Wednesday March 04, 2015

Travel Day

UA 1631  2:00 PM SXM  ->  EWR 5:49 PM 

UA 4373  8:06 PM EWR ->  YHZ 11:01 PM

Other then the miles covered it was a pretty uneventful day of leaving one type of paradise for another.  I must say that as much as I love Cape Breton island life, I really love the island life of the Caribbean.  

Each year now I consider a 50/50 split in time.  

November - April in the Caribbean working at a beach bar (wearing flip flops, T-shirts & shorts) 

May - October working at the distillery managing the inn.  

My United Air flight posted a delayed EWR departure at the gate from 8:06 PM to 8:25 PM, then 8:50 PM, then 9:15 PM, then 9:25 PM, and finally 9:50 PM.  The reason, although the plane had landed they needed to fly in a crew from Washington DC.  The flight bringing the crew was scheduled to arrive at 9:17 PM.  Why didn't they tell us 9:50 in the first place?  We boarded and took off at 9:55 PM and landed at YHZ at 12:30.

As I waited for the hotel shuttle with others dressed in shorts and sandals in the cold we were all quickly brought back to the reality of the Nova Scotia weather.  

Back at the hotel, the following morning, I had to get the hotel Bob Cat operator to dig out my truck and tow me out.

Although I consider myself fortunate to explore I can’t help but feel sorry for those who think they cannot.  

I look forward to my next journey.

Until then,

…donnie  

   

Tuesday March 03, 2015

Breakfast at Mary’s Boon

At 11:15 AM we taxied to Phillipsburg (20 min) still on the Dutch side of the island and strolled along the many duty-free shops along Front Street and Back Street with a visit to the boardwalk in-between and afterwards for cold refreshments.  At the time of our visit to this shopping and beach mecca there were also 5 cruise ships that dispersed their guests as well.  For a place that was crawling with tourists and dependant on their purchases we couldn’t believe how friendly and non pushy the venders were.

 

Later in the afternoon (around 5:00 PM) we taxied back to Simpson Bay to the Maho Bay Beach, famous for its airplane watching (landings and take-offs) WOW, this is the reason I wanted to come to St Maarten.  

Take-offs:  I and many others stood behind a Delta Jet take off.  Even with my feet buried in the sand, I couldn’t keep my balance and shield myself from the sand, heat, and fumes.  I know it was probably not the healthiest or safest thing to do but, I did it anyway.    

Landings:  Planes, especially larger ones, need to touch down as soon as they can in order to stop on the short landing strip.  They are only feet above you head.  Again, perhaps, not one of the safest things in life but, I did it anyway.

As the sunset rolled in it was time to taxi to the French side.  As I researched visiting this Island I read that on Tuesday nights in Grand Case there is a Mardi Gras with bands, street dancing, venders and fine french food.

This day kept getting better and better. 

On the recommendation of our taxi driver we checked out the menu for La Villa. Without a reservation they were able to sit us on the street front of the entrance which is where we wanted to be, in the middle of everything.   INCREDIBLE!!

DINNER

Amuse Bouche: Cool Leek Broth

Starter: Chilled Creamy Cucumber Soup with Feta Mousse and Fresh Mint

Entree: Vegetarian Lasagne

Dessert: Trio of Creme Brûlée, Ice Cream, and Raspberry Panna Cotta

We continued to walk up the street but were done, stuffed, and tired.  The rain started just as we got in the taxi and stopped before we got back to the hotel.  

THE BEST DAY EVER  - What a way to end this Caribbean journey (St Lucia, The British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, sailing, food, drink, music, culture, scenery, and great people).  

St Maarten has not seen the last of me.

Tomorrow is a day of flying back to Nova Scotia.  I have received many emails warning me to expect a big temperature shift.  I last wore long pants on February 08 when I left NS.  They, and sandals will have to do until I get to my car at the airport hotel. No need for a jacket here. 

Monday March 02, 2015

The taxi was on time at 9:00AM to pick up the girls for their various flights.  Eric and I returned to the boat for the debriefing with the Moorings personal.  11:00 AM we were in a taxi on our way to EIS (Beef Island Airport).  

Wind Air 046 - EIS -> SXM (St Maarten) left at 1:15 PM and land 40 minutes later over the beach and on the runway.  The small plane was low flying with great scenery of the islands and the aqua colour water.

Trellis Bay, Beef Island

Line up for Immigration

A short taxi to Mary’s Boon Beach Resort and we were checked in, sitting at the beachfront bar listening to planes land.

Nap time.

Mary's Boon Beach Resort

Both being very tired, we decided to go to the onsite restaurant for dinner.  We will explore this island tomorrow. 

My Bed

Sunday March 01, 2015

After a pan cake brunch, I dropped Lisa Marie and Gwyn off at the dock (on the Bight) for a Scuba Dive lesson before we sailed towards Road Town, our final destination.  With Grins securely in its slip we started the sorting packing process..  I decided to go vista Louis at the marina bar.  While there, Gwyn and Lisa Marie returned from their lesson and dive.  Dinner at Charlie’s followed by drinks on the boat.  

Saturday February 28, 2015

Back on track  - The Bight on Norman Island was our last scheduled stop.  Before breakfast we slipped our mooring lines and were off on a 5.5 nm sail under jib through the Indian’s and Pelican Island into the Bight.  We had the perfect wind to carry us to the harbour entrance where we doused the jib and had a pick of the the many available moorings.  We choose one near the Willy T’s Pirate ship.  After breakfast, we dinghied ashore to the beach club at the other end of the mooring field.  After exploring, Eric and I left the ladies to snorkel and returned to the mothership.  Two hours later they called for a taxi and i picked them up in the dinghy.  Gwyn and I prepared dinner and Eric was on the BBQ (Steak). I had a veggie burger.  Our dinners were washed down with a nice Chateau Margeaux. Eric (aka Sir Spins A lot) played tunes from his vast iTunes storage. There was no need to go to Willy T’s.  

Note: Very bad cell coverage, thus, no internet.

Friday February 27, 2015

Tito and Kenny were on the dock to guide us off, but unlike all the other boats that came and went, I believe, we were special  as they shook our hands and wished us a return visit.  With ease, we slipped away and exited the Gorda Sound with the first red on our port side making the entrance to Leverick and the two set of red and green cans leading us away from the reef and Mosquito Rock.  We knew that there was weather heading our way but didn’t expect it so drastic and so soon.  By this point in the charter we were pretty quick and efficient in getting the main and jib up.  As soon as we got them up there was a white squall behind us.  We did as any responsible sailors should do.  We headed down wind away from the land and the islands known as "The Dogs" (Seal Dogs, George Dog, & Great Dog)  Just like most tropical storms this one eased off as quick as it came.  We tacked and were back on course with clear visibility.  We sailed to the mouth of Cooper Island, our destination, and dropped the sails before entering the popular harbour at 12:30.  All the mooring balls were taken for the day.  We could have easily anchored but decided to go to the nearby island, Peter Island.  We had a beautiful dinner on the boat.  They had BBQ pork chops and Gwyn made me a tofu rice dish second to none.  

Peter Island - Great Harbour

Thursday February 26, 2015

Again, we decided to stay put on our slip at the marina.  

Gwyn made Eggs Benedict for breakfast with enough to give the two dock workers Tito and Kenny.  Eric and I have been watching these guys over the last couple of days.  Tito directs large boats in and out of his marina with confidence. We were amazed with how slick he can untangle a thrown line from a boat and before it hits the ground he has a bowline tied or how he can whip a bow line securely around a cleat within 5 seconds from a standing position, walk astern and do the same with the stern line all while telling the driver what to do next.  

We wanted lessons from this guy.  Perhaps the eggs benny helped that we shared with them this morning but he took on a couple of eager students in the afternoon.  Well worth the stay. 

As quick as Tito was able to secure lines Gwyn was back on the boat and in no time quickly produced a nice spread of cheese, crackers and wine for our afternoon snack.

Dinner tonight was topside on the boat pasta, garlic bread, and wine.

Sadly we are planning our last couple of nights on the boat as we begin to sail closer to our home port, Road Town.  The last charters, upon finishing, we have had inventory of all our supplies left over.  This time, we are strategically planning our meals with hopes of a more efficient use of supplies. 

Tomorrow - Cooper Island, Saturday Norman Island, Sunday - The Road Town Marina.