Trip Report Nov 25 –Dec 2, 2006

USAir from Philly both ways uneventful. We arrived early on return trip, we also left .as in took off, exactly on time. Boarding started at 3pm for the 3:45 flight. Everyone was loaded and we were taxiing to takeoff spot by 3:35. We carried everything on. We were very scrupulous regarding the 3 -1-1 rule, both of us had a “liquids” ziplock.

Food : we ate at Kissing Fish for Hamburgers (Sunday) and Pizza in Paradise nites. Their thin crust pizza is really good – (Friday nites) Also enjoyed meals at Le Montmart (excellent food and service), Peg Leg’s Pub, Pineapple Pete’s, Le Main a la Pate, and
Le Charolais. Baywatch (OMG those mussels in oil & Garlic are sooooo good.), Jimbo’s, Daleo’s on Mullet Beach.

Beaches: Orient (for snorkeling and Andy and Cheryl’s) and Mullet Bay.

Sailing with Larry, Liz and Jackie on RANDOM WIND. We had significant wind and sailed to Friar’s Bay for snorkeling (not much to see because of the wave action), swimming, and lunch. Due to heavy seas and wind, we did not try to get to Creole Rock or Tintemarre. We sailed back to Long Bay for a final swim. For sailors, the weather was great 15- 25 knots of wind.

We had sun every day, though on Wednesday when we went sailing on Random Wind, the sun was mostly off island. Heavy rain squalls did not deter, we swam in the sun at Friar’s. We had passing showers each day, but not enough to dampen our spirits. The winds were high 15 -25 mph w gusts up to 45, Weds thru Sat. That really got rid of any mosquitos who cared to try humans. We spent windy days on Mullet because the wind direction was blowing sand A LOT at Orient.

We were only on SXM for a week this trip, but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves by visiting with old friends and experiencing serious sand gravity. We saw John and SugarRae at Baywatch. We had dinner with Marten and Saskia of Random Wind at Pineapple Pete’s, since none of us had eaten there before. Wow, what they have done with that place. Their tiger shrimp stuffed with crab was superb, as was the Lobster Thermidor. We will all be back. Thanks TTOLers for advising we try Pineapple Pete’s. Joined NJ buddies for a trek to the Marina Royale, we decided on Le Main a la Pate and had wonder food. A little pricey since they are not $1= 1 Euro. But the ambiance and fellowship was wonderful.
We shopped on the beaches this trip and found some nice Xmas presents. Not one trip to Phillipsburg this trip, I can’t believe it. Time was too short.
We had many enjoyable breakfasts with Chloe and Thierry at Kissing Fish, even when the “Altar Boys” arrived. What a hoot they were. A large group from North Jersey who come down every year for fun in the sun!!. Happy Hour was always lively with the Altar Boys.

Island changes: the cut /drain off pond created in Mullet at the Cupecoy end, really made a big difference after the rains. We could get through without high water.
The “new” road to Terre Basse from Cupecoy is still not open.
There are 2 rows of new homes on the left (from the sea) side of Friar’s Bay. Up there on the hill you walk over to get to Happy Bay.
The big dig continues at Pelican, the building is now up four floors, and no where near completion.
At the point at Billy Folly Road, the old bagel shop (closed for at least the past 4 years) is demolished as well as the rest of that lot up to the old theatre – now Casino. New building is everywhere. Parking for the restaurants in Simpson Bay is minimal. We plan to walk next April, when we go back and are staying at Pelican.
New one way traffic pattern appears to have improved traffic some. There is still an ungodly back up going from the Maho/Airport Area through Simpson Bay from 5 – 6 pm every night. Since we did not go that way in the AM, I cannot comment.

Overall we are now completely rested, sad we are not still on island and looking forward to our April trip. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

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Ann & Steve