Even the mermaid isn't happy
We also considered "mangled in Marigot"and "Simpson Bay savaged"! To catch up our loyal followers in Poland, India, and Lappland.......we spent hurricane season in Bonaire (as usual). Almost 4 months of diving, drinking, and relaxing (as though we don't do enough of that).
The sail north was going to be different this time. Normally we would aim for Culebra, BVI, or St. Martin depending on the wind and seas. But with Irma and Maria impacting these areas, PR and BVI became no go zones. We approached St. Croix with more than a little trepidation.
What did we find ? Puppies !!! (See pic below). And a looted ATM with a warm message on the screen. St. Croix was without power and had some land lines down but otherwise was fine. FEMA dudes and armed security were everywhere. We had been worried about Crabby (our dinghy) but an armed ex-military security guy watched him while we walked around and explored. Even bought diesel and boat parts.
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| The cutest hurricane survivors |
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I would like to make a withdrawal
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| These boats have seen better days |
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So as we approached St. Martin we were cautiously optimistic. We had seen media pictures of damage but that always shows the worst damage and provides no context. We anchored at night in Marigot.......pretty empty bay it seemed and we waited for sunrise. What did we find? No puppies but total destruction. Like every boat that had been here was now wrecked. Hotels in various states of demolition........Marigot and Simpson Bay look like some kind of massive explosion occurred here.
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| Boat yard in Marigot, St. Martin |
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| Our favorite patisserie...or was |
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| 57 feet of mess |
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While floating boats and structures with roofs are rare here, life goes on. Commerce is happening, food and fuel are available, and some (maybe 1/3) restaurants have reopened. Unlike St. Croix, they are taking their time on the repairs here. Nary a crane in sight to raise the hundreds of sunken boats. Few constructions teams in evidence. I guess they'll fix everything in good time.
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| Destruction in the Simpson Bay Lagoon |
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So we are still making our way inexorably toward Antigua (now just 90 mi away) and our holiday mooring station. So many boat projects planned; so much money to spend.
