Was hoping to post earlier, but just got some time now as we're switching rooms at Flamingo until Tuesday.

Flew in Saturday 2/21/09 CLE to CLT to SXM. Easy flight – USAir is supposed to stop the nickel and diming on March 1. I don’t think the $2.00 cokes were paying off. Rented car from Uprising Car Rental, little Daihatsu for $25.00 per day. Usually rent Corolla from Avis ($40), so planned on one couple taking a cab to Flamingo. But Ken (brother-in-law), insisted on getting us all in. Tight fit – four adults with eight pieces, but we did it. Great little car for getting around.

First dined out at Toppers by the Sea. Excellent dinner and service. The manageress really keeps the service up and the staff moving. Much improved from the previous owner. Seemed like a lot of people from off the resort were having dinner. Reservations recommended.

Went to Dawn Beach Sunday. We think we found the public parking at the Westin – a small street/driveway that runs alongside the resort – to the left as you’re driving in. Beach was empty, so we borrowed some chairs with no problem. Pool was crowded, though. Guess the wind was keeping people away, but no blowing sand or anything.

Went to Pineapple Pete’s that evening, but didn’t order the Lobster Thermidor. Ribs/Chicken just so, so -- not crazy about the barbecue sauce. Nice atmosphere and good service.

Went to Phillipsburg on Monday – shopping and such. Ken and his wife have been having an ongoing issue with Omni jewelers since last year, don’t recommend shopping there. Of course, as a guy, I don’t recommend shopping anywhere. We brought our own chairs rented from Craig (who also sings at Peg Leg under a stage name on Wednesday nights) at Packlight (http://www.sxm-services.com/packlight/) and sat near the Fire House Café on the front. Swam until the rain came through. Nice beach though, had never stayed there before. Three cruise ships in, but not too much foot traffic.

Tuesday went sailing on the Random Wind http://www.randomwind.com. Had a great time. Met at Ric’s Place for breakfast (included). About 16 on board. Capt. Trevor and First Mate Christine were professional, yet entertaining ($95 per person, free Heineken and sodas). Stopped for snorkeling at Friars Bay and another spot on the way back. Good fun and a good crowd. Grabbed groceries at Cost U Less… Nice store, good selection, bigger quantities though.

Wednesday was Mullet Bay. A good beach, except for the surroundings. So much potential. Again, brought our chairs/umbrellas. They’ve definitely paid for themselves. Went to Peg Leg Pub for dinner. Pricey, but good. Had the fancy pork loin (organic, natural, hand fed or something). Others had steaks – T-bone and petite filet – very good.

Thursday morning left for Anguilla from Marigot via ferry. Parked rental car on street in Marigot, no problems. Tried to rent a car from Ronnie in AXA, based on this forum’s recommendations, but when we got to Blowing Point – the ferry landing – he had forgotten about us, even though we traded emails weeks before. Oh well, rented from Andy’s who had actually called Ronnie for us to see about our car. Same rate and they take MC/Visa/Discover. Bring cash to AXA – limited credit card use.

Stayed at Lloyds B&B (http://65.36.226.88/) they have wifi now, but I didn’t take my laptop. Stayed in rooms 8 and 9, very nice, all air conditioned. Marilyn is the day manager – sweet lady. We love this place, $135 night. Nice new sun porch up top. Went to Shoal Bay East for the day. Ate at Uncle Ernie’s, served by Kendon, who was celebrating his 21st birthday. Near the end of the day, drinks were on the house in celebration.

Checked out of Lloyds after breakfast Friday and went to Mead’s Bay, eastern edge near Malliouhana. We schlepped our chairs/umbrellas all the way from SXM – stupid idea that turned out to be brilliant. No chair rentals on that end. This is the best beach I’ve ever been to. Planned for lunch at Banana’s, as we had a great time there last year. Sadly, they had gone under. It was a beautiful restaurant, now just a shell, in less than a year. Left the beach, sought lunch. None to be had after 2:00PM; most places closed until dinner. Lesson: eat lunch at noon on AXA. Ferried back late afternoon. Car still safe at Marigot. Hit rush hour, took an hour to get back to Flamingo.

After these busy days, complete with daily morning tennis and many beers, just too whacked in the evening to post daily.

Miscellaneous things –

Won at the Coliseum Casino in Phillipsburg, then lost it all at the Rouge et Noir across the street, but Ken won $100 there. Lost at Princess Casino, next to Peg Leg, but Ken won there again. My luck wasn’t running.

Best snorkeling was at East Shoal Bay in Anguilla. Cloudy water in SXM. Bought a DicaPac camera case for small digital camera on Amazon ($35.00). Works well, but cloudy conditions limited picture quality.

Crowds limited on Anguilla, but Lloyds is fully booked, reserve well in advance if you’re going. It’s not the Cap Jaluca, but it’s 1/10 the price and locally owned and operated.

Booze still cheap on SXM; beers still a buck at a lot of places. Heavily used the Peli Deli across from Pelican resort, good selection for such a small store - $20 minimum for credit card purchases. Smokes up to $2.35 a pack.

Weather great this year! Rained once or twice so far, compared to every day on last year’s trip; a little breezier though.

Flamingo tennis court open and in great shape. Don’t try to reserve at desk – they didn’t think they were finished yet.

Having a great time!

It’s almost noon and Amstel Light is calling. Cheers!