Sint Maarten Carnival - April 29, 2008

I know what you're thinking! They're still in St. Martin? We've been here for 2 months and are really enjoying ourselves. We had been thinking of leaving last week when we learned that the carnival parade would take place this week on the Dutch side of the island. We didn't want to miss it! What's one more week! The parade took 3 hours but the paraders actually marched, danced and sang their way through the parade route for 7 hours, start to finish and in the hot, tropical sun. Here's a sample of the many pictures we took of the beautiful women and men in their fabulous costumes.

Back on the boat after the parade and here's Bailey, dressed up for carnival. She wasn't too thrilled but she looked pretty!

We're getting ready to leave in a few days. Watch for our updates from our next ports of call,

St. Eustatias, St. Kitts, Nevis and more!

More from St. Martin

Yes, I know. We're still in St. Martin. You're probably wondering when you'll see someplace new. The truth is we really like it here. It will be hard to leave. But we've also been very busy! We had friends visit for a week, we hauled the boat out of the water for 8 days and I flew to Milwaukee for 10 days to visit family. I just returned on Sunday. Jim stayed in St. Martin to take care of Bailey & Merengue, finish a few boat projects and hang out with friends.

Here I am with brother-in-law Bill, my sister Connie and my niece Natalie at Miller Park watching the Milwaukee Brewers trounce the San Francisco Giants. Thanks Connie & Bill for spoiling me while I was home!

Our first piece of art for the boat compliments of our friend Kyle (age 10). Isn't it great! Thanks Kyle

The day I flew back to the states, Jim went to a birthday party for our friend Gilles. Here's the happy hosts, Monon and Gervais on "Le Bete."

The birthday boy, Gilles and Marie France.

The day after I returned, another party. This time on "Phoenix III" for Hans.

Party guys!

Wendy, Kristen and Marie France.

Carmelle, Kristen and Monon.

We'll have to think about leaving soon :( We've had such fun here with all these great friends. The good news is that we are all heading the same direction.