out without timing the waves.

Dawn Beach until the surf died down on the west side. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />Sat at Ms. B's. Wife really likes the soft lounge chairs and the tame surf and no ROCKS. Had lunch. Me ribs-Rita hamburger. Both were great. I couldn't finish all three racks, so I took one home for a future lunch.
Maho Beach, close and conveniet. There was actually a red flag up at the Royal Isl. steps. Someone had to be rescued from the undertow the day before we came. Flag flew for three days. When it came down the water was close to glass.
That's my cue to get my snorkel stuff and head to the best spot around the island. That's the point off the Caravaserai. It has the most concentration of reef fish I've seen around SXM, especially on a calm day. I wasn't disappointed, it was awesome, best I've ever seen. I walk over to the SSBB to start, but when I'm done I water it back to the RI beach. Not too much to see because of the lack of rock formations, but good exercise. Once saw a BIG barracuda just off the RI beach. This time I looked forward and could see a whole wall of silver jacks about 10 or 15 feet infront of me. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />Quite a sight. It's amazing how synchronized their turns were. I was at the end of the runway about 25 yards out.

Restaurants:

Boat House-always on the first night. Food and service was very good. Can't figure out why some people have a problem. Been going there for years, and never a problem.

Sebastiano-excellent as always, took home a lunch. Christine sat and chatted with us until our dinner came. She is the most pleasant and up person on the Island.

Laguna-excellent food at reasonable price. The brothers were their usual gracious selves.

Bar de le Mar-dinner out with Norma & Rollind. Dinner was very good and eating outside with freind catching up on the last 6 months is fun. Just got done with dinner and the sky opened up for a short evening spritz. Just adds to the fun.

Peg Leg Pub-NY strip for me, petite fillet for Rita. This is our "we gotta have some beef" night. What can I say about the place that hasn't been said. Had a nice chat with Jack on the front porch. First time we met him. Nice guy.

Hot Tomatos-Went for pizza. Ordered and split a Ceaser salad. It was void of what I consider the main ingredient, anchovies. The salad was good, but without those little fish there's no zip. After a breif discussion with the waiter, he came with a buch of them in a cup. Enough for our salad and my half of the pie. I was happy as a clam. Pizza was good. No Brad that night, maybe in Nov.

Saratoga-our traditional last dinner. As I've said before, John makes the seafood dinners on the whole Island. Try the fish soup-outstanding. When he saw us he remembered he owes us the recipe since last Nov.. Great guy, great food.

Jullian cafe-traditional hamburger waiting for our flight. Still good.

Only Casino was the Royal. Hey, it's across the street. You can stay as long as you want and don't have to drive home.
We made a deposit most nights. Well, we played and had fun with the other loosers. There were no winners the nights we went. Two of the drink girls are old timers, so they keep us suppied. Norma told us the Dolphin was closing in a week, bankruptcy. They should study the Royal operation.
Island is definatly getting browner. Walked the golf course from Maho to Cupecoy. They have the greens and fairways marked with yellow/orange paint. This is the only way you can tell whether you're on the fairway, rough, or green. The only thing they didn't have to mark is the sand traps. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />
Traffic was very managable. The air and water temperature was perfect. Water warm, air was dry. Only used the air in the condo at lunch time (1 to 2 pm).
Had a lot of laughs around the pool each day with a bunch of gals from Philly.
Stopped in and cought Neil behind the bar, WORKING. Bought some hats and had some drinks. Drinks were comp as Neil wanted our thoughts on a new Absolut brand he had just gotten. No problem Mon.
Didn't make the 26th TTOL. Sorry Contessa, maybe next time. We couldn't squeeze it in, as it was our last night. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

We'll be going down in the begining of Nov, but don't know where we'll be coming from. House goes on the market as soon as the pool is opened. Have a place in SW Florida now (Ft Myers Beach). Going to cash in all my Philly chips and retire. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> Move over TJM.
Jack & Rita_S <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />