Nude Beach

And so we’re on this cruise with St. Maarten as on of our ports.  I’ve been to St. Maarten before.  It’s a fun port with nice beaches.  Melissa and I decided to do an excursion called Rhino Rider.  Basically, a small, inflatable boat with an outboard motor.  It seats 2 and I drove with Melissa on the back. 

Our guide led the Rhino convoy of about 10-12 Rhinos. 

St. Maarten is a small island that is divided down the middle.  One side is French and the other side is Dutch. 

(Well, it’s not really the middle somehow the French cheated and their side is larger…but I digress)

We started on the Dutch side and our guide led us around and through the waterways over to a beach on the French side.  Before we left he made sure to let us know that the French side is a bit more open minded than the Dutch side.  And as such, is littered with clothing optional beaches, and that we shouldn’t be alarmed, or point, or laugh, or giggle when we see these free spirited bathers. 

My first thought was, “Hey, I’ll get to drive a fun boat and see some fun sights to boot.”

I was only half right.

Driving the boat was a blast!  I highly recommend it if you ever have the chance. 

As for the nude beach…

Well it was somewhat of a disappointment.  For you see, there were two couples enjoying the surf wearing nothing more that sunglasses and smiles.  However, they were also probably five years older than my parents and not in very good shape. 

I tried to avert my eyes, but I kept finding myself looking in their direction.  I don’t know why.  Maybe I was hoping I was wrong, maybe I was hoping someone easier to watch would join their party, maybe I was hoping they would put some clothes on.

Whatever the reason, next time someone says, “Nude Beach,” I’ll know not to get my hopes up.

           

Note to Mom and Dad:  In no way did I mean to imply that YOUR age should keep you away from a nude beach.  I’m sure you both will fit right in. 

            Just make sure I’m not around