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.