St. Martin (3 of 3)

Towards the end of our time in St. Martin, Eric found a scuba group going out for a dive while the little one and I found a hike to do. Pic Paradis is the highest peak on the island. 

We drove to the base of the trail without a problem. The trail was well marked with signs in English, which we really appreciated.

It started out fairly easy. I was surprised at all the foliage since the island really didn't have a lot of greenery.

About halfway up, we had to navigate on all fours as we climbed over large boulders. 

Then came the switchbacks which was rewarded by a great view!

There weren't many hikers on the trail, but we did run into one person from NYC who was gracious to take our picture at the very top of the mountain. In the background, you can see the town of Grand Case where we ate dinner the evening before. 

After our hike and Eric's dive, we grabbed a bite for lunch back at the condo and headed to another beach on Eric's list. This one was called Friar's Bay and was on the bougie side of the island where locals with fancy houses seem to go.

This beach also had a hiking trail that led to a secluded beach. We decided to find it.

It was definitely secluded and gorgeous! However, a few others were there, too, and probably not expecting us. Clothing was optional. Time to head back.

While on the bougie side, we drove around looking at all the expensive homes. We found our favorite lot that was available and offered some protection from hurricanes. Now we just need to find the time and money to build something, then have the time and money to enjoy it. Yeah, not happening.

I forgot to post about the goats here. They roam freely eating all the greenery they can find, even if it's shrubs at someone's home.

As we packed our bags to head home, Eric wanted one last meal in Grand Case. We ordered red snapper, whole, with Johnny cakes.

St. Martin (2 of 3)

One of the towns in St. Martin is Philipsburg where the cruise ships dock. We came here several years ago and walked this beach. Eric wanted to watch the boats as the passengers boarded before the 4pm sailing. 

The area gets really quiet once the cruise guests are gone. Even the bars were empty. What a perfect time for our youngest to try her luck in ordering another beverage. 

After her parents enoyed the drink (she wouldn't even take a sip), we enjoyed a stroll back through the town. We stumbled upon the merchant store where our son bought his "Oakley" sun glasses back in 2015. The store took a beating from the last hurricane and never recovered.

The next day, Eric wanted us to visit an island that's only accessible via kayak or small boat. We got there early before it was crowded.

They had a hiking trail that led to the other side of the island with a secluded beach. We had to investigate. 

At first we thought we were the only ones there, but then we saw a couple off in the distance who were sunbathing without everything covered. It was time to head back to the main beach. I was getting hungry anyway, and they had escargot on the menu.

That evening, we cleaned up to go out for a nice dinner. There were so many restaurants near the pier at Grand Case. 

It was a beautiful evening!

St. Martin (1 of 3)

With St. Martin/ St. Marteen being a French/Dutch island, it's considered an international flight. However, the experience was similar to domestic since they served only pretzel snacks and had no in-flight movies.

Upon arrival, the immigration line took 3 hours! It was a great introduction to island time. 😅 Here are a few pictures driving through the little towns on our way to the rental house. As soon as we crossed over to the French side, all signs and conversations were in French.

The island is very hilly. Just look at the old volcano peaks in the distance!

Our condo is up that steep road in the picture below. Our car had a difficult time making it up each time, and it felt like it was literally vertical.

On the positive side, the views were amazing once we drove to the top.

After we found our place to stay, it was time to walk around and get our bearings. This was the path to the beach.

Now to find the bakery and get some groceries for the week. This French bakery was our go-to place every morning. Although I ordered a different item each day, we didn't stay on the island long enough to try everything! We so need to go back.

The local grocery stores had a nice selection of cheeses, breads, and fruits from Dominica. Their avacados were huge! This was also a great place to recycle our plastic water bottles. I loved pushing around the carts and "parking my chariot". 

Then we headed to the beach where international flights arrive and take off right over the sand.

Here's a video:

We had fun trying to "hold" the planes in our hand for a picture as each approached the runway. 

The take off was even more powerful as the large international Delta and Jet Blue flights sand blasted everyone with their thrust engines. Several people lost their hats.

And for the cocktail lovers reading this blog, the bar next to the runway beach has the BEST prices on pina coladas! We sent the little one there to purchase her first grown up beverage, although they asked her 3 times if she was sure she wanted it with alcohol. 😂