Flew American from Ontario to Dallas to San Juan to Beef. The flight to Beef was cancelled (not enough pax) but the next one was just an hour away and I arrived within 45 min. of my scheduled arrival with checked luggage so I felt quite fortunate. On the DFW/SJU leg I asked a flight attendant if they could ice down my can of Protein shake which I drank later, when off to the head one of the attendants asked how the drink was and I explained about my recent gastric by-pass, it turns out that this small attendant had had similar surgery a few years ago and was looking and doing amazing…small world. Upon arrival it was off to Maria’s by The Sea where I have been staying for at least 15 years. Maria was there and we had a nice talk before I retired feeling great to be back.

I scheduled a late checkout so I could walk around town and then catch the 5 o’clock flight to Anegada. Boy it’s a lot harder to cross the street than it was in the old days, even in August it’s busy.

For the first time in all my visits my scheduled driver did not show so it was a last minute race to the airport but I made it. Clair Aero got me there on time. Tony got me to Neptune’s Treasure and I was greeted by the family. A little later I met J.D. (Daix) and we had a great visit. We had most of our meals together along with Vernon (aka pop’s, the patriarch, Casanova). Vernon has some great and amazing stories about his life…he’s waiting for a young lady to come stay with him for 6-12 months so he can dictate the book that he wants to write. Anyone interested give him a call. I knew Sharon (Sharnightqueen) was supposed to be there but saw no sign of her until later that evening. Turns out she had already made a conquest. Sharon and I had been emailing about her trip for some time so I was looking forward to meeting her…….

A story on Sharon…..The driver I had arranged to pick me up at the airport I had recommended to Sharon so I asked him if he had picked her family up the previous week. He thought and then said oh you mean the black lady with all the luggage? One thing about posting on the internet is you seldom think black or white, short, tall, fat or skinny so I said I guess so. Turns out with her family they had more luggage than his SUV could handle.

Well meeting Sharon that night was well worth the wait. You may recall she was worried about getting around Anegada since she doesn’t drive. She had been planning to rent one of Alex’s scooters but after a brief try at that (in the process killing a rat) she decided to find other ways around the island. Turns out she didn’t need to worry about that. She had charmed at least two of the guys and was escorted all over the place. We rarely saw her, but she sure had a great time. I also knew she would be at White Bay while I was over there.

Also met Ginger, David and the kids. What a great bunch they are. They sure seemed to get a great deal out of their trip. Ginger and David are musicians and it seems wherever they go they make new friends. It was a real pleasure chatting with them and having the opportunity to hear about their trip. Dinghy and all.

Now J.D. is someone whose posts I had been reading for some time and I was very pleased to meet him. I think he is giving serious consideration to moving down to the islands when his boat comes out of charter. I hope he does because I believe that is where his soul is. J.D. seems to have many talents. He has some great photo equipment and took Linda (Vernon’s daughter, Randy’s wife and all round great lady) out and about to show her how to use the new camera Randy had just given her. They went all over including the salt pond to photograph the flamingos. J.D. also is a master of the lost art of wood burning. He did a sign for the Cow Wreck Country Club golf course that came out great. He’s a good guy to have around.

I had hoped to meet Walker and Kneafsey while there but missed Walker by a few hours although I did hear about his bike trip with Alex. Don’t know how I missed Kneafsey.

Staying at Neptune’s Treasure is like coming home. The rooms are comfortable and everyone is so welcoming. On arrival night Randy was bartending and I was trying out my newly arranged innards (from the gastric bypass). Well, the good conversation with Vernon (who retired first), J.D. (who retired next) and then just Randy and I gave way to a great many drinks. Something I had not done since the surgery. It was 2 or 3 when I walked back to my room wondering what had I done to myself, while I felt alright at the moment I dreaded the morning after all those drinks. Morning came and I felt great.

Had a great day with Randy. We took off to see the island and bar hop. Checked out the iguanas then went to Cooper Rock which was so peaceful and beautiful I didn’t want to leave. Hit the Big Bamboo and saw Sally, then off to Cow Wreck and spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening with Alex. What a lot of fun he is. I had not had a day like that in a long time. Thank you Randy.

I also want to thank Linda who made me feel like a long lost brother. I enjoyed her company.

Everyone there was so helpful. Randy had gotten the Soy Milk for my protein drinks and my very limited eating capacity was accommodated readily. I can’t thank everyone enough for their hospitality and help.

Singin’ Sally was there and still irrepressible. Dean, Mark and Kia had visitors from Saba who were a lot of fun. Then Dean became a father again. So much going on and I felt like part of the family. I miss them all. I was scheduled to fly back on Clair Aero Friday but there had been rumours flying about all week about a cessation in flights. Well it happened on Thursday, no flights to or from Anegada until further notice. At that point the only ferry was on Thursday. In other words I left that day or waited a week. As much as another week there would have been great, I had my long awaited reservations at Sandcastle coming up, called them and Maria’s and was able to adjust my schedule so I left Anegada a day early. Still waiting for my refund from Clair Aero. The ferry was actually $2 more that the flight. $66 round trip air. $35 for the ferry one way.

Randy got me to the ferry and off I went sad but knowing I’d be back. The ferry will stop at Virgin Gorda if there is a passenger who needs to go there, all the regulars where hoping not VG stop as they would get to Roadtown quicker. At the last minute a Police Officer boarded and was the only one traveling to VG, he was roundly booed. Good thing he didn’t have luggage because the ferry didn’t actually stop and jumped off as they reversed engines. The trip was fast and comfortable.

Back to Maria’s for the second of three stays.

JVD/Sandcastle report to follow.