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!