Castries, St Lucia
Trip Start
Nov 16, 2009
1
26
28
Trip End
Jan 02, 2010
Saint Lucia, Saint Lucia
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Today we will be visiting the island and traveling thru its exotic tropical rainforest, up and around the mountains that form the island's interior; down into the many coves by the ocean that form beautiful harbors and small towns along the coast of the island; and out to see the largest natural wonders of the island. And we will do all this traveling on the left side of the road. Being part of the British Commonwealth, the island's traffic drives on the British side of the road. This will not be a problem for us as we along with two other couples have hired a private van and driver.
The day was warm and humid, but the weather was very nice because of the constant cool sea breeze that was with us thru out the day. The sun was bright with a just few clouds in the dark blue sky. It was to be a very comfortable day for our adventure on this island in the sun. We met with two other couples from our Dinner Seating and walked out to the end of the short pier that allowed our ship to dock near the very center of the city. A quick negotiation and we were all ready to enter the van that would take us around the island to see the Pitons and the only drive-in volcano in the world. The port city of Castries was located on a flat area of the island surrounded by mountains that form most of the interior of the island. The mountains were covered by beautiful rain forests that kept the island a green paradise in the string of islands that make up the East Indies.
The little van acted like the "Train that could" as it worked its way up and down the mountain roads that lead around the island connecting valley, mountain, and coastal villages. The road up and out of town was full of turns and glimpses of the city of Castries which was growing ever smaller as we climbed the mountain to begin our journey to Soufriere where we would see twin mountains that jut directly out of the sea and shore to form a signature feature of the island. The twin peaks are called the Pitons. The road leads up and out of the city then turns toward the coast to wind up and down the mountains and along the shore line as we drive around the island. Our first valley was a narrow valley that lies just outside of Castries. It is full of storage tanks that hold the refined petroleum used to power the autos, trucks, electricity, and other necessary utilities needed around the island. They also hold natural gas for use on the island. Up we go again deeper into the forest areas that cover the mountains. Up and over the mountain to the next valley, our little van took us. This next valley is much wider and flatter than the previous valley. It contains a large banana plantation that completely covers the little valley. To protect the crop of the banana trees, the farm workers have placed blue plastic bags around the growing stocks of bananas. It marks the trees that will next produce fruit for harvest. Our driver stopped by a couple of girls that were selling bananas on the side of the road and Harriet bought a bunch for the ride to Soufriere. Fresh bananas that were perfectly ripe and ready to eat were enjoyed for the rest of the trip by all of the adventurous travelers. It is nice to be able to live off of the land.
But soon we were back heading up another mountain towards a small fishing village that is nestled between the mountains and the sea. It is a small little town full of mostly local fishermen. They make a merger living by fishing as there is no other means of employment without driving away from the area to a city like Castries. The economy is fragile and very limited for the people of the island. Tourism helps but is not sufficient to employ many of the population. Once again we climb up a mountain and continue our journey to Soufriere, which is in the next valley on the other side of the mountain. Soufriere holds the two attractions that will mark the further most ends of our day’s journey; the twin peaks of the Pitons and the drive-in volcano. The twin peaks of Pitons are the most famous landmark on the island and they are very impressive as the rise up forming two very tall and steep slender cones of green rising high above the landscape. They are viewable as soon as we top the mountain and begin our drive down into the town of Soufriere. As we drive down the mountain into Soufriere, we can see smoke rising from a mountain on the other side of the town. This smoke is coming from the Soufriere Volcano that is still active. One side of the cauldron of the volcano was blown away during a distant eruption many centuries before we arrived at this location. Thru this ancient scar we drove into the volcano where we could still see the results of the battle between the rainforest and the boiling mud pots and steaming fumaroles that permanently scar one area of the inside of the volcano. The areas that are not sill active have been reclaimed by the rain forest. We have now seen volcanoes from both sides now, both in and out and up and down. Like all tourist areas there are a row of shops to buy small items that may or may not have meaning to the location from which they are being sold. But for us this is another look at the many faces of nature that can be seen throughout the world. We walked around the area and enjoyed the beauty of nature that was visible all around us.
But like most of our ports, we need to return to the ship before she sails for our next Port of Call. Every port is seen within a single day and our visits our short but we have learned to enjoy the little insights into the world offered by the cruises we take. And today, as we journey back thru the valleys, mountains, and shorelines; we allow the beauty and the environment of the island to sink into our minds and be stored there for our remembrances later. We both agreed that St Lucia was the best Caribbean Island we have stopped on since our journey into the Caribbean began after we left Devil’s Island and South America.
In the "Hunt for Dan", he is enjoying the sights of the drive in volcano. Look for, but beware you are in a volcano that is still considered active and has dangers lurking beneath the ground.
After returning to the ship we were told by the Captain that the ocean swells at St Barth were unsafe for the Royal Princess to tender boats into the port. So our port destination has been changed to St. Maartin where we will be able to dock next to the town.
Where is Dan Hunt
In the “Hunt for Dan”, he is enjoying the sights of the drive in volcano. Look for, but beware you are in a volcano that is still considered active and has dangers lurking beneath the ground.
Linda Brekaw was the first to find Dan.
Linda Brewka on December 31, 2009
I see you Dan hiding below the rails in the blue shirt - looking toward Harriet (camera).
Happy New Year Guys! And I can’t say it enough...... Miss you!
Linda Brewka, City Hall
Sharon Roy on January 1, 2010
Ha! At first I thought he must be the person that guy is taking a picture of! Then I spotted him below the railing - first glance had me thinking he had climbed over the railing - but no, it is the walkway to the top.
-Sharon
Comments
Happy New Year Uncle Dan and Aunt Harriet! I am enjoying reading and dreaming about your tropical locations as I look out my window and see snow falling. Wish I was there with you!
Love Lisa