Day 6 - First Trip Off to a Good Start

This morning we decided to rent a CanAm Spyder for the morning. For those of you who do not know what a Spyder is, it's the funny looking motorcycle with two wheels in the front. We own one and know how much fun they can be so we wanted to spend some time driving around SXM on one. We were there as soon as the store opened and were on our way a little after 9 am. We chose to have breakfast at Mr Busby's in Oyster Pond. Heard about their Johnny Cakes and wanted to find out what that was all about. We both had a bacon, egg and cheese Johnny Cake. At home we would call this an egg sandwich but the unique bread that Mr Busby's uses is much better than ours. We both enjoyed our Johnny Cakes. They told us that the water was very calm this morning. It looked like a great place to hang out but we wanted to keep riding. We headed down the hill to check out the Westin. Nice but too big for us
Next stop was back to the butterfly farm to try to get a picture of the elusive blue butterfly. We chose to ride along the coast as we headed north. Very nice views along the way. My wife never did get a suitable picture of a blue butterfly but it was fun watching her try to do so. The butterfly farm is so simple, yet so interesting.
We rode a little further north, stopping along the way to take some pictures until it was time to return the Spyder to it's home near the cruise ship docks. It was such a beautiful day for riding that we hated to stop.
Next on the list was Maho Bay and Sunset Beach Bar to watch the planes come and go (and the people too). There were two Royal Caribean ships in port today so there was quite a crowd when we arrived.
We watched the planes until about 4 pm when we decided to head to Grand Case again to find the lolos for dinner. After checking out each lolo we settled on Cynthia's Talk of the Town. It was a good meal but not the best ribs and chicken we have ever had. We enjoyed ourselves none the less, especially watching the lolos "compete" for the next group of diners.
We had heard about the crepe trailer from a local but it wasn't open last night. But tonight our luck changed, it was open! We had ordered two crepes, a Bailey's and a Salted Caramel. Hands down the Salted Caramel was the best. It was by far the best crepe I have ever had. So be sure to check out Le Crepe en Rose if you are in Grand Case. I don't think you will be disappointed.
On our way home we stopped by La Sucriere to feed my pastry addiction. They also had more raspberry sweet bread so we have a loaf in the kitchen for tomorrow morning
We did receive some bad news today, Paul from Captain Alan's cancelled our last opportunity for one of his cruises. So it looks like we may have to return to SXM in the near future to make one of his cruises happen.
Not sure what the plan is for tomorrow yet, it's our last full day in SXM.

Sounds like another good day. While I ride a cycle at home, I have no desire to ride one on the island.

For a johnny cake treat, head to Hilma's Windsor Castle (Simpson Bay) and get one with egg, sausage, cheese, etc. She opens around 9:00 and seating consists of 4 barstools. Tell her JD sent you.

I agree with JD's suggestion of Hilma's for a Johnny Cake, but for the true island experience, you should get the saltfish Johnny Cake, and wash it down it a Dutch Coffee.

One of each and a double Dutch coffee!

You sound like you are having a ball.
Sorry about Captain Alan's. Like I mentioned on one post, we met a family who was scheduled to be on it, and they only had a few days here. I guess it's a good reason to come back!!

And just to dog pile on this discussion, absolutely have the salt fish johnny cake with some Dutch Coffees. If you prefer unleaded drinks, have her bush tea, which varies by day. My wife's favorite was ginger.

The best part of eating there is just shooting the breeze with Hilma. She's a very interesting lady.

I agree Hilma's Windsor Castle is a true St. Maarten experience! We visit with Hilma on every trip there.

Thanks for the suggestion! We will try to visit Hilma but we are running out of time quickly:( So much to do and only a day left!

Have enjoyed your daily reports and "hats off" to your desire to explore as much of the island as possible in a very short time! Sorry you were not able to enjoy one of Capt Paul's excursions...those were always the highlight of our trips in the past...next time as you say! And for crepes, we always make a breakfast stop at Paradise View...wonderful crepes and splendid view of Orient.

Paradise View is on our list for next visit also They were closed when we tried to visit this time around.

Thanks for the recommendation! Hilma knew exactly what to make when I told her JD recommender her!

She is a great lady. We had a little confusion back in March as she always called me "JR". There is a guy who is there most of the time I am on the island and he mistakenly calls me "JR and Hilma heard him and always called me "JR". Other friends went to Hilma's this past trip and when my name came up (JD), it confused Hilma. I guess they got it all worked out and on my last couple of stops Hilma and I had a good laugh about it and she made sure to call me by the correct name.

Hilma would get confused to as where people were from as she seemed to think the US consisted of New York, Texas and Cleveland. We talked about it last year (and I think she talked to other people about it also) so I took her a map of the US and also a road atlas to better show each state. She already had a US map since last year but was very appreciative of what I brought her. She found the road atlas very confusing.

Her claim to fame was Anthony Bourdain stopping there and featuring her on one of his shows. She still takes care of business the same way she always has and is a joy to visit with when she has the time.

Glad you got to experience it.

Sun4MnM: Check your home page for a private message.

Checked but do not see any new messages??

It appears "azranger" was notifying "Sun4MnM" of a message sent between them.

Ohh, got it! My mind is still on vacation