First, I have to add to Latitude 18 - We ordered 3 of the blackened fish (grouper, maybe?) sandwiches, a salad and another unknown sandwich (yes, I forgot my journal). Everyone greatly enjoyed their meals. The blackened seasoning was a little hot for B but no complaints at all. The only person that we talked to while we were there was the bartender/server who was extremely nice and helpful. I don't know if he was the owner or not and again, I forgot names (again, no journal with me).

WHAT, YOU FORGOT YOUR JOURNAL?? HOW CAN YOU REMEMBER EVERYTHING WITH ALL THAT LIQUOR FLOWING IN THE ISLANDS. AFTER ALL, IT'S CHEAPER THAN WATER.

I know, I know, present sense impression is always the best but I couldn't drink as much as the rest of the crew b/c I was the one always driving.

Friday, Day 2:
I awoke at 5 am, house was very quiet (go figure) so I'm off for a walk on the beach, it is very windy and storm clouds are rolling in. Rain hits as soon as I get back inside, but it's sure to go away soon, right? Everyone (finally) wakes up (I may have been making noises) by 8:00, still raining. It stops about 10 or so and we head out.

Loaded up the car with snorkel gear. First stop was Burrito Bay Deli at AYH for breakfast. The burritos say they are 3 scrambled eggs but I swear, there was at least 5 in them. I could not finish mine (and I'm a breakfast person). The scrambled eggs on toast looked like a normal amount of eggs. 2 ordered deli type sandwiches. Food was good, plentiful and very reasonable.

Second stop is the property hubby and I bought last year. Part of the condition of the sale was for the land to be cleared of all the junk that was on it, abandoned cars, huge metal pieces and 2 huge shipping containers. Well, the cars are gone, most of the metal scrap is gone but the shipping containers are still there along with some new small rubber-maid containers - hmmmm. Does anyone know of someone running an air-conditioning/plumbing business out of two shipping containers on some property up in St. Joseph & Rosendahl?? I don't want to have someone's livelihood carted away but let me know that it is yours and it will be no problem.

MORE MUNDANE DETAILS, UH-HEM, THE FUN STARTS WHEN?

Ok, okay, we're off to Coki Beach. There are no cruise ships in so the beach has practically no one on it. A boy named Craig comes up to the car, shows me where to park and tells me where the best drinks are. Asks us if we need any umbrellas, chairs, snorkel equipment. He even told us the spots to snorkel. He was really nice, then I had to go ruin it and think that our car wasn't safe where it was. I made my husband bring him money to watch the car; Craig explained that it would be bad for business if any of the cars got broken into and not worry about anything. Hubby gave him the money anyways.

We set out snorkeling on the left side at first and it was great, the fish were ready to be fed (there hadn't been a cruise ship in for 2 days). They surrounded us and followed us around; I stopped for a minute in the water and just floated and the Sargent majors surrounded me, it was like magic (my only desire on vacation is to be in the water with all of its creatures). We saw all kinds of fish and the coral was not as bad as I thought it would be. This is definitely a return snorkel stop.

After being in the water for awhile, we decided to go try out drinks at the drink shack that Craig recommended. The first shack next to the bathrooms! The best drinks, every kind of foo-foo drink a girl desires. Troy is the owner/bartender and while he's making your drink, he tells you to say "when" as he's pouring the alcohol. I said when, and he kept asking me are your sure? as he kept pouring. The 'Island Girl" was my favorite and if you stood around waiting for other drinks to be made, he gave you samples. Raves from the "Sex in the Glass" also. This is definitely a return drink stop! Went down and sat in the water, drank our drinks and collected a half a cup of sea glass for those of you looking.

We snorkeled the right side towards Coral World but didn't think that was as good as the left side. Of course, by then the beach and water had filled up with a crowd. One of the girls actually bumped heads with another person. As we were snorkeling the right side, you could hear a bunch of kids yelling. I popped my head up and there was about 6 or 7 local boys about the age of 12 on the rocks encouraging a smaller boy to jump. I watched them for awhile because nothing beats hearing the laughter of kids at play! Puts a smile on anyone's face (and it's hard to smile with a snorkel in your mouth). They also surprised me b/c there was no taunting the little one, just a 1, 2, 3, JUMP. And then a don't push him, don't push him, let him be. He would get scared and not jump each time. Finally, he took the leap and they were all there to help him if he needed it.

More drinks for the girls and the boys started drinking what they called the "sissy drinks". Reluctantly, left Coki to go grocery shopping. Plaza Extra and Cost U Less. We bought a 12 pack of beer at Cost U Less and wandered around looking at what they had. Plaza Extra we loaded up the grocery cart. Basically stuff for breakfast. Went back to the Condo and showered for dinner.

By the time we left the condo, it was late, 9:00 or so but I wanted to hit the Toad and Tart and meet STT Resident so that was the first stop. She was great, she makes a strong drink and is full of information. I think we asked a few stupid tourist questions but I'm fascinated how people end up on the island. I also think I may have called her a smart --s at some comment she made but I meant it in the most admiring way. It was really good to meet her.

A PLANE IS HOW MOST PEOPLE GET TO THE ISLAND, DON'T YOU KNOW THAT?

I don't mean that, I mean the why of things. Anyways, I have plans to go chat with her again.

We are off to the Greenhouse b/c the food is normally good and there is a band playing tonite. I thought the group would enjoy the band. We get there, no band b/c one of the members of the band had a family member pass away. Sorry to hear that but we'll eat anyways. WELL, let me tell you. We were seated and not told it was closing time (closing time on a Friday nite at 10??). Our server came up to us, told us we needed to order right then b/c the kitchen was closing. We accommodated her and she finally came back for our drink order and our food was up. Simple things, burgers, chicken sandwiches. Got our drinks (finally) and she laid the check down and told us to pay it now since she wanted to go home (HUH?????). Well, we paid in between bites. I don't think I will drive all the way into town again to be treated like that ever again. I have been going to the Greenhouse for many years (my roommate 19 years ago worked there) and have never received such bad service. The food was okay but I don't really remember much about it b/c of the situation with the server. I have not elaborated on the entire experience since I've already bored most with all the details and I do realize that everyone has a bad night. Just makes me wonder.

Off to the condo and to bed.

Next installment: STJ trip on the car ferry.

WHAT? THAT'S IT? ALL THE HYPE FOR WHAT, A FEW DRINKS?