Thursday – Anguilla Day!

Today we joined in the celebration of Anguilla separating from Nevis/St Kitts in a bloodless revolution in 1967.  It is a day for all to gather and enjoy this lovely island and their self rule.  The day begins early as old and young assemble in the Valley for a parade and civic awards.  We skipped the parade, but headed directly to the Sandy Ground for the annual Anguilla Day Sail Race.  The harbor was hopping at 8:30 with race time still 90 minutes away.  I was in heaven – Blue Skies, Lots of Sailboats (9 meter), and great people shots. 

Picture taking was my priority of the morning.  I felt like a kid in a candy shop.   Janet snapped this one of me on the point and shoot - 1 Camera, 2 Beers, 3 Lens, and a perfect day to take pictures - Life is Good! 

There were two large barges that had bands, djs, and dance floors that were party chase boats for the race.  Both were packed to standing room only. Everyone on the chase boats and ashore waited for the big race to begin... and we waited... and we waited, but no start horn.  The winds were a steady 20 to 25 mph.   Some of the boats made practice runs in the harbor waiting for the horn.  With one big gust of wind one of the competiors, Satellite, lost her mast.  So we had another delay. 

Some of the boats waiting for the start

Tired of sitting - some crews sailed back and forth to cool down

  

After 4 delays the race was on with shorten safer course



The men gather on Bankie's deck watching the race!  Bankie in White

As soon the boats cleared the harbor the chase was on.  Everyone jumps in their cars and drives around the island cheering their favorite boat on to victory. 

We decided to head to the Dune Preserve, Bankie Banks place, on Rendezvous Bay.  It would be the halfway point of the race and where the boats do a 180 degree turn and return to the Sandy Ground.  When Janet and I arrived there was just one couple taking in the beauty of this special spot awaiting the boats.  Bankie poured us one of his famous Ginger Rum Punches as we settled in for the arrival boats.   Not having lunch one of Bankie’s friends brought us apples and the kindness was gratefully accepted. 

Janet walked down the beach with the wife of the nice Rasta and her 3 children to explore and look for shells.  I think the mother of the children wanted to remove the kids from the screaming men as they debated every tack or jibe of each boat as it passed by.  One boat “Real Deal” made a dangerous move and came all the way into the shore.  Paralleling the beach maybe 10 yards off shore and at the precise moment made his move.  The boat accelerated like a race car as he passed most of the boats on the outside.  The fans went wild!

Battling for position

The boats would pass by our hotel on their return so we headed back to Carimar to clean up and  continued to watch the race.  The move made by "Real Deal" in front of Bankie's was the deciding point of the race and it finished first.  Another boat lost their mast making the turn in Rendezvous Bay.  I never thought sailboat race could be soooooooo much fun!  Ann and Paul if you are reading this... Today was your day!

The winner of the 2013 Anguilla Day Sail Race - "Real Deal" - Congratulations!

Dinner we decided to keep is simple and go Mexican!  Yep Mexican, but this was not your regular fare for South of the Border.  Picante's was a short distance from our hotel and just seem like the right place.  Let me tell you I had a brick oven roasted chicken quarter that was cooked in tequilla and lime.  YES!  My sweetie went fried Mahi burrito that was stuffed with cole slaw and a bunch of other good stuff.   Accompanied by a couple top shelf margaritas dinner was relaxing as we recounted the day and rain drops beat on the roof of Picante's porch.

We decided to make one more stop on the way back.  Blanchard's for dessert!  I opted for triple chocolate dessert that would bring our friend Richard to his knees.  Janet got the home made vannila bean ice cream, and believe it or not friends Tom shared food!  Both were very good, but the service not so much.  However, in fairness, there was an extremely noisy family next to us that the mother's laugh grated on me like fingers on chalkboard. 

Melinda Blanchard was cooking tonight and in fact came out to answer some questions on a dish at another table.  I think Blanchard's is back on the list.

Tomorrow is chill day on Meads Bay.

Wow on Wednesday!

Can we talk about consumables? 

We arose in St Maarten packed, checked out, and returned the rent-a-car, but before we headed to the ferry a stop at Zee Best Bakery was in order.  Hmm what to order… nope there was not a moment of indecision.  They make a croissant as only a Frenchman can.  They carefully slice it and spread fresh homemade almond paste and rejoin the gluten delight.  The finishing touch is powder sugar sprinkled over sliced almonds.  There are not many things that I have put in my mouth that compare with this treat.  It makes you want to get up in the morning.  

The winds were howling so it appeared we would have a rockin’ and rollin’ ride over to Anguilla.  As I said in an earlier post this is a big weekend in Anguilla.  There is a major sailboat race and music on multiple stages.  We rode over with a group from Jamaica named Radical Band. 

The 4 young men were eager to be playing on Anguilla, and entertained us across the water with their enthusiasm.  I sure hope they become rich and famous one day and I have the back in the day photo.  We are going to try to go see them Friday night.

Upon our arrival at Carimar Beach Resort, we were greeted by a friendly staff, that pleasantly brought us the news that our car was ready, but not our room.  We walked the grounds to get our first impressions and they were very positive.  40 paces from our room to be we saw the beach.  The point and shoot captured our first view of the beach.  The place is immaculately kept and everyone is so friendly.

  

Off to the Sandy Ground, a small town on the island, for lunch.  The Sandy Ground was a flurry of activity as boats being launched for the big race tomorrow were driven into the sea by a tractor.  Johnno’s was our restaurant choice, and when the catch of the day was Grouper there was no reason to look at the menu.   Grouper sandwich, Rice & Peas, and Salad for both of us please was our order.  Everything about this plate was amazing.  

The next destination was the grocery store to pick up a few items for the room.  Janet with the map playing navigator struggled to get us going in the right direction.  There are very few street signs and too much to look at out the window.  Hey it is only an island about 3 miles wide and 16 miles long so you can only get so lost.  Albeit were glad to finally locate the store until we saw the prices.  Janet looked at her healthy crunch cereal and saw $15.50!  Her heart sank until young boy explained that the prices were marked in Eastern Caribbean Dollars and the exchange rate was 1 US to 2.70 ECD.  Still expensive, but Janet will be able to eat in the morning.  Returning back to Carimar with no navigational errors we got to our room (it is beautiful I may add) and off to the beach.

Janet got her swim in, and with a healthy current behind her swam almost the entire view of the webcam.  The swim back was not as fun.

For our first evening dinner on Anguilla we chose the Straw Hat.  I can honestly say that I have had better meals - but not many!  I have eaten where there were nicer views – but not many!  However I have never had better service anywhere!  And that includes the Inn at Little Washington.   Located on the water and with a local musician quietly playing in the background, Janet and I had one of those memorable dinners that we will chat about in years to come. 

First impressions of Anguillans and the island…  There are some mighty nice folks who live in paradise.  First impression of the cuisine on Anguilla… OH MY!  And many of the big names are right on the road we are staying and within a half mile.  The guy next to us commented that nowhere will you find this many high end restaurants on a strip of road except maybe 46 ST Manhattan  - NY, NY!  Restaurant Road!  This has the possibilities of being a very expensive vacation.

Tuesday - What a difference a day makes!

The rain is gone!  Pretty much the same shot as the one yesterday...

Just a little easier to see our view.  Pretty nice view I may add.

We are still waking much earlier than we like!  I think it is directly related to the Air Conditioning, which has not been turned on.  As the sun rises the island awakens and so do we.  Sounds of boats, smells of the sea, and an occasional plane cause the penthouse occupants to say it must be coffee time.  St Maarten is very different than St John in that we have not heard the first rooster.  I guess one could say SXM is more cosmopolitan.    So what should we do… Fix a quick breakfast and head to the beach.

One of the advantages of arriving early at the beach is you have your choice of chairs.  So we settled in quickly of doing nothing, but reading and staring off into the distance.  Eye strengthening exercises – Stare at boats on the horizon, read for 3 minutes, and then close eyes for 30 minutes.  Repeat!   

Friars Bay is very beautiful and very calm.  With the wind still blowing we opted to hunker down on this North Coast beach.  It does have one down side.  There is a salt pond behind the beach area that can be a little smelly at certain times.   We went to the far end of the beach and had no issue, but when Janet started swimming, when she got to the other end the smell told her it was time to turn around.

Of course when Janet swims I play lifeguard.  I saw jaws!  I found this stake used to hold umbrellas very useful for my rescue equipment.

Oh yea – I said SXM was cosmopolitan, well Friars Bay Beach Bar has Heineken on Tap.  Draft beer on an island is fairly rare unless it is being made by a local brewer.  By early afternoon we both had enough sun, and hunger sounds were competing with the gentle break of waves. 

There is a small town named Grand Case not far from Friars Bay, which is where I think French Chefs retire.  The town is only two blocks long, but restaurants line both sides of the streets.  In the center of town there is a small section that is carved out for lolos.  The rib shacks start cooking early and the smells fill the air with pig parts, chicken legs, and grilled fish as open charcoal grills battle for a passersby to choose them. 

Ribs, Shrimp Creole, Rice & Beans, and Johnny Cakes filled us nicely and for a price less than $20. 

After lunch we walked the restaurant strip of Grand Case just looking at menus and enjoying the children playing.  

These two boys were riding down the pier slamming on brakes at the last moment.   Neither have helmets oh my… how will they ever become an adults.  J

Stopping briefly in Marigot, the capital on the French side, the market was closing and many of the stores had already closed.  The asphalt just radiated the heat so we decided to return to the pool at our timeshare.  Hello it is the manager’s happy hour!  Chatting with a couple from the Netherlands who have been coming here for 22 years, they laughed as I destroyed their language and recounted my episodes in Holland.   Beer, Bikes, and Fries - Netherlands Blog

We decided not to go to Grand Case for dinner.  BAD PLAN.  Went to Bistro in the new Port of Cupecoy area and it was not very good, and very slow.  My momma told me never do names and stories together so I will not.  But there is only one bistro in Point of Cupecoy.  

Let the adventure begin!  It is time to head to Anguilla!

Tuesday Morning - Quick update

Just a quick update – the sun is up and so are we!  Last night we met Eric, who is the brother of one of Janet’s morning swim club gang back in the George.  We had dinner at Bon Appétit a Brasserie in the Simpson Bay Area.  All I can say was it was absolutely wonderful.  The chef, a Frenchman, they call Lolo, not to be confused with a roadside BBQ from yesterday, out did himself.  Janet and I shared mussels and each had a hot goat cheese salad.  Dessert was a crepe with fruit, chocolate, and ice cream that was yummy!   Sorry I did not get a better picture, but we dug into before the camera came out.  The dishes from Lolo’s kitchen were beautiful, and thank you Eric for introducing us to Bon Appétit!   It was also very nice to meet you.

 

Two forks can damage a beautiful dish in seconds - It was beautiful

Today, our adventure will take us to the French side of the island in search of sun and blue water.

Monday - Another Beautiful Day in Paradise… Not really

Well it has not been like this all day, but it sure is finishing this way.

 

Up early and over the mountain to Phillipsburg to watch the Eagle depart.  It was a beautiful morning to sit on Front Street and enjoy a latte and watch the coming and goings around the harbor.  Very quiet today with no cruise ships in port.  The street was ours and we even parked right on the waterfront, which is unheard of normally.  

There was a lot of activity on the Eagle in the distance as they prepared the boat to get underway, but it was kind of like watching grass grow. The tugs arrived and the Barque Eagle was backed out and turned - Destination Aruba!  I am not sure what is entered in the ship’s log but I have the departure at 10:24 AST, and it was time for us to find a beach.  As we crossed back over the mountain, we could see the vessel turning out to sea.  Safe travels!

This is like our 5^th trip to SXM and we had never been to Mullet Bay.   The water was calm for a windy day, but a recent storm made a huge wall of sand to slide down to the beach.  Janet was good and spent about an hour swimming back and forth across the bay.  I guess it is about 400 yards each way.   It seemed with each stroke the wind picked up and the clouds moved in. 

Upon completion drips could be felt rolling off our umbrella. Time for lunch!  We walked up to beach to a lolo (SXM for a BBQ Shack) named Daleo's.  The chicken was excellent and the Presidente Beers cold.  We even ventured out with Guavaberry Coloda which was surprisingly refreshing.  And the rain drops got harder… 

A quick decision to grab our stuff and get back to the timeshare was fortuitous because just a few minutes after we entered the penthouse the heavens opened up like they only can in the tropics.  Showers, the iPod on shuffle, and standing watch for rainbows is how we ended our afternoon. – Sorry “Colour My World” just came on and I know a lady who loves to dance to that song. 

Rainy days are not all bad!

Sunday - Arrival SXM – Front Row!

Our wakeup call came at 4:31 this morning, and both of us were a little sleepy.  Even though we drove to Richmond and got a hotel room close to the airport, the plan did not work out as well as we hoped.  Upon arrival we could see the lobby was a happening place!  Entering through the sliding glass door a roar came rushing out!  The place was packed with 100s of teenagers bouncing off the walls and half the number of parents crowded in the bar.  We had arrived in the midst of a Youth Volleyball Tournament, and we were lucky enough at the last moment to select the lodging hosting the NY Delegation.  Ugh!!!

Going to bed at 10 sharp for our early departure, Janet drifted off quickly as I tossed and turned still hearing the roar in the lobby.  We had the room next to lobby, workout center, and ice machine.  (So much for being a Gold Marriot member).  At some point after midnight I heard all sorts of commotion outside our door as a group of boys and girls were talking in loud voices.  A sudden loud order barked from an adult said, Go to your rooms!  One of the teens in a Brooklyn accent replied, “We do not have to be in our rooms till midnight.”  The voice returned, “It is after midnight!”  There was a scampering of feet and then silence.  Damn Yankees!

At last I could close my eyes and fell deeply asleep making melodic noises of exhaustion that my bride calls snoring.  For the life of me how one can sleep through 10 kids in the hallway, but be awaken by the guttural sound of a sleeping man totally mystifies me.  Especially when the man is as sweet as me!  I think when I die I will only be remembered as the person who could not sing or snore in tune.  Oh well the alarm went off and we were off to the airport.   I am Southern gentleman - so I restrained myself from slamming doors, using the ice machine, and yelling to my sweetie as we walked out of the hotel.  Albeit it would have been nice to wake some our NY guest.

Check in went smooth and we were airborne from RIC to CLT.  We had a short layover in CLT, but things were going our way and we arrived only 3 gates away from our SXM gate.  For those who have traveled through CLT, I was even lucky enough to find the one bathroom that did not have a man standing by the door saying thank you very much while he stands guard next to his tray of mouth wash, candy, and tip jug.  CLT bathrooms are some of the cleanest around, but I am still a little uncomfortable with “the candyman” in the head. (Shout out to Nick at work – D concourse right next to the escalator that goes to E concourse) 

The BVI below the Clouds



The lack of sleep the night before was quickly forgotten as soon as we stepped aboard our US Airways flight out of CLT.  We were lucky enough to be upgraded to 1^st class, but what really made it nice was the great flight crew.  Friendly, attentive, and funny – Hats off to US Airways.  Pretty much blue skies with a slight chop on the way down to SXM.  My goal is to snap a shot right at landing of the beach bar from the airplane… that is if the nice attendants I just complimented don’t catch me with an electronic device on.  Signing off from the plane it is time to try to take my picture.

Picture got snapped – I thought I missed it but here is beach bar looking from the plane!

We zipped through passport control, luggage arrived, and the rent-a-car rental was breeze.   Driving directly to the Towers at Mullet Bay it seems SXM gets busier every visit.  Everything was going smoothly and then when we went to check in we found out we did not get the room we wanted.  We got upgraded to the penthouse (3 Bedrooms, 3 baths, two floors, and 4 balconies)!   The Towers are a little tired, but there is lots of work ongoing, and the staff is as sweet as they can be.  We did not linger long at the room and headed to meet up with our son. 

The rest of the day entailed us sitting on the beach talking, catching up and watching the airplanes.  I know our son is really ready to get home to his wife, and becoming a new dad in 6 weeks!  He is counting down the days. 

Until tomorrow – Good Night.

T- 24 Hrs: The Checklist

We arose this morning at 7 am realizing that in 24 hours we would be on a plane headed for the Caribbean.  YES!  So it is time for a quick check list and few sneak peeks of what awaits us.



Swim Lanes for Janet in the Ocean!  Not really but do not tell her.

Checklist:

YES: Bags Packed

NO: Yesterday's Blog; sorry I was busy packing.

YES:  Free First Class Uprgrades all the way to SXM; thank you US Airways

N/A : Arrange for Animals; boy does that make life easy




Blue Water, White Sand, Red Umbrella! 

In Progress:  Grass Cut; that

is why God made Saturdays

In Progress:  House Clean; see Grass cutting

Undecided:  Hotel @ Airport Undecided

YES:  Tom's Toys; Camera  and Lens, iPod, Snorkeling Stuff all fit!

Caption really not necessary!

Ok it is time to check off the grass cutting and house cleaning. 

Next post: my feet will be in water, my a$$ in the sand, and life will be good that day - Zac Brown parpharsed

Note:  You can click on the pictures and they get bigger!  Escape Key brings you back to the blog.  Enjoy!!

Flash Flash Flash - Special Update - Flash Flash Flash

Check List Complete

  - House is Beautiful

  - Grass only took 52 songs on my iPod  (which included Echos by Pink Floyd)

  - Made the run to Richmond which allows an extra 90 minutes of sleep in the morning

  - Touch based with Emmett in SXM and we have a meeting place and time established. 

       (Hint it has white sand and airplanes)

We are down to T - 9 hours before wheels up!

T-2 Days: Going Nude on Vacation...Really?



Whoa? Now there is a scary thought! Say it ain't so - Tom will be strolling the beaches of SXM and AXA with a smile on his face and love in his heart. Well that will be the case, however for the sake of humanity I will be dressed. What will be nude is my left hand. After 35 years of marriage my wedding band needs to be resized. This resizing may be driven by the 45 lbs gained since I quit smoking, my disdain of the smell of a YMCA, or my love of good food and wine. The symbol of my everlasting love just does not fit anymore.

A couple weeks ago, while fishing in the Everglades, a deer fly bit my ring finger and the swelling began immediately. Quickly removing my ring for reasons I do not know, I have not been able to get it back on since the bite. So it was time to take it to the jeweler and remedy the situation. Although I feel very uncomfortable, nude in fact without my ring, it will be the only thing missing that I normally wear.  Janet feels safe that she will not have to beat off the women because I am ringless.  Why?  The ring finger may not have a gold band, but I still have a ring! Yes there are clothing optional beaches in SXM... I think we will chose not to participate this vacation. And in the big scheme of things... I think that is good!

The packing has begun in earnest, and this will be a checked bag adventure! Brave new world for us! How embarrassing to be standing with the masses waiting for my bag to come out of a hole in the wall. Oh well - I will have to live with the humiliation. On the bright side, Janet will have every goop and glop needed and I can bring all my toys plus my snorkeling gear! I got a new underwater camera for Christmas that I am dying to try out. My old camera got tired and had become unreliable? It will be missed, but the new one takes pretty sweet shots out of the water so I betting this one can capture a turtle like the old one.

As a follow up from yesterday, I was able to catch a snapshot using a Webcam on St John of our son transiting the Sir Francis Drake Passage on the CGC Eagle. Not very good, but good enough for a dad! Hopefully we will be having dinner with him on Sunday night in St Maarten.  It is that little white boat between the hills.

 

 

T -3: The countdown begins!

So I received a bunch of emails regarding the picture of the SXM landing.  Yep there was no photo shop.  If one goes to YouTube and types in "SXM Landings" they could spend the rest of day watching takeoffs and landings.  So I decided to embedded one that gives you a beach towel view.  I had to filter through multiple offerings on YouTube to find one that did not show young ladies raising their free drinks to the pilots as they made their approach.  So this one is rated G for the entire family.  Just click on the picture and hold on!

 

So as we near our departure on Sunday the family discussion begins... Carry On or Checked Baggage?  As a life long strong supporter of carry on I am tip toeing though this mine field.  My problem is that over the years I have collected so much camera stuff that I required a dedicated bag.  For the last 30+ years I have lectured my sweetie on why she does not need all the goops and glops required for skin and hair care when we go to the Caribbean.  On recent trips she has accepted this limited lifestyle and remained beautiful the entire trip.  So after working so hard to break her I am now the one pushing for check baggage.  10 days is long time and I really need my wide angle lens... Please agree with me!

 

We received an email from our son Emmett, and he will be entering the Caribbean tomorrow under full sail.  The ship should be shooting through the Sir Francis Drake Passage and then splitting the islands of St Thomas and St John.  So if you bored of watching waves on the Anguilla webcam and would like to see a Tall Ship surrounded by blue water transit the US Virgin Islands here are a few recommendations:

 

Soggy Dollar Bar - Jost Van Dyke BVI

 

Did you ever read Rocket Boys or see the movie October Sky?  Well here is Homer Hickman's Web Cam in St John, USVI.

Homer Hickman's View

As the ship departs the USVI and heads for SXM, Sunset Ridge Villas provides a chance to get a last glance at this beautiful tall ship

Overlooking Cruz Bay - St John, USVI

If you get any grief from your boss for looking at webcams - just tell them your tax dollars pay for this ship and you think as a taxpayer you should check on it...  Then exit the webcam and go back to work quickly.

Oh yeah if you do not know what you are looking for - here you go

 

 The Eagle looks something like this, but will have lots of BLUE water around it!

 

VERY IMPORTANT!

 

Please enter a comment and say, "Tom PLEASE take all your camera stuff!"

Blue Water, White Sand, & so much more!

After a 1 year of absence from the Caribbean we are ready for a return! Janet and I have travelin' in our blood, and if you know us well a sojourn to the lands of Blue Water and White Sand is a must – Frequent and Often!  Oh yes, we do love to go to other destinations, but there is something about a small piece of land surrounded by white sand and wrapped in turquoise blue water which calls to us to return.  It is on these islands where we achieve the state of “mellow” and we have not experienced it to same level anywhere else.  St John, USVI is our usual destination to fulfill our need (not want) for sun, salt, sand and down time.  STJ was our last visit to Caribbean in May 2012 when Janet participated in a 3.5 mile open ocean swim ( Race for a Reason) .
  

This year both of us wanted to go some place new… an island where we have not stayed before.  After 10 seconds of pondering our dilemma and desire – Anguilla was agreed upon with a nod and smile!  Exploring different options we quickly realized we could add a few days in St Maarten/St Martin (SXM) and cross paths with our son.  He is currently on his last deployment aboard the USCG Eagle which is schedule to do a 3 day port-of-call in SXM. 

 

Our 3 days in SXM is a real plus because it:

   a)  will let us see our son (Janet made me write this one first)

   b)  allow us to ease into island time before we arrive in Anguilla (Translated - Janet will have sun)

   c)  permits us time go to the Sunset Beach Bar at the end of the runway and watch planes land and takeoff!   

 

 

Janet will tell you that  watching airplanes is the reason Tom loves to go to SXM.  In my defense I would say there are also some great restaurants and beautiful beaches - but come on now… Where else in the world can you lay on the beach with blue water at your feet,  cold beer in your hand, while a 747 flies 25 feet directly over your head?

Of course that one place would be the “Friendly Island” of St Maarten/St Martin!   Yep that is me in the yellow highlighted circle on a previous visit.  If I remember correctly -  It was a Heineken in my hand... the year 2002 and my daughter snapped the picture.  Of course she was much younger then and both Janet and I were pleased that she did not take advantage of the Sunset Beach Bar’s generous offering for the ladies looking to quench their thirst.

 

Then it will be off to Anguilla!  Anguilla (AXA) is small British Island just a short ferry ride from SXM.  In our past trips over the years to SXM we have done day trips over the white sands and turquoise waters that surround this paradise known as AXA, however we have never had a chance to stay on island.   The island is known for some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, but is also the home of some of the Caribbean's most notable eating establishments.  Music is also entwined in the Anguillan lifestyle, with live shows almost every night somewhere.  Yeah buddy - Now we are talking!  Blue Water, White Sand, Fine Dining, and Music!  This island has our names all over it.  Could it get any better?  Well... we will be on island the day Anguillan Independence is celebrated, which of course is a major happening - parades, BBQs, and a sailboat race around the island are just some of the activities.  Oh I hope there are fireworks for Janet!

So internet permitting... we hope you will be able to follow along with us on our Anguilla eXcellent Adventure!