I will need to do this report in segments as I am doing it from work. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" /> Here goes:

Sunday Oct 5- Travel day. 8AM flight from Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC. USAIR Express prop job. Smooth flight. Met the rest of our party at Charlotte's new International departure terminal. SXM flight was on time and boarding went smoothly. Push-off time was delayed as baggage was found on-board w/o owners being on plane. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cloud.gif" alt="" /> Unsuccessful attempts at trying to locate owners resulted in baggage being removed <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> and our flight losing its place in take-off sequence. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Mad.gif" alt="" /> However, our pilot made good time and we arrived only seventeen minutes later than scheduled. But, we were ready to get off. Thank goodness, you can exit both ends of plane in SXM <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />. Greeted by live steel drum band and GuaveBerry punches at immigrations. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> The lines were longer and slower, but hey, WE WERE IN SXM!!!! Collected baggage, found Budget van, and got rent-a-wrecks <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />. Checked-in at Pelican, unpacked, had a few drinks, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />, and headed for Grand Case and the rib shacks. We ate at the one right on the beach near the dock. Forgot or never knew name. We find this is agreat way to adjust our attitudes the first night. Open air eating, listening to the locals, and "down-home" food. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />. Back to the Pelican for some much needed sleep.

Monday 6- Breakfast in the room as we did not want to waste any time our first full day on the Island. Packed up and headed for Cul de Sac and Pinel Isle. We missed Brown Sugar as he had the cruise ship group. They were packing to leave as we were arriving at the "snorkeling dock" located in the marine preserve area. We had the entire area to ourselves all day except for a delightful (British) couple from the same cruise who decided to visit Pinel our their terms. We introduced them to the art of feeding bananas to the fish. This really draws a crowd of fish!!! Both of the beach rests. were closed but we came prepared. Caribes, <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> rum <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" /> , cokes, baggettes, cheese, apples, and ham. We stayed until the last boat at 4PM and headed back to Pelican. It was decided to give Peg Legs a try and what a great choice. We sat on the deck outside under a shy full moon and gentle breezes. Met Sean and he is a fantastic host. Thanks for the wine, TTOL. All of the different entrees were great and my seafood fettucine could have fed two people. After this good meal, we headed for "home", MNF, and some great sleep.

Tuesday 7- Peggy and I went exploring. I saw several mentions about Cupecoy on this site and we decided to go find it. It was actually easy to find and I had gone by the entrance several times in past trips. While the scenery, the cliffs and such, are interesting, the beach is only so-so for swimming. NO Snorkeling and this is our passion. We also did not like the several men prowling the cliffs above watching people. When we were going down the path to the steps, these men would avoid you or go into the woods. Just an observation, but Cupecoy is not for me. We went back to Pelican and all of went went on the Rhino Riders tour, another TTOL tip. A lot of fun <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> . Imagine a jet ski surrounded by a rubber dinghy propelled by a 25 HP outboard motor. A must do for everyone. One person steers and the other hangg on. The tour leads to Creole Rock for great snorkeling. Stay tuned for more, Mike.