Amazing Saba

The tiny island of Saba is truly amazing.  We spent one wonderful week on the island and went on plenty of hikes, lounged by the pool, and Luke went diving at some of the best diving sites in the world.  We took a guided hike with local Saban "Crocodile James" who showed us edible plants and gave us plenty of history about the island. 

The view from the ferry ride over to Saba - about a 1.5 hour ride from St. Martin.

Views from the porch of our cottage in Windwardside.

The trail hiking up Mt. Scenery, the highest point on the island at 2,877 feet.  Breathtaking tropical rainforest.

At the top socked in by some clouds.

Luke did a second hike of Mt. Scenery in the early morning by himself.  No clouds this time.

 

A sample of some of the beautiful flowers on the island.

Hiking to Maskehorne hill.

View from Maskehorne Hill down into Windwardside.

Hiking the North Coast Trail with our guide, "Crocodile James", and views along the way.

HUGE "Elephant Ear" plants almost as big as Kristin. 

Natural "tattoo" James gave Kristin by smacking the back of a plant against her skin.

There were tons of wild edible fruits...nothing was really in season yet except the lemons and oranges.

Luke fake eating a Saba lemon.

Now he's really trying it...very sour.

Orange tree.



Soursop.

 Papaya.

Bananas.

Hiking the Sandy Cruz trail...just another beautiful day in paradise.



We're both sad and happy to say that our week in Saba was our last week in the Caribbean.  After 11 weeks on the islands, we feel like we went out with a bang.  So, sadly, our time in the Caribbean has come to end (in case you didn't know, it can bleed you dry!).  But, on a happier note, we arrived back in California on Tuesday...appropriately the first day of spring...and we are very excited to plan out the next few months of our trip.  Weather permitting, we're thinking of heading back to the southwest to the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks before heading up the northern California coast, through the Pacific Northwest, into Canada, and finally arriving in Alaska to finish out the summer. 

As always, we are truly blessed and grateful for the all the experiences we've had and the ones to come and thankful to all our friends and family who have made it possible.

Sunny Carib!

It sure has been an interesting, eventful, and warm month!  We left St. Thomas around February 8th and spent about a week island hopping in the British Virgin Islands.  We did an overnight trip on February 13th to St. Martin/Sint Maarten, a small island split between the Dutch and the French, and we've been here ever since.

We've enjoyed exploring the island, hiking, relaxing at the beaches, eating at the wonderful restaurants and having warm french croissants and baguettes in the morning!  The Heineken Regatta was last week and we enjoyed seeing the big boats and going to a few of the after parties.  But, we are ready to keep moving!!!!!

Unfortunately, things did not work out with the captain on the boat.   As you all know, we like to get out, explore remote places, and see as much as we can, but she preferred to stay in one place, typically in the busier ports and harbors.  No hard feelings - just too much of an age difference and different interests.  

So, we've been in contact with a few other captains and may hop on another boat, or we may just venture out on our own and travel from island to island, just not sailing, like original planned.  But hey, no complaints!  This is the Caribbean and we're grateful to be here, whether by air or sea!  Our immediate plan is to go to Saba (a really small, volcanic island), where we can hike and dive.  After that, we are really looking forward to going to Dominica and St. Lucia.

Luke caught a yummy yellow snapper on the sail over to Jost Van Dyke, BVI.

Anchored in Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke.  Headed to shore for a drink at the infamous Foxy's.

At Sopher's Hole, Tortola, BVI.

Watching the sunset at Sopher's Hole.

Next stop, The Bight, Norman Island, BVI.  We were able to hike and snorkel in the warm, beautiful water.

Hiking on Norman Island.

Getting ready to snorkel at "The Indians" just off Normal Island.

Luke snorkeling at the Indians.

Looking back at The Indians on our way to The Baths, Virgin Gorda, BVI.

The Baths.

From The Baths, we spent the night in Bitter End, Virgin Gorda and headed out in the morning/mid-day to St. Martin.  We arrived in St. Martin about 3:00 a.m.

Luke caught a yummy tuna on the trip to St. Martin.

A sunk boat in the Lagoon, St. Martin.

Grand Case, St. Martin.

Hiking in Sint Maarten.

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten.

Maho Bay.  This place was a little touristy, but well worth it.  The beach is right at the end of the airport and planes take off and land 50 feet from the beach.  There are warnings about jet blasts when large planes take off and it's no joke!  It was totally insane!  The winds blew Luke's sunglasses and bandana right off his head into the ocean!  The sand pelts your legs and face.

Luke playing.

Sunset at the beach.

Our next update will be from Saba!