Friars' Bay

I must first say that the road into Friars is not the best. It had rained the day I visited St Martin 11-29-07, and the road has a huge deep puddle to drive through/around. It is a dirt road as many on the island are and the runoff of water from the hills is tremendous. When I approached the bay I could see that the surf was fairly heavy and the water visibilty would be low but I decided to go in anyway. I am not a diver so the experience for divers may be better. As it was, I saw a wide variety of smaller fish here, beginning with an eel, yellow finned snappers, all the usual juveniles and cleaner fish. Despite the low visibilty, as I followed the rocky out croppings left from the beach I saw 2 huge Porcupine fish that were near the shallows all the way around the point near the next beach (private beach?). There is a lot of small grassy seaweed here and it was refreshing to see plant life in the water. As I returned (back around the corner from where I had started), I encountered 2 beautiful Damsel fish and best of all a magnificent specimen of a Queen Angel fish. It had the most brilliant markings. It was my first sighting of Queen Angel Fish and I was delighted despite the water clarity. There is not much in the way of coral nor large Parrot fish but the spot looks as though it will really improve as the years roll on. This beach as with many on the French side apprears to be at least partially clothing optional. I was not offended by the beautiful local lady who helped direct me to better ssites on the island.. Thank you Salin.. You are remarkable. There is a small café at the beach but do not expect much in the way of foor or beverage, and the facilities are dismal. Admittedly they are performing repairs/construction at this time so it could very well improve in the next few months but as with everything on the islands..no hurry mon!