06-14-2017 -- Day 1

Good evening from Mont Vernon…

I trust that all is well with all of you this fine evening. Diana and I have arrived on the island safely and are ensconced in our studio at Mont Vernon, and all is well in our world this evening.

Our trip started yesterday afternoon with a trip to St. Louis from our home in central Illinois. Living where we do, you can’t go anywhere by air unless you drive for at least two and half hours to somewhere. This time St. Louis and American Airlines won the battle for my money.

We stayed overnight at the La Quinta Inn And Suites in Riverport Center. The hotel is part of the Park Sleep and Fly network so we had a room and long term pricing for less that it would have cost to park at the airport -- That’s always a plus!

Our day started this morning with a wake up call at 0300, in order to catch the 0400 shuttle to the airport for our 0530 boarding. All went well, and we were checked in and at the gate by 0500.

The plane was on time and promptly pushed back from the gate at 0600. About an hour and a half later we were on the ground in Charlotte for a plane change before continuing our journey to the island. I must say that the older I get, the more uncomfortable airplane seats seem to get. After four hours of “Spam in can” at 38000 feet, I was extremely happy to see Maho Beach slip past my window as we landed at PJIA.



After deplaning, and clearing immigration, it was off to claim our bags. A short while later we were heading out the door to find Lesley and our rental car. Right outside the door we were greeted by Lesley Elvis Bruce, and in under 10 minutes the paperwork was done, and we were on our way to to lay in provisions for a few days.

That task done, it was off to Mont Vernon. Once there this was our view as we stepped out on our balcony:



Once the bags and provisions were put away, it off to the little Pizzeria at Mont Vernon for some much needed dinner.

Tomorrow will be our first full day on the Island, and we are looking forward to our longest visit yet. So for now I will say goodnight from Mont Vernon...