Ray & Loretta - December, 2002

Just got back from our 40th trip and boy are we tired! It was a great vacation. Haven't had a week go by this fast since the last time we visited Hedo II 5 years ago. We were there from Dec 22 - 29. Met a great group of people that we knew from the past as well as many new repeaters and first timers.

Don't know where to start... but here goes... Did not meet a single person at the resort who was sick, and trust me, we met most everyone!

The food was good. Pastafari, Munahana and Scotch Bonnet were our favourite dinner choices. Resort was slow when we got there so there were not many choices on the buffet but no one went hungry.

The pools and the hot tubs were as clean as we have ever seen them.

The co-ordinators were as energetic as we have ever seen them although we added our own activities when they didn't show up. The daily waterslide competition was a riot... least splash contest and biggest splash contest. Don't know about everyone else but Ray is sore all over! Daily volleyball competition was certainly my favourite activity and I'll miss all my new volleyball friends. Yup, I hurt all over too!

Did have one controversy as far as the prude beach bar being clothing optional. There was a manager that kept chasing us away from the bar. No big deal. There was no issue when we arrived in a group of 20 or 30! There was no issue being naked in the dining room pool either. It may be that we just did not get caught.

God willing, we will be back Dec 21 -28 next year. Hope to see everyone again! Tired of doing laundry and wish we were there!

On a side note, airport security checks most luggage. It took forever. Plan extra airport time and be sure not to miss Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. They also give you take out drinks. Like we needed more! I wish we checked on take out food!

Lastly, and you won't believe this.... Ray lost his wallet which had a sizable amount of money in it. Last time he used it was in Margaritaville. The next time he tried to use it was to pay to get our car out of hock in the Charlotte airport. Talk about panic! Cancelled all the cards and then called the airport. Sure enough they had found his wallet in his seat on the plane and had already called our house numerous times. A fellow from the cleaning crew found it and was holding it closely until we returned. He left a number of panicy messages on our home number and was not letting the wallet out of his sight. We got home and turned around and drove the 40 miles back to the airport. All the money was in the wallet and he would not accept a reward for his efforts. Wow! I'm getting ready to write to USAir and commend him. Thank God we did not leave it in Margaritaville, although we were discussing whether we would fly back to get it! Yup, we were going back. Might even have to spend a few more nights at Hedo!

Hope everyone else has made it home safe and sound as well!

Hugs, Loretta and Ray