Checking the Cruiseship schedule, we noticed one day was a 5 cruiseship day, with a few big ones so we decided to grab our beach chairs and hit a more quiet beach. After reading online about a group being robbed at Le Gallion this week, we were reminded to be careful. We grabbed picnic supplies and decided to look at Baie Rouge and if it was too deserted, to try somewhere else. Turns out, others on island had the same idea. There were probably 50-60 people there by the time we left. The water was so clear and beautiful – I believe it was the prettiest beach we visited this trip. I would have loved to have seen it pre-Irma. We decided to try Happy Hour at The Oasis this evening. It wasn’t too crowded and we very much enjoyed the bartenders and watching Freddo try to “win over” a waitress that was giving him the evil eye. He eventually prevailed and got a grin out of her. We got Cosmos, Calamari, and Korean wings. All were excellent and it is definitely on the return to list for us, especially during Happy Hour. Someone posted here about the parking garage in Maho- we had not realized it was there and I directed him on how to find it - Wow - how much easier it makes things... for $1 an hour! My husband lists it as one of the best finds of the trip this time haha!

Wednesday evening we had reservations at Bamboo House for Sunset. We ran into our first real traffic jam trying to cross the causeway bridge around 5:00pm. We made it to the shuttle in time for our 6:00 reservation (barely). It was beautiful and I’m glad we did it, but probably not on our list to do again. Drinks were fine, but nothing remarkable (we thought the drinks at The Oasis and JAX in Maho were much better). The food was pretty good – the portions rather small, which was fine. It was just such a hassle to do, we prefer our vacation dining to be a little more laid back and relaxing – it just doesn’t fit well with our usual vacation schedule. I definitely would do it once… if we went back, we’d probably try to just go to the bar for Happy Hour. Those specials were not available from a table. Oh… and shockingly we did see a lady fall in the water here, fully clothed. No one was really sure exactly how that could happen, but thankfully she was ok. There was a $5 per person music charge, but if you go early for sunset, they only allow you to book the table for 2 hours. The music doesn't start until 7:30, so you don't get to hear much. You have to move to the bar... or perhaps book a later table if you enjoy the music. And they add the 15% service charge, but it is noted. If you want valet parking, it's $10. Things just add up here.

One day we joined a group from a Facebook post on a group sail to Anguilla on Spellbound Too. After looking at the schedule, we realized meeting the dinghy was going to be difficult from our spot in Terres Basses because we had to cross the drawbridge around the time the regatta boats would be going through. So, we decided to go early, find a parking spot, and eat breakfast before meeting. That turned out to be a good plan. Reveil Matin was great as always. I had the Snooze (French Toast topped with apples sauteed in butter, blueberries, and homemade caramel sauce) & a chai latte. My husband had eggs, bacon, potatoes, and toast. We enjoyed it all, but he particularly thought the potatoes were excellent this time and I had to agree.

We have never been to SXM during the regatta before, as we typically come earlier. We met the captain and dinghy behind No Where Special. He took us out to the catamaran and we sailed out before the regatta began and we got to see all the boats waiting on the start. It was beautiful. An easy day for sailing, or motor sailing actually. The charter included a full bar and bbq lunch. As we’ve never been to Anguilla before, we enjoyed the sailing, the gorgeous scenery, and meeting new people.


We’re starting to realize our time in St. Martin is coming to a close…. Time goes by so quickly here!