I was having my 7:00 morning coffee on the Barefoot Patio when it finally hit me; I would be eating dinner in Negril! I had not been to Seastar Inn in over 10 years and I have never even stayed there but Chris and Francine had a downstairs room (#4) available for the first week I would be in Jamaica before heading for my home in Accompong Town so I had to jump at the opportunity!

Having a downstairs room was a must as stair climbing is still very difficult with my recently rehabilitated knee and I didn't want to take a chance that might lay me up for the next 70 days in Jamaica. My good friend, Paul, took me to the airport 3 1/2 hours before my flight as I wasn't absolutely sure that the Caribbean Airlines offer of 2 50# checked bags, 1 22# carry on bag, a laptop bag AND a walker for FREE would actually be honored but, much to my surprise, I checked in without a hitch and was supplied with a wheelchair ride through Home Land Security and on to my gate.

After a 3 hour wait, an $8.00 turkey and cheese sandwich and a $2.00 bottle of wata, it was finally time to get taken to the plane. The hour and 20 minute flight seemed to zip right by and before you know it, we were clapping for a successful landing at Sangster. There was a wheelchair waiting outside the door of the plane and a strong, young man (Everett) rushed me through Immigration and Customs before pushing me out the lobby doors in less than 25 minutes. He was so quick that I even beat the Seastar driver but only by about 5 minutes. The Seastar van was in use elsewhere so Chris sent a JUTA driver (Tony) in his 10-seater to pick me up.

Tony Smith (876)700-1187 (cell) made the long trip to Seastar an enjoyable ride. We talked about so many subjects that it would be difficult to list them all but let me just say I was able to look out the windows without fear that he would get me killed on the road. He was a courteous and even-speed driver which I really appreciate having had so many Route Taxi drivers try to scare the bejeebus out of me over the years. We finally turned on Seastar Lane and the hotel came into view.

As good as I knew Seastar must look, having tuned into the Saturday shows the past few weeks, i was totally blown away by the wood-hewn beauty of the surroundings. Tony took my bags up to the desk and Rochelle had a helper take my bags to my room. The room was perfect. Much more than the rooms I usually rent as I am strictly a budget traveler but this room had everything I expected and MORE. I was hungry and thirsty from the trip so I made my way to the new bar to buy Tony a cold drink and to tip him for the great trip. Randy, the bartender had a cold Red Stripe ready and Rochelle soon brought me some fish fingers to munch on. While eating, I chatted with Chris and Francine over our meals before finishing off another Red Stripe before heading for my room.

I am tired and need some rest so I will sign-off for now. I will take a few pictures tomorrow and my best friend, Marshall, from Accompong Town is coming to see me with another friend, Peckish, who is my Accompong Driver. It was a leap of faith to decide to take this trip and so far I am glad that I decided to do just that. This is shaping up to be one of the best trips of my life.

Peace and Guidance