4th trip to the islands. Longest trip at 8 nights (Saturday - Sunday). Best trip, too!!!

Day 1: Saturday. Left Lexington, Kentucky 8am Delta flight. It was (and continues to be) unseasonably COLD that morning. We had our son drop us off at the airport, so we chucked the winter coats onto the back seat and began our trip. Flights were on time and uneventful (just the way I like them!).

Arrived at STT around 3:30pm. I went directly over to the Budget counter. Unfortunately, there was another flight that just arrived prior to ours, so altogether around 15 people were in line (with 2 agents working the counter). While it took quite awhile to get through the line, luggage also took awhile and it still worked out okay. I originally reserved a Jeep, since we spent 5 nights on STJ and at the time of reservation didn't know where we'd be staying. When I finally booked my condo accommodations on STJ we realized we would not need a 4 wheel drive so I made a second reservation for a Taurus and cancelled the Jeep (or so I thought). Agent told me I had 2 reservations and after telling him my story, he informed me that the Taurus would be 90 minutes until ready, BUT he said he'd give me the Jeep for the Taurus rate! Yeah - I appreciated his patience and accommodating attitude.

We loaded up the Jeep and took off to the Mafolie hotel for our first 3 nights. We stay at this property for a few nights each time we go. Family owned and operated by really nice, helpful people. Fantastic view. There's just not much better than a quick drive from the airport and being poolside overlooking downtown and the ships.

Stayed poolside until sunset, then cleaned up for our first trip to Iggy's for dinner.

We were tired from the travel, so called it an early evening.

Day 2: Sunday included a day at Magans Bay. We just love this beach. I know others don't like the crowds, but we've never felt like our fun was dampened by it. What we do love is the beautiful scenery, watching the pelicans diving for their meals, beach beverage service, and the convenience of the snack bar. We spent 6 hours there and as usual, thoroughly enjoyed our day - so much so that my wife immediately requested a return visit for the next day!

Unfortunately, our evening wasn't as pleasant. It was SuperBowl Sunday and we wanted to watch the game in Red Hook. Went to Molly Malone's, but got there too late - completely full. Went to Caribbean Saloon, also completely full. In fact - it appeared that they may have pre-reserved tables since there were several empty tables with names attached (maybe pre-sold reservations??). Anyway, while we were searching for any place to get a drink and maybe watch the kick-off, some jerk early 20's guy, out of the blue, attracts my wife's attention and slowly, intentionally, dramatically, flips her off!!!! Okay - so if you've been on this board much at all, you'll know that ol' VI LOVER is a pretty calm, cool,laid back guy. What you may not know is that although I've certainly filled out my middle over the years, I am a previous all conference quarterback, wrestler, and track athlete. While I will never go looking for confrontation - I am not at all uncomfortable with contact at any level. You probably also know that I love my wife dearly and will not ever stand for her being hurt. Luckily - I was not drinking prior to the confrontation. Only words were exchanged as it became very evident, very quickly that alcohol was driving the kid's decisions and no matter how hard I hit him, he would simply still be drunk. So - we left - wife in tears and me with adrenaline pumping. We did find a seat at Sopchoppy's (the poor server probably thought I was the jerk since wife was still crying over it for quite some time). In time, she settled down and we watched the first half, ate some really great pizza, and had a couple of cold brews. All's well that ends well, but it really stunk that 1 idiot could nearly ruin our second day on vacation in paradise. Colts won!

Day 3: Monday. Went to Magans Bay again today. Just as good as the previous day! Today, late in the day, we called home, stood in front of the web cam, and talked to the kids! They thought it was a riot!!!

We always heard about the great shakes at the dairy (Udder Delight?). Stopped and we each had a Jack & Jill. Chocolate ice cream mixed with chocolate milk. Yummmmmmmy! Had dinner at the Greenhouse - one of our favorite casual places for dinner. Monday is 2 for 1 Margaritas so we each tried a couple different flavors. Dinner was excellent and we once again retired for the evening commenting to each other what a great day we had.

More to come later. Next installment included our first overnight stay on St. John!