February 15-23, 2003
Presidents week at Hedo II was once again like going home this year. This was the third year in a row that we J-Birds were there with the Bubbly Bares and the Golden Nuggets. For ten or more years most of us have traveled to Hedo with a no-name group known from year to year as the “Pull My Fingers” or “Chicken Pluckers.” The T-shirts they wore this year suggests that they will now be known as the “Stupid Gang.” Where else can one go where after a few years you can expect to find over 100 guests that you know, many of whom you consider life-long friends.
The great number of repeaters and groups renewing old acquaintances means some newbies were rather ignored for awhile. However, after a day or two, all of the groups planned events, contests, or impromptu craziness and encouraged everyone to participate. How about the Mardi Gras parade, Dr. Spank, the barbershop, the beauty contest and the menagerie near old Delroys?
The lowlight of the week was the weather. Two days of rain, one day that was overcast, and a fourth day that was quite windy (but sunny) made it quite unusual. Even though this was by far the worst weather we have seen in 10 Prez day trips, we had a great time. We found the food to be about the same quality as during previous trips; but it seemed that several days the variety was somewhat less than in the past. The EC’s were mostly new and got mixed reviews from repeat guests. The rest of the long term staffers were gracious and upbeat as usual. We have been to 10 or more islands and we have found that Jamaicans, particularly those at Hedo II, are really special.
The small beach area (formerly prude) near the Sandals fence was used primarily by nudes looking for a bit of solitude. Guests were sunbathing nude on the main pool deck at least three days and many walked to and from what used to be the prude blocks. The beach from old Delroys down to the sailing area seemed to be more eroded than in the past; however, Negril beach from Hedo down to the Issa’s beach house was the best I have seen it for running or walking in 6 or 7 years.
There were the fewest singles we have ever seen at Hedo II (and weddings further reduced the number). Can’t say I saw a Vinnie or a Wally. The sex police were absent. The few staff that were in the vicinity of any action simply smiled or joked about it. It seemed that the “playing” (PDP means Public Display of Playing doesn’t it?) by couples and small groups was up a bit this year.
Every time we come home we marvel at how such a wild and crazy place can be a meeting place for some of the greatest people on earth. May it continue!