Marigot Bay, St. Martin. September 11, 2001.
This is my post for Watery Wednesday. To see more of our watery world, or to post your own watery pictures , click HERE.
The picture above, which can be enlarged by clicking on it, was taken from the ruins of Fort St. Louis on the island of St. Martin. Our cruise ship had docked on the Dutch side of the island (St. Maarten) and we took a bus tour which took us to Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island.
St. Maarten – St. Martin is the smallest land mass in the world shared by two different nations. The island is only 37 square miles and is owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. The French territory covers about two thirds of the island and is technically a part of Europe and the European Community. The Dutch side is a member island of the Neterlands Antilles and is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but is not considered European territory. There is no real border between the two parts of the island.
Fort St. Louis, built in 1767, overlooks Marigot Bay, and is the largest historical monument in St. Martin. The plans for the fort were sent to the island from Versailles at the order of King Louis XVI. After the French Revolution the fort was temporarily occupied by the Dutch to prevent the spread of revolutionary democracy.
The fort no longer serves any military purpose, but the steep climb we made to the summit of the peak did provide this panoramic view of the island and the sea. I would say the hike was definitely worth the effort.
Just a reminder that you are invited to visit my photo blog, Photos by Senior Hiker, by clicking HERE
Tags: St. Maa, St. Maarten, Travels, Watery Wednesday
Senior Moments 
March 4, 2009 at 12:57 am |
What a view! The fort sure had some prime waterfront property!
I missed the roses post below – gorgeous!!!!
My WW post is on my photoblog: Carletta’s Captures.
March 4, 2009 at 2:47 am |
What a beautiful place to be!
March 4, 2009 at 4:27 am |
Wonderful view. The cruise must have been something to remember. thanks for sharing this one. I love the blue ocean.
March 4, 2009 at 7:09 am |
I would say the hike was worth it. Its good the two countries get along being on such a tiny island. Beautiful shot George!!
March 4, 2009 at 7:33 am |
What a fantastic view!!
March 4, 2009 at 7:58 am |
Wonderful panorama!! I love all the shades of blue in the ocean!!
And the roses are so beautiful!
And I loved the adventure about Dunns Falls!! Nothing venture, nothing gained!
March 4, 2009 at 8:01 am |
Great Picture!!!
Coach andI visited St. Maarten in 1993. We had a great time…lovely water and the people were friendly!!
March 4, 2009 at 8:21 am |
Beautiful view! How strange for 2 countries to each own part of such a small place! Must get confusing at times.
March 4, 2009 at 8:57 am |
Beautiful shot! And some very interesting information.
March 4, 2009 at 9:10 am |
This has to be enlarged to be appreciated–a really wonderful view.
March 4, 2009 at 9:47 am |
What a gorgeous view! And what a strange little place that must be. But beautiful!
March 4, 2009 at 9:48 am |
That is a wonderful shot! And I agree with Rose; when enlarging it you can really see the beautiful view and wonderful colours! And what a funny island, 2 countries on such a small place. They simply have to get along! 😉
March 4, 2009 at 10:01 am |
Ok, why don’t you guys adopt me & I can be your kid & you can take me on your travels!!! hehehehe LoL!
March 4, 2009 at 10:18 am |
Very beautiful George.
March 4, 2009 at 10:43 am |
We never have visited St. Martin but have heard it’s a nice place. Beautiful picture George!
March 4, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Great shot. The color of the water is amazing.
March 4, 2009 at 11:15 am |
The water is a beautiful color. The water is kind of that color in Fiji.
March 4, 2009 at 11:18 am |
That looks like a fun place to explore, … and photograph. I’d be compelled to walk out to the end of the pier.
March 4, 2009 at 11:46 am |
We rented a car and drove around the island…very pretty views..
March 4, 2009 at 11:58 am |
I would like to explore that island someday too. Very pretty scenery.
March 4, 2009 at 1:06 pm |
Now THAT is the kind of water I like! I love all the old forts on islands like that, too. And thanks for the history/geography lesson. Very interesting.
March 4, 2009 at 2:01 pm |
The colour of the water is such wonderfully turqoise and it is a lovely view you have shared with us. An interesting place all in all with all that history.
March 4, 2009 at 9:55 pm |
You certainly have a lot of beautiful pictures and stories from your travels. 🙂
March 4, 2009 at 10:12 pm |
beautiful scene.
March 4, 2009 at 10:30 pm |
Beautiful water, in a very interesting place.
March 5, 2009 at 9:23 am |
George: What a neat place to visit.
March 6, 2009 at 1:33 am |
Very nice shot from the Cabian Paradise. Lovely colors.
March 7, 2009 at 3:25 pm |
Ah … this photo brings back memories of my own visit to San Maarten!
Hugs and blessings,