This was my second trip to SXM this year and 17th overall. The dates were Oct. 19 to 26. We were joined by my wife’s parents and also met her cousin and her spouse who just happened to be there the same time. This was the 3rd stay on the island for my wife’s parents but this trip would be a little different for all of us due to an advancing medical condition of my wife’s father. Our local friends had also had a new baby on Wednesday so this trip had more purpose than just the usual beach days/dining trip to SXM we usually take.<br><br>Flights: USAir from DAY to SXM via CLT. No problems going down and flights were on time. The return flights were a different story as we sat on the end of the runway in SXM for over 35 minutes while LIAT and the other local carriers landed. My guess is it was a case of the local air traffic controller looking out for the local pilots. This made us late getting back to CLT and the in-laws almost missed their connection to RDU. Our flight back to DAY was delayed also as the pilot announced that we were number 2 for take off only to see 6 other planes take off before us. I have again concluded that schedules mean little to any airline. No security problems or long lines.<br><br>Lodging: We stayed at The Horny Toad Guesthouse. It is in the Simpson Bay area, behind the end of the runway. A very nice small guesthouse that is well maintained and located directly on Simpson Bay beach. The beach is very nice in this area and used very little. The Horny Toad is just down from Mary’s Boon towards The Royal Palm. We each had our own unit and utilized the beach and facilities more than we normally would. They have a tradition at the Horny Toad where daily at 5:30 guests gather at the BBQ pavilion for happy hour. It is not a party spot but a nice, relaxing location and has a loyal following of repeat guests. I think this was our 4th time staying there.<br><br>Rental car: I use Kenny’s Car Rental and have been very pleased. Leslie Bruce of Kenny’s happened to be returning from Toronto and was on the same flight as us to SXM. I had arranged to meet him for a drink and got to meet his wife and children. He is a super guy and runs a good, honest business. With him being on the flight he had arranged for his brother-in-law to have a car waiting for me. We met later in the week to do the paper work. I would highly recommend him for your rental needs. He met me at the airport on the day of departure and we were done in a matter of a minute or two.<br><br>Sat: Arrival day. Clearing immigration was smooth and only took a few minutes. Our local friend, Junior Bruney was waiting for us as was our rental car. Checked in at The Horny Toad and then enjoyed some conversation and a few beers. My wife went to the new Rams in Cole Bay as was disappointed in their selection and stock. Monday was a holiday so they were out of a lot of merchandise. Dinner was at Ric’s Place. Their special that night was BBQ ribs and chicken, both were good.<br><br>Sun: Breakfast was a combination of Ric’s Place and eating in at The Horny Toad. We went to the hospital to visit our friend and her new baby but they had just gone home. We stopped by her place and spent some time with them. Off to Dawn Beach with our friends two daughter, ages 14 and 9, this is a real treat for them. Even though they live on the island they go to the beach very little. Lunch was at Ms. B’s. Dawn Beach crowded today. Dinner was at Lee’s. Excellent food with the Mahi being the best we have ever had.<br><br>Mon: Went to Maho Beach for a short time and then drove thru Marigot and onto the Butterfly Farm. Spent a little time in Philipsburg then to SSBB for lunch and then back to The Horny Toad to drop the others off and then to Mary’s Boon to meet the now famous “dicky”. SSBB just doesn’t seem the same, service had an attitude and I don’t think they really think people might use the coupons they put out. Had 2 beers with “dicky”, solved several island problems and then spent the afternoon at The Horny Toad. This was our 13th anniversary so we decided to try The Hideaway for dinner, they were closed so Banana’s was chosen. This will not be popular but this was our worst dining experience of the week. I have eaten at Banana’s before and know Carol and Eric Hill had an excellent steak there in Feb. as I was with them. I had met Bob form Banana’s when he was at The Boat House and talked to him the other times I have eaten at Banana’s. I then spoke to Bob, told him I was a TTOL member and of our anniversary. Two people in the group do not eat fish so we wanted a decent steak. They were out of filets and strip steaks. We decided to stay anyhow since it was “lobster night”. The two meat eaters had soup and salad. One person had the bacon wrapped scallops and I had the lobster. The bacon was burnt and the scallops were very dry. The lobster was nice in size but was overcooked and served dry. Nobody came back to check on our table. I was very disappointed and will be hard pressed to eat here again. We then went to Ric’s Place for desert.<br><br>Tue: Breakfast in Marigot and then onto the ferry to Anguilla. Departure tax is still $2 and the fare is $10. Took a cab to Shoal Bay, rented chairs from Raymond at Skyline Beach rentals and lunch at Uncle Ernie’s. Raymond is a very nice guy and had kept some clothing I had left from my Feb. visit. Anguilla is very slow but seemed to be picking up some. The departure tax back to SXM from Anguilla is now $3. Spent the day relaxing on the beach and took the 5:30 ferry back to SXM. Dinner that night was at Pizza Pasta, which was excellent.<br><br>Wed: Went to Marigot for market day. Had a fruit drink from the Coconut Man. If you have never tried one of his drinks you are missing out. Then back to Philipsburg to support the jewelry and liquor stores. Did some business with Max of Caribbean Gems and then Diamond Jewelers for liquor. I have bought liquor from this store several times and been comfortable doing so, this time I noticed a variance of prices from other stores and also “extra” price tags on the counter. I am not sure what the price tags were for but with 3 ships in port one can only imagine. I mentioned the price difference and was told they would match any other stores price, which they did. Lunch was at The Jerk, if you have never tried them it is worth trying, prices are low and the food is good. I took the other back to The Horny Toad and stopped at Ric’s Place to chat with Ric, Kathy and Jerry. The afternoon was spent at the beach at The Horny Toad. Dinner was with our local friends at Mark’s Place. Good food and service with reasonable prices.<br><br>Thurs: Rhino Rider day! SXMNorm talks about this, it is different and fun. I would recommend it, the snorkeling is not the greatest but the ride and scenery is worth it. Spent the afternoon at The Horny Toad and walking the beach. The prior night a boat had washed ashore in front of Mary’s Boon. I am sure “dicky” had his hands full with this. It was an early dinner at Ric’s Place and then to Peg Leg Pub for the TTOL gathering. I arrived a little late and had to leave early but it was well attended and I enjoyed meeting those there. “dicky” even made an appearance. Did you guys ever use the name tags?<br><br>Fri: Checked out what used to be The Village Baker. Selection seemed to be limited but what we had was good. It is more of a “local” type place now with lunch and dinner but did not try anything other than pastry. Went by to see the new baby again and onto Dawn Beach. The water was a little rougher and the beach was not crowded. Ate at Ms. B’s again (excellent ribs). I am told that ownership of Ms. B’s has changed hands but everything seemed the same, maybe even to be running smoother now. Dinner this night was a local BBQ put on by our friends. Excellent home-cooked ribs, chicken, several salads and Johnny cakes. They are great people and we value their friendship.<br><br>Sat: Checkout day. Our flight was at 2:15 so we do what we usually do and get to the airport at 9:00. USAir says the counter opens at 9:30, the sign says 10:00 and it opened about 10:20. Luggage was all hand searched but it is more “show” than anything. We were 2nd in line and were checked thru at 10:30. I am almost thinking that it might be better to show up at around 1:00 for the 2:15 flight as there was almost no line then, you can check in and go directly to the gate that way. I might try this the next trip. Peg Leg Pub was chosen for lunch. I had never eaten here before and am now sorry I hadn’t. The food was excellent and the service was even better. This will be high on our list for the next trip. I think some better signage would be a great idea as it is difficult for many to find. Back to the airport at 1:30, turned the car over to Leslie Bruce and onto the gate. Security moved quickly and it was your typical SXM airport for departure, hot and crowded.<br><br>General observations: The island looks great, very green with lots of mowing and trimming going on. Business is still pretty slow but they are hoping for a good season. Some road construction, including a new round-about going down the hill, towards town that I think will lead to the area of the hospital. Several stores (including Rams in town) and restaurants were closed still and a lot of renovation. I heard several good reports of meals from The Boathouse and Peg Leg Pub. I had intended to try several new and different restaurants but circumstances did not allow it this visit. This is just more reason to return again, soon.<br><br>Crime: We witnessed none and heard of none while we were there although our local friends did indicate it is more of a concern than in that past since the world economy is not the best.<br><br>Thanks, J.D.<br>
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