Well here goes!
Arrived in SXM on Saturday the 11th. Got picked up at the airport by our friends that invited us for this years annual trip.
The new airport terminal is progressing but saw very few workers working on the structure. Most of the work was taking place on dredging operation.
Stopped at the Royal Palms to pick up our rented cell phone from Sharon Harris. This was a great bit of information we found here only 3 days before our departure and Sharon was able to accomodate us quickly. The cell phone worked great on the front patio of our beach chalet and everywhere else on the island.
Arrived at the Grand Marche market for supplies. Nicest market we've been in, in our three visits. We did pack a carry on suit case with some food and found that we still packed more clothes than we used. I took two hawaiian shirts, 3 t-shirts and 3 shorts and didn't need half of it. But to each his/her own but we didn't go there to wear clothes. Back to the food. We found the quality of the meat and chicken a bit more to our liking at Grand Marche than at L"Orientique. Didn't really pay much attention to the prices but know that it was cheaper than buying everything at the resort.
Made our way to Club O. The road in was still full of pot holes, dips and bumps from the recent rain. Check in was a snap as always and we ended up in Beach Chalet 62. Very nice one, nicest one we've stayed in the past three years. We undressed first, then unpacked, temps in the 90's and about the same for the humidity, it helped getting out of our clothes. It was partly cloudy but the sun was shining for the first day in 4 according to those already on the beach.
First stop, Papagayo's for a drink. Then another and another and you get the idea, we needed some travel day relief. First night we ate at Papagayo's and I wish I could tell you what the dinner was like but I can't remember! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
The next day we were booked on the Tiko for the "Around the Island Cruise". Weather seemed like it was going to cooperate and it did for the most part. 5 couples booked the cruise, ourselves, our friends and 3 others. A great bunch of people to spend the day with. Once on board Phillipe got the Tiko moving and Melanie started serving drinks. One couple brought a video camera and asked prior to boarding if anyone had any objections. Hearing none he documented our trip and is sending each of us a copy of the cruise. We look forward to receiving it and experiencing the cruise again. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Phillipe is a very nice person and always smiles, Melanie is a cutie and from my perspective a skilled sailor, more on that later. They made sure we had what we wanted and we headed towards Friars Bay. Everyone was nude on the cruise with the exception of Melanie. She wore a thong bathing suit bottom. That was okay, she was more comfortable like that and it didn't bother anyone.
While doing various tasks while sailing, I was eager to learn and Melanie was more than willing to explain the various reasons why we used one sail or the other and why she and Phillipe did certain tasks. Along with the nude cruise, unlimited drinks and good company, I also got a Sailing lesson. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pirate.gif" alt="" />
We pulled into Friars Bay and Melanie said she would tell us when we should put something on for the ride to the beach. We remained nude on board for quite awhile, in plain site of those on the beach, while Phillipe and Melanie secured the Tiko. Once anchored she said we could all go to the back of the Tiko and put on a wrap or shorts and get into the small motor boat for the ride to the beach. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
Our lunch at Friar's Bay Beach Cafe was terrific, our server was a riot and the company equally as great. Many choices on the menu and the libations continued to flow. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pepsi.gif" alt="" />
While waiting to pay, the first storm cell caught us at Friar's Bay. We huddled inside the cafe and visited somemore as we waited for the cell to pass. Took more pictures and then boarded the Tiko to continue our voyage. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
Melanie continued to circulate the Tiko and serve us drinks, explained various parts of the island and was just a real pleasure to talk to about many different things. The cruise and weather were going well but we didn't seem to have enough wind to shut down the engine on the Tiko and fully sail. Despite this, we all continued to laugh and enjoy the cruise. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />
About 30-45 mins from returning to Club O, another storm cell was bearing down on us. Phillipe and Melanie worked very hard to get us back into Orient Bay before we were overrun by the cell <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" />. This is were we all witnessed both their sailing skills, all the time smiling and not letting on that this last half hour or so was going to get a little rough. For those that don't know Melanie, she's about 5' tall and weighs about 100 lbs, wet and with that thong on! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
She was pulling rope and running back and forth, forward and aft and it was amazing watching her work. Phillipe continue to monitor the sails, checking his instruments and such and we got into Orient Bay just a little wet from the rain.
An absolutely great trip and experience despite the rain. We tipped them both quite well for getting us back safetly. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cool.gif" alt="" />
We spent the next few days sunning on the beach, meeting new friends, getting reaquainted with others we met the previous years. A great bunch of people on the beach again this June. Spent several afternoons at the Perch for Happy Hour and their lunch. $10.00 for a Cheese Burger, cole slaw and potato salad. It was very good as were the 2 for 1 drinks. First time we had Quavaberry Coladas <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drinking.gif" alt="" />! Many others stated that the ribs were very good as well.
Walked the beach each morning without incident. Took our camera and took lots of pictures of us, our friends and the beach. Latest we walked the beach was about 8:30 -9:30 am. but we did see a few people walking the beach nude in the middle of the afternoon. Lots of nude sunbathers throughout the entire beach and even more topless sunbathers. Orient Beach was the busiest we've seen in the past three years.
Had breakfast at Baywatch. Talked with Andy and Cheryl. They really are very, very nice people. Food was great <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" />, Andy joked with us and Cheryl gave us all a big hug and kiss on the cheek <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" /> and told us to come back and we did.
One day my wife and our female friend wanted to go shopping down the beach and I felt like walking so we left our male friend to his book. I just wore a short pareo and the girls wore short pareos and matching tops. Walked all over the village and the entire beach. A few textiles pointed and smiled but the shopping trip in my wrap was without incident. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
Once back in front of Pedro's we began to strip, hot and muggy. A taxi with several young girls parked and the first thing these young girls see is me standing there naked holding all the bags and articles of clothing my wife and our friends strip off and hand me to hold. Camera's click and smiles and giggles <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />, didn't bother us in the least. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />
We took the Tiko cruise to Tintamarre on Wednesday. Only 4 couples. Another very nice trip, only complaint I heard from those on board was that they wish Phillipe would clean up the inside of Tiko before boarding guests. Most of the women stated that he needed a woman, to keep the Catamaran clean. This trip we had a new First Mate, Florence. Melanie had left for France to visit family on Monday. Flo was a young lady from Belgium, she too opted for a thong bathing suit bottom and was not really skilled in sailing and was there to assist with the other tasks to make the trip run smooth. Pretty young lady and friendly but not near as friendly nor as sweet a personality as Melanie. Lunch was excellent as usual. Then back to the beach. One problem I see with this cruise here on out is that Tintamarre seems to be the stopping place for several other Catamarans, most of which are textiles. Two huge Cats with about 60-80 person each anchored and took over the majority of the beach pushing us eight nudists to the far right as you face the beach. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />
We felt a little crowded and not having the entire beach to ourselves, as in the past, was a let down. We did do more exploring of the beach when the larger Cats left the island. The mud bath was again a treat but Flo mixed the mud and made it too watery, so several coats were needed to get the affect you wanted. More pictures and sunning and snorkling and napping. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />
Left Tintamarre and headed back to Club O. Another nice day with new friends. Attended the Managers Party at Papagayo's. Met the new manager and his assistant. His assistant was more willing to talk about improvements to the resort. Apparently Papagayo's is closing in August to add ceiling fans and some roof improvements. At this time they will re-evaluate the current operation of Papagayo's and make any necessary changes which may mean some may not have jobs when the restaurant reopens, this somehow effects L'Orientique staff as well. There are several staff workers there that are extremely nice and friendly and we'd hate to see them not return. We'll keep our fingers crossed for them and hope that we will see them next year.
We ate in Grand Case twice this trip. L'Escapade and Le Tastevin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/chef.gif" alt="" />......amazing food and service. There are so many to choose from, we'll have to try two different ones next time.
We took our friends to the airport Friday morning and had the rest of the day to ourselves. We decided to go to the Sunset Beach Bar, have lunch, a couple of drinks and watch them take off. When we arrived at SBB it was closed and the auction was taking place. Apparently there was money due, not payment, etc., etc. and the place was closed for a few days til it was all ironed out. Apparently it opened again the next day or the day after. We did some walking around in Marigot, had lunch at L'villiage on the Marina. Great Tropical Salad and 3 cheese sandwich. Dreamed of which boat we'd own and start our own Tiko Cruises here on the west coast. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
Decided we would rather be naked and headed back to Club O. Short stop at those small gift shops on top of the hill before you get to the Club O road. Bought a few more things we didn't need. Another absolutely great trip. The cruise ship people really didn't bother us at all, must have been because we were gone those days they traversed the beach at Club O.
The plane ride home was a different story and not really a part of the trip report so we'll just say that Club O continues to be our favorite place to visit so far and we've already made plans to return again June '06 for 10-12 days. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
Sorry for the long report. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/busted.gif" alt="" />
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