First of all, a note from Thursday. We went to Baie Nettle on Thursday to view Bruno's Dream Beach Resort. Yes, I said resort because this place is amazing! Everything is first class, new, and modern. Bruno was there and we re-introduced ourselves as we had rented from Bruno in 2009. He gave us a tour and pointed out several items. Thursday was not a day for the beach, but we intend to go back when the weather is better.
Friday- cruising on the Celine with Captain Neil. It rained heavy during the night and we had another downpour around 7 AM. Skies were dark and heavy and I doubted this trip would happen. However, a group of 16 people gathered at SkipJacks anticipating a cancellation due to weather, but we boarded and started out on a trip that would not be forgotten for several reasons. Breakfast was served in the cabin and it was great: pastries, fresh fruit, yogurt, bread, apples, cheese, and several types of spreads were offered. Coffee, juices, and even Bloody Marys were available. Tamra and Cyph were excellent hosts and Tamra would soon reveal what a great cook she is. The trip across the lagoon, past the new swing bridge, through Sandy Ground, and to Grand Case was fine. It all changed after Creole Rock! The trip to Tintamarre was a rollercoaster with intermittent showers and foreboding skies. Captain Neil decided not to raise the sails due to the possibility of squalls, so we were under power all the way. We arrived at Tintamarre with only one case of seasickness and had the place to ourselves. Snorkeling was not good due to cloudy skies and churned up bottoms, but upon exiting the water, we could see clear skies were headed our way. At around 11 AM, the sun broke through and everything changed for the better. We were able to spot sting rays and green sea turtles in the water. The sun turned the water into various shades of blue and turquoise and a couple of turtles kept breaking the surface around the boat.
Lunch- How Tamra managed this fabulous meal in a constantly rocking and rolling galley is beyond me. We had grilled fish, ribs, a rice dish with shrimp, calamari, and scallops, potato salad, a bowtie pasta dish, and a salad so beautiful it was a shame to eat it. Eating on the deck with blue skies, a million dollar view, and beverage of choice, I was amazed how the day had changed so completely.
Creole Rock- again, the snorkeling was not that good, but we had a birthday party on the way over. Angela was celebrating her 30th BD and her friend had brought a cake and decorations for the cabin. Someone opened a bottle of champagne and we sang and toasted Angela's BD.
Happy Bay- This is where the mud bath is done with special mud that the Celine brings with her. While this being done, Tamra created a fruit snack made with a pineapple. She cut it so that opened into four parts and then she cut out chunks of pineapple, garnished the chunks with strawberries, and re-inserted them into the four parts with cocktail picks. She then sprinkled the entire creation with various individually wrapped candies. Wow!
Sandy Ground- while waiting for the bridge to open, Tamra had one more surprise. She concocted BBC's for everyone and the party moved indoors as a torrential rain swept the lagoon. It poured all the way across the lagoon and was still drizzling when we docked back a SkipJacks.
All I can say is, I will never do another booze cruise on the boats that carry 60-70 people. Captain Neil and the Celine is the way to go. I cannot say enough about the crew and Captain in regards to their customer service and attention to detail. Friday was one of the best days we have ever had on St Marteen!! A great big THANK YOU to Captain Neil, Tamra, and Cyph!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />
BTW, it is overcast today, has rained several times, and the wind downright chilly. Global warming??
