St. Croix Arrival

We landed on St. Croix on time and while Katie, Matt, and Jonathan went to retrieve our luggage, I headed off to get the rental vehicle. I was a little shocked when the woman at the rental car agency told me that my driver's license had expired. Fortunately, we were able to have Katie rent the vehicle. After some encouragement from yours truly in the passenger seat, Katie drove the left-hand drive vehicle on the left side of the road like an old pro.

After a quick trip to the market for the requisite snacks, beverages (it is 81 degrees F today), and real food, we arrived at Cottages By The Sea at approximately 4:30. It always feels comfortable to return to Cottages and see familiar faces. Paul Benedict operates the facility which is primarily owned by his father and mother. They have been very busy despite the downturn in the economy, so they have hired additional staff whom I don't recognize, but are all very friendly. Of course, the many varieties of bougainvillea are blooming as are the frangipani. We spotted an African Tulip tree in full regalia on the short trip from the airport.

The wind has been blowing out of the northwest for about a week and there are small waves crashing on the beach. This is a weather phenomenon that I am unfamiliar with. Also, the water temperature feels like it is in the 70s and not the 80s, but it is still the Caribbean. It feels good to be back in paradise!