Now we’re in the islands!!
Having had a gloriously uneventful 8-day sail south, we arrived in Marigot Bay, St. Martin on January 12. We are presently anchored in Simpson Lagoon, just off a prominent geographical feature called Witch’s Tit. Here, we are strategically situated between the abundant yacht services of the Dutch side of the island and the relaxed charm of the French side. Living is easy here, made so by the large cruising community and the fact that everything here is ‘duty free’. We can easily spend our days relaxing in the warm sun and steady trade wind breezes, enjoying fresh baked baguettes and pastries, affordable French wine and delicious cheeses; however, the opportunity to shop for the boat in order to make desired improvements has proven too tempting to spend all of our time just goofing off.
Nevertheless, we reserved today just for watching the inauguration. A water front sports bar, Ric’s, switched all 5 of their TV monitors to CNN to view the swearing in ceremonies of our new present, Barack Obama. The crowd was large and enthusiastic, frequently applauding during the telecast. By the way, we were surprised to find how positive and hopeful people from other countries are about the election of Obama. A Welch woman said that the whole world is looking to Obama for a way out of the crisis we all face. A very tall order – let’s hope he has some success.
We continue to make new cruising friends and have come across some old ones as well. We were happy to find Paul and Sandra Johnston on S/V Quarterdeck. They are a Canadian couple who we last saw in St. Lucia in 2006. They are real veterans as they have been cruising the world for 15 years. Their boat is a CSY 44 like ours, although they’ve made some extreme and wonderful improvements – it’s beautiful. Among the new acquaintances are Mark and Lee Maunder of S/V Manatee. Mark is actually an English Lord although the real estate over which he has dominion has long since sunk in the ocean off the coast of Kent.
It’s nice to feel like we’re part of a community, no matter where we go. We’ll probably be here to the end of the month before moving on south.
Having had a gloriously uneventful 8-day sail south, we arrived in Marigot Bay, St. Martin on January 12. We are presently anchored in Simpson Lagoon, just off a prominent geographical feature called Witch’s Tit. Here, we are strategically situated between the abundant yacht services of the Dutch side of the island and the relaxed charm of the French side. Living is easy here, made so by the large cruising community and the fact that everything here is ‘duty free’. We can easily spend our days relaxing in the warm sun and steady trade wind breezes, enjoying fresh baked baguettes and pastries, affordable French wine and delicious cheeses; however, the opportunity to shop for the boat in order to make desired improvements has proven too tempting to spend all of our time just goofing off.
Nevertheless, we reserved today just for watching the inauguration. A water front sports bar, Ric’s, switched all 5 of their TV monitors to CNN to view the swearing in ceremonies of our new present, Barack Obama. The crowd was large and enthusiastic, frequently applauding during the telecast. By the way, we were surprised to find how positive and hopeful people from other countries are about the election of Obama. A Welch woman said that the whole world is looking to Obama for a way out of the crisis we all face. A very tall order – let’s hope he has some success.
We continue to make new cruising friends and have come across some old ones as well. We were happy to find Paul and Sandra Johnston on S/V Quarterdeck. They are a Canadian couple who we last saw in St. Lucia in 2006. They are real veterans as they have been cruising the world for 15 years. Their boat is a CSY 44 like ours, although they’ve made some extreme and wonderful improvements – it’s beautiful. Among the new acquaintances are Mark and Lee Maunder of S/V Manatee. Mark is actually an English Lord although the real estate over which he has dominion has long since sunk in the ocean off the coast of Kent.
It’s nice to feel like we’re part of a community, no matter where we go. We’ll probably be here to the end of the month before moving on south.
Photos: Pam at Grand Case Carnival; Grand Case Tuesday Night Carnival; Grand Case Beach, St Martin; Witch's Tit in the Lagoon, on the French side (where we're anchored); View of Marigot Bay from Fort Louis; Hiking trail; Pam, on the beach at Philipsburg (Capital on the Dutch side); Goofy photo of Bill attop Fort Louis.
4 comments:
Glad to see that the trip south went so well.
Christy & Bill
Pam & Bill,
Great to hear that all went smoothly after your first adventure. While you are about the French side clubs inquire about a local drummer, Scott Mitchell, he'll be a good source for any local jam sessions. If y'all happen to run into him, give him our best.
Take care,
Mike & Linda
S/V II the Max
Hi Pam and Bill
Wish I had checked your blog earlier! We're having lots of snow and ice (7 to 21 degrees daily) in Budd Lake -- so I'm soaking in the warmth from your pictures. Stay safe on the seas!
Claire
Pamela: what happened to your long beautiful blonde hair? don't worry - i'm sure all that time in the sun will lighten it up quickly! Have a friend going over to Anguilla on feb 21 - is there anything i can send with him for you guys?
All sounds so great and we couldn't be happier for you. want to send you a pic of the twins with Roni Bergs's daughter - what's the best way to send. big hug, stay safe - love u much
Victoria
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