Explorations and Farewells

We decided to spend the next day going round the island. There is a main road that runs the entire circumference. Once on it, one becomes aware of a great truth about Saint Martin/Sint Maarten: there are too many vehicles. This ring road is perpetually filled with cars and trucks moving in both directions, a sort of perpetual motion machine. As soon as one takes an exit, another is there to take its place. The flow of traffic remains unbroken, unending.

We set off to the west and visited the tourist mecca of Orient Beach and environs. Mile after mile of sandy beach is lined by resorts distinguishable from each other only by the colour of their chaises and brollies. We walked a mile or so along the beach, watching parasailers, swimmers, and wind surfers out in the howling gale. Sailboats tore along in the offing.

We then proceeded south and west to Philipsburg, the commercial centre of Sint Maarten, where the cruise ships come in. Crass and garish pretty much describe it. That said, if there’s anything you need to buy, you can probably find it in this city. We decided not to dismount, but continued on the ring road through the town, past the great salt pond, to veer northward and up the coast to Cole Bay, Simpson Bay (the big lagoon) and Marigot. We grabbed lunch in the last and climbed the hill to Fort Louis which sits high above the town, with great views out over the harbour and lagoon. The wind, she blew. The flag atop the fort was straight out, taut as a drum.

We had hoped to cruise over to Saba with our guests but, alas, the wind had made that impossible. The next day, we drove them out past the airport to the Sunset Bar and Grill for a burger before their flight. We were very sorry to see them go.

[photos when Internet permits]