St. Lucia

St. Lucia's pitons

should we dinghy over to the water slide?

A pod of dolphins welcomed us as we approached St. Lucia. It was awesome watching them play at our bow. We felt a little concern for them as Gil was trolling a line, but fortunately none of them took the bait - whew! 

We set anchor in front of Pigeon Island in Rodney Bay, at St. Lucia's north end. The snorkeling here is good, and there are daily snorkel and diving excursions sharing this spot. I was returning to our boat after one snorkel, and there were several divers right under me! 

Pigeon Island once served as a base for the British Navy. Fort Rodney, perched high on Pigeon Island, offered the British a good view of the French, whose primary base was on the neighbouring island of Martinique. Our legs were given a workout ascending this hill, but the views were spectacular.

Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island

(Martinique in the background)

 a view of Fort Rodney (on the point)

 Rodney Bay seen through a window in the munitions house

the munitions house

ruins of the barracks

more barracks

ruins of the cook house building

Lee Loo was here when we arrived, and we visited with Mario & Francene before they headed north to Martinique.  It was when we were headed over to their boat, that we crossed paths with one of the local vendors who come out to your boat, selling their fresh produce. This one left quite the impression! 

fruit and vegetable vendor

As always, we enjoy the Caribbean sunsets from our cockpit....