This was our second trip to SXM, the occasion being to join cruising friends who were laying over there to take care of medical appointments, boat repairs, laundry etc. Our plan was to include a side trip to St. Barths, as that would give us the opportunity to do some sailing. On our previous trip in 2005, a Sunsail charter, I abandoned the boat after one miserable sleep aboard night. I had high hopes for this trip as our friends boat had air conditioning and a generator, -- amenities not included on the previous charter.

We arrived in SXM to absolutely glorious weather. Not too hot, no humidity, and a stiff breeze. This weather pattern kept up for two weeks of our visit. Lesley Bruce of Kennys provided a rent car, which he delivered to Simpson Bay Marina. Lesley worked with us throughout our visit to make sure that transportation was always available. I cannot say enough about him; we thoroughly enjoyed meeting Lesley and visiting him at his lovely home.

Our first afternoon and night at Simpson Bay Marina was fantastic. The Marina is beautiful, clean and smack dab in the middle of everything. Our cruising friends had their luxuriously appointed boat stocked with every imaginable treat and goodies. After a relaxing nap and a refreshing shower we enjoyed wine and cheese at sunset in the cockpit. This ritual quickly became a recurring theme of the trip. Dinner at Halseys the first night was magnificent. Blackened Mahi Mahi with Coconut Plantains for me, Filet topped with Gorgonzola for hubby, and an excellent South American wine. One of the best meals of the trip.

Day Two started with a BIG breakfast at Zee Best. Yum! Then off to Orient Beach, and chairs and umbrellas at Kon Tiki - stayed in place all day. No lunch needed, but we enjoyed the bartenders concoction called TROPICAL Sex on the Beach, After a full day on the beach, it was sizzling fajitas at Jimbos for dinner. Almost like being back in Texas………

. Day Three saw us waiting for the early bridge opening and underway to St. Barths. During our four-hour motor sail we had a smattering of rain, the only rain of the whole two-week trip. Once we were “med moored” stern to on the quay we settled in to enjoy the never-ending fashion show that is St. Barths. Dinner that night in Eddys twinkling rock grotto was spicy curries, and amazing filet poivre for hubby, with warm apple tatin and crème brulee for dessert. We waddled back to the boat and slept like babies despite the rolly.anchorage.

For the next two days we explored the gorgeous island vistas and heartstopping ascents and descents by Jeep. We packed picnic lunches for lazing on the beautiful beaches. Our favorite was St. Jean; it’s astonishing air show and La Plage with its Guava Bellinis. Harbor sunsets were spent in the cockpit snarfing down fresh whole baguettes slathered with triple crème cheeses and swilling French wine. We enjoyed live jazz and sushi at Baz on the harbor, and grilling Mahi Mahi on the boat. We were very sorry to leave, but part II of our SXM vacation was ahead of us. Soooo back to Simpson Bay Marina for a final night on board and dinner at Valentinos. This new, intimate and romantic Italian restaurant, with a Hollywood theme, complimentary Bellinis, and scrumptious Lobster Ravioli was a great finale for the cruising segment of our SXM vacation.