So it’s Sunday and we’re happily ensconced here at Beachside Villas on Simpson Bay Beach. I think I had my best night’s sleep of this whole trip last night. There is something so very soothing about the sounds of the surf, at least to me, and it worked it’s magic for sure last night, though I have to admit, the fact there were no motorcycles, scooters or atvs revving their motors in the wee hours and no garbage trucks passing over the Maho village sped bumps at 4:30 a.m. and no car horns all night long certainly helped, too. Am I whining? I promise - no more. Suffice it to say, sleep here at BSV is heavenly and the beds are incredibly comfy too. All in all, one very nice package and I am so very happy to be here.

As much as I love our Towers #709, there are no surf sounds there but I still hope one of these years the Irma related problems et al will be resolved and we’ll be able to return there but giving back three of our four weeks has given me the option to book here instead, or anywhere else across the island if I so choose. But i’m thinking BSV will definitely be the A game, hopefully in conjunction with future Towers time down the road.

So Sunday - we awoke early and enjoyed our first cuppa Joe on the porch. Ah, heaven. Spent a couple of hours reading on the pool-deck and then readied ourselves for a very special luncheon date.

We met Barbara Cannegieter and Carole and Larry Woods at Marks and I think, had the children’s parade not been about to start, we might have chatted right through to dinner time. Many of you know Larry and follow his blog but he was someone I’d long wanted to meet so today was very special to me. He’s just an ordinary guy......... but if you have never read his writings, treat yourself. He writes beautifully and as a SXM long-time visitor, he is a font of island info and lore.

Still full from lunch, we decided upon getting ‘home’ we’d make sandwiches for dinner. It helped us make that decision when I realized I’d forgotten to take the steaks we were planning to grill out of the freezer. ‘Stuff’ happens and tomorrow is another day. And the grill isn’t going anywhere so neither will the steaks. Dinner al fresco tomorrow will be nice after another busy day.

Thanks for another update. You can't go wrong with Mark's Place.

Love Marks for reliable food. Be there in 2 weeks.

Sounds like a lovely day. I am curious to know your choices at Mark's Place. Everything is good but I really love the seafood pasta and ribs there.

I have to say my friend that I never sleep as well as I do at BSV. The sound of the waves, at my favorite place in the world, is impossible to top...

Pat, It was so nice to finally get to meet you and your husband. Seems we have so much in common. And, as always, Barbara fills the room with her charm and wonderful stories. You may see the photo that was taken of our table in one of my stories soon. We decided to pass on trying to shop for groceries next door and opted to go to the supermarket at the other end of Philipsburg...except they were closed when we arrived. Tomorrow's another day and we will try once again to fill the fridge. This board has given us so much info over the years and we have met so many new friends due to TTOL. I have enjoyed writing about the island and have written a few the past couple of days that I will post on my blog after we return from our vacation in the middle of May. Safe trip home!

I agree about sleeping more soundly with the ocean as my backdrop. So soothing for me. Can't wait to return to BSV for our Fall trip. Always enjoy reading your reports Pat even if I don't comment.

I too sleep better at BSV. But I also wake earlier than usual there. Perhaps it's the draw of the sunrise, the quiet of morning, the surf the only music. And I say goodbye to the security guard as he ends his shift.