The "An Old Favorite Comes To Life Online" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Checking my email and found the latest entry marked "The Caribbean Journal".  One of my favorite emails to open each day.  Every day there are anywhere from three or four entries to over half-a-dozen or more.  Today's lead entry had five stories to read; one having the title of "A Dreamy Little Caribbean Island."  As soon as I saw the accompanying photograph, I knew the island was Pinel.  I have written a few stories about one of my favorite spots in the Caribbean Sea, Pinel Island, but I never tire of sharing my love for the island that is part of the French side of the island known as St. Martin/Sint Maarten (both French and Dutch).  So, sit back, take your mind off all your troubles and enjoy a bit more about the little tropical island on the north end of St. Martin which is a few hundred yards off the northwestern end of world famous Orient Beach.  The island is a  tucked-away gem off the coast of Cul de Sac and long a Mecca for beach aficionados.  The best way to reach the island is by water-ferry which leaves from Cul de Sac a few times a day and returns to the same location on return trips.  The water is very shallow on the west side of the island which makes it great for visiting with friends in the warm waters while holding a cool drink.  The island is uninhabited except for a rather large "mess" of iguanas.  There are two beach bars: Karibuni and Yellow Beach, each with fresh seafood, hand-crafted cocktails and great sandwiches.  Service is available at your beach chair if you desire.  Two reclining beach chairs and umbrella costs about $25 for the day.  Most of the rest of the island is grass covered, but there is another very small sandy area on the opposite side of the island.  My wife and I enjoy walking to the top of the island each visit to take a photograph to compare with the photograph from other years.  Seems the beach changes from year to year depending upon the tides and weather patterns.  Check out the photos which were posted by "The Caribbean Journal" as well as photographs which I have taken over the past 20 years.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.   PS - You too can visit each day by viewing www.caribjournal.com and joining their email list.   

Photograph of Pinel Island as seen in The Caribbean Journal. Click on images to enlarge.

Waiting for the Ferry 

Arriving at Pinel on the Ferry

Yellow Beach is one of two that rent chairs for the day.

Neat view of bathers looking toward St. Martin 

Chef preparing lunch while an iguana waits for some scraps.

View from the top of the hill overlooking the beach. 

The backside of the island which has a small beach.

Selfie as we cross to the island on the ferry. 

This map shows the island in reference to the ferry dock and St. Martin.