I finally got caught up on work, chores, etc resulting from annual trip to SXM. We were there 10/2- 10/9 and like many others have reported, experienced more rain and wind than in previous five years. Stayed at the Pelican in our timeshare units and was pleased to see new appliances, flooring, shower stalls, and painting in both. I'm a little miffed at increased AMF, but what's new? Spent most days at Orient Beach as the water was calmer and clearer there than most of the other beaches. Had great meals at Peg Legs, Pizza Pasta, the Wharf, Boat House, and several at Lido's. Enjoyed 2 for 1 at the Perch almost every day and Willie was a blur of activity and friendliness. Went to Fort St. Louis in Marigolt for the first time and what a great vantage point to get oriented with Island and great photo ops!!! Snorkelled at Pinel and saw our first shark ever in St. Martin there! We were a group of ten and sometimes we hung together and other times went our own ways. Went on the Lambada to Prickly Pear and the current was strong, exhausted by the end of the day. Overall, great trip except for departure. Flight from Charlotte had to land in San Juan due to rain??? and was four hours late arriving in SXM. Needless to say, we all missed our connections in Charlotte so we had spent the night on our dime because everything was "weather related". Got home a day late and really tired. SXM was greener than ever and looked especially beautiful with many flowers present and grass abundant. On Tuesday 10/4 we got caught in a flash flood in Marigolt and the rain reached over the second level of sidewalks on the street leading out of town toward the airport. Right in the middle of rush hour, too! Now...... for those of you who are familiar with Happy Bay, who owns or what was all those large houses sitting in a semi-circle around Happy Bay? It appears it was once a resort or a housing development. It hard to believe a savvy developer (or lover of SXM like us on TTOL) couldn't find a use for them. Just a thought, Mike.