One weekend the crew headed to Loterie Farm to hike and zipline. This was the view from the first vista point along the trail.
The trail. (Photo courtesy of Todd. Thx, Todd.)
Air plants (bromeliads) were everywhere! Some were massive, but I picked and smuggled two. One sadly got smashed in my backpack, but several months later and it's still alive and well.
On our hike up the mountain, we came across the old sugar mill's well. These giant metal pots were just in the middle of the trail filled with water plants.
The rain came when we made it to the top. Fortunately, like much Caribbean rain, it only lasted ten minutes. It was pretty hot and muggy so the rain was actually appreciated.
Ran through the tall grasses pretending to hide from velociraptors. Jurassic Park nerds for sure.
The view from the trail of the zipline. I chose to continue the hike in lieu of the zipline. Of course, intending to return later to go, but sadly I never made it. Those who went loved it.
After the hike, we enjoyed some refreshing drinks at the treetop bar.
That night we went to Friar's bay for their Full Moon Party.
Bonfire on the beach!
Across the street from the marina was this little bay. We had sundowners at the beach bar nearly every day after work. La Bamba made the best frozen mojitos we'd ever tasted.
View of the dock (courtesy my iPhone) at night on my way back from the gym at night.
No tale of St. Martin would be complete without mention of Sunset Beach Bar. Perched right on the beach underneath the island's runway, you can have a drink and watch the planes take off and land. And they're really really close. As in, they barely miss the fence. When the big 747s land, people gather to hold onto the fence and be sand blasted by the jet. It's actually quite painful (and dangerous), or so I've been told. I was only there to witness the smaller planes.
Sunset at Sunset Beach bar.
Karacteurs beach bar was another one of our hangouts. An old bus converted to a bar overlooking a very nice setup of lounges and seating kept us returning time and time again.
Meanwhile, back on the boat during the work days, we tackled such daunting projects as the "bunny head." More on this later.
I made fondant decorations for a Queen of Hearts themed cake and table setting.
More after work sundowners at La Bamba!
Leaving the dock at St. Martin.
Through the drawbridge. Next stop, St. Barts!
