Monday - Explore the Westin, Hope for sun and pool

Awoke to another cloudy, drizzly day with hopes of clearing later in the day. Got a call from the marketing manager about yesterday's problems. She was very contrite and helpful AND posted a $50 credit to our account.  Chalk up one for the Westin.

After breakfast we decided to go to the adult pool on the north section of the resort for some relaxation without screaming kids.  Our pool towel cards were only good for one thin beach towel per card (had 2 nice ones at the Marriott).  The north section which is newer is really much nicer than the south.  Gorgeous landscaping, fewer people, and quiet.  But...the cloud persisted and the drizzle was not conducive to enhancing our tans.  Plan #2 - get back into our walking routine and walk down to Whaler's Village and then to the new Marriott timeshare (it was a hotel when we last visited 15 years ago).  There is a Beach Walk path (supposedly along the beach).  However, it was only along the beach for a short way then around several resorts to the Sheraton and on to Whaler's.  Actually fun to see the other properties and the weather cleared when we got to the village.  Since it was getting warm, we had to stop for Hagen Daz ice cream.  Then chatted with the guy at the Marriott timeshare kiosk who arranged for us to see one of the new villas AND a $20 Starbucks gift card.  No sales pitch!!  So on we went to the preview center just a few more minutes walk.  What fun...lovely new villas and the salesman who toured us, coincidentally, is the son of the man who runs the new kennel (Pet Paradise) at the Charlotte airport.  He offered us a comped week for Missy if we want to try the kennel.  At this point, we were hot and tired and looked forward to the free shuttle back to our resort (wonderful amenity by the Westin).  We wandered through a group of tents selling 'stuff' set up along the Beach Walk - didn't buy anything :)  to the shuttle stop and back home in a few minutes.

We decided to use our $50 credit as a down payment towards dinner at the elegant Italian restaurant and made reservations when we got back to our room.  It was a good decision.  The setting was sublime, food excellent, service so-so.  Our 3 course meals were the perfect end to a nice day.  We walked back to our building along the beach and decided that we'd wait to see the weather before planning for tomorrow.