April 11: Roslyn and I flew from Dayton, OH to Chicago, then non-stop via United. With the headwind, we arrived 40 minutes early. We use AAA auto rental. The Toyota was mechanically sound, but no hubcaps and damaged. Ate at the Toucan Restaurant at Divi Little Bay, where we stayed, and renewed friendships with Walter, Marisol and Geraldine, who treated us like family.
April 12: Orient Beach/Bay Rouge/Cupecoy. I was suprised how badly the north beach at Cupecoy looked. Roslyn won a free trip by boat to St. Barts.
April 13: Manager's Party at the Divi. The dinners there are excellent. Visited Orient/Friar's/Happy/Long/Plum Beaches. The southern beach at Cupecoy had a lot of sand and looked great. Mullet always looks good. Had dinner at Peg Leg Pub and then went to the Princess Casino.
April 14: Finally found Guana Beach, which is beautiful, with the help of a local. The street is not marked. Also found David Brenner's home, which is marked by a sign " David Brenner Estate". Make a right turn at the next road and it will lead you to the beach.
April 15: This day we took the Edge from the Pelican to St. Barts. Ran into Wild Bill and Mrs. Wild Bill at the Pelican. I would see them again at the TTOL party Thurday. We did not know there was a small craft advisory in effect. The ride over was brutal. I was thrown into the air and struck the bench next to me with my head (still clutching my Coke in my right hand). My cuts were bandaged and we continued on. Honestly, I would never boat over there again, even though the trip back was relatively calm. St. Barts was beautiful, but the roads were very narrow. We had a fifth generation cab driver drive. I would not rent a car there. We saw Eden Rock resort and stayed at St. Jean Beach, near the landing strip, which in that respect reminded me of Maho. The island made me feel a little claustrophobic. I was glad to get back to St. Martin.
April 16: Bought "the map" at Rima. Well worth the cost. Visited various beaches. Drove over the hill to see Anse Marcel. Also went to the Pinel Island Ferry dock. Attended the TTOL party at Dingy Dock. Louise and David did a fabulous job. Well attended. Everyone was a lot of fun to talk to. The name tags were first class, as was the dinner. David handed out beads. Dingy Dock is on the dock at Captain Olivers, Oyster Pond (french side). Mr. St. Martin was there as well. Louise took photos, which I am sure she will post.I ran into the Carnival Parade on the way back to the Divi.
April 17: Went to Rima's for sovenirs. Probably the best on the island for that. Had another great dinner at the Divi (Toucan Restaurant). Roslyn won a $120 jackpot and a $200 jackpot at the Sonest Great Bay Casino.
April 18: Smooth flight back through Charlotte.
Great trip! No sunburn! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />
