It was September of 1975 when I arrived at the steps of the Hotel 1829. I had just arrived from New England after a few days in San Juan with my worldly possession in a canvas duffle bag. My departure from the north was to revisit my earlier time in the Caribbean when I served in the U.S. Coast Guard, and now with the hopes of finding employment in the islands. My first choice was to obtain a job with Antilles Air Boats. Without any formal introduction or appointment, I arrived at the AAB seaplane ramp and I was directed to the office of Ron Gillies, a senior pilot with additional management roles. We had a good discussion but he stated that Charles Blair would have to make the decision of employment and he is in the states and will return next week, and I should come back then.

So, the Hotel 1829 will be home for the foreseeable future, which I enjoyed immensely.

Staring my new adventure from this place seemed to make sense.  

I thought I may continue to look for other employment options but decided to put it all in the AAB basket and enjoy the next week. Sparky's Waterfront Saloon

was my second home for I made new friends, ate good food and just enjoyed the good times.

I remember, Hurricane Eloise was rolling in, I mean literally, A wave came into the harbor and hit the wall along Veterans Drive and rolled into the saloon. Those at the bar lifted their glasses with a cheer. and waited for the next one. After the second wave, I decided to return to the Hotel 1829 and join the bar patrons in weathering the storm.

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A week passed and Charlie Blair returned, I got the job but was told he needed me in St. Croix, so I checked out of the Hotel 1829 . I left the pink hotel on the hill, but will always remember the people I met, the backgammon played and the feeling of being in that special place.