We enjoyed three weeks again this year, Jan. 20 to Feb. 10, our sixth and probably most relaxing visit. Can't remember being any happier during any other vacation. Landed at 9:15pm and went through immigration in 10 minutes to find our luggage waiting. Spotted the ACE rep for Mohamed and we were on the road to Baie Orientale shortly. Had a detour in front of the Sports Book casino – a mangled go-fast motorcycle was in the middle of the road with the ambulance loading up.

We again enjoyed staying at Sun Caraibes, along with our MN friends Jean & Ernie. Our thing this year was spending maximum time on the beach. La Playa wasn’t as busy as in past years, but Club O seemed busier, plus there seemed to be lots of beach walkers on that end. Lots of sand this year, especially on the South end.

Visited Happy Bay several times and enjoyed chairs & lunch with Danny – to us, best lolo type ribs of the trip. Walked in both from Friars Bay and from near the main road, and found the latter walk easier and possibly safer. On Saturday Feb. 7 a couple reported that someone tried to mug them (with a large stick) as they walked in from Friars. They got away from him and were not hurt. We heard of no other incidents in that area and had no problems ourselves.

We did not eat out as much as usual this year (and tried to walk more). We had pizza at Tap 5 and I’m sad to say it wasn’t very good – tried it a second time with the same results – burnt crust and undercooked toppings. Had a nice tuna steak at La California – 1 to 1 prices seemed higher this year. Visited Talk of the Town three times for decent ribs, had good service two times… We had an enjoyable early dinner at Skipjacks and also at Toppers – we would return to both. Okay coconut shrimp at Turtle Pier but had a terrible time getting our bill. Took 45 minutes after requesting it and had to track the waitress down again. We did have lunch three times at Papagayos and the fish & salads were very good, plus good service. Disappointed at the Perch happy hour change, but it helped us save money. Lots of other places we would have enjoyed, but just didn’t get to them.

We had a great time with the TTOL gang at Captain Olivers one evening – thanks to Norm for setting it up. Met some "famous name” folks, and enjoyed talking to many old friends!

One of the highlights of our trip was a Sunday cruise on the TikoTiko. We have always wanted to go on a real sailing trip, and were not interested in just motor sailing to Tintamarre Island for a beach day. The Sunday cruise no longer goes completely around the island, but now stays on the French side. We were lucky that Philippe sailed even though there were only five of us signed up. JP was crewing that day, and there were three Frenchmen who were returning home the next day, plus my wife and me. We sailed with the wind past Pinel and along the beautiful rugged coastline, past Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Happy Bay and into Friars Bay where we took the dingy in for a great lunch break at Kali’s Beach Bar. We then sailed back around the North end of the island, tacking back and forth between St. Martin and Anguilla for nearly three hours before stopping at a cove at Tintamarre for swimming and snorkeling. My wife and I had a wonderful time sitting on the seats out at the point of the hulls, riding through the nice ocean rollers. We then motor sailed back to Orient where the trip ended at about 5:00pm. It was $85 each including open bar and a few snacks late in the day. Lunch was not included. We feel it was very worthwhile and will do it again on our next visit.

We witnessed no crime, and only know of the Happy Bay problem. We walked around Orient Village day & night and never felt unsafe at any time. Our biggest worry was the motor bikes at night with no lights, especially on the French side.

We love our vacations in St. Martin and will return, but plan to try something different next winter. We’re thinking we should spend vacation money in the states first during these tough economic times – but the pull to return to SXM is great.

Lynn & Glenda