Caribbean Travel Guides, 19
COMPOSITE PHOTO BY CAPT. CHUCK
Get "Lost" in Your Own Island Paradise! Pirate Port Playgrounds! Where Admiral Nelson hid his fleet! Caribbean Pirate Island Travel!
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CD: Sailing Adventures Cruising the Caribbean! Hilarious True Sea Stories
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Carib St. Lucia
A morning shower patters on the roof, a green frog
chirps in the banana tree off the balcony, and a brilliant
rainbow arcs from the sky onto a cruise ship passing far
below in the sparkling Caribbean Sea. Pirates, and their
pursuers, sailed here long ago.
This grand panorama must be the most spectacular view
in this hemisphere, certainly a close runner-up.
The gigantic, beautiful Pitons – St. Lucia’s twin volcanic
peaks – rise from the early mists like huge guardians to
protect and entertain us at Ladera Resort. The unlikely pair
burst out of the cobalt sea to a half-mile height, a pair of
giant upside-down sugar cones.
Below in the sheltered bay a dozen cruising sailboats
nestle close in, perhaps 50 yards off shore of the steep
mountains’ rise. They must stay in this close to anchor, as
the “ground” slopes down in an almost perpendicular
plunge.
With binoculars I see the cruise passengers lined up on
deck far below, gazing up in awe at the same scene; “Gros
Piton” – big nail – “Petit Piton” – small nail.
The thick, dense forests of this 12 x 24-mile island are as
verdantly green as Eden itself. Magnificent soaring bluffs,
mountains, valleys swathed in tangled greenery. Wild
fruit trees, giant ferns, bubbling streams, all swaggering
down the mountain sides.
Driving can be a challenge. The main road north-south is
newly paved, with dozens of switchbacks as it climbs the
highlands; but it’s British-style, left lane forward. And of
course there are the big rigs always met on the hairpin
curves. After a while giddiness takes over and it becomes
fun as well as a dare.
The most developed area is around Rodney Bay in the
northwest. Next to the south is Castries, the capital.
French-flavored Soufriere is further south, with its
magnificent views of the Pitons. The island’s center is less
populated; it’s wild and rugged; with an extensive rain
forest, and numerous banana plantations.
At Rodney Bay, a bustling port, hosting cruisers’ yachts
from Sweden, France, Italy, England, an
international smorgasbord of accents. Castries, the main
cruise ship port, offers native markets, intriguing
restaurants such as “Rain,” built in a picturesque Victorian
manor on Brazil Street, boasting a balcony and garden
dining rooms. Take the city tour to discover the charm of
how an old-time Caribbean village catered to its market.
Marigot Bay, about 10 miles south, is perfectly
tropical, its leafy hills bunched around a startling cerulean
blue, naturally hidden cove, dotted with a few houses.
Inside is a comfortable, full-size marina. The Moorings
charter yacht headquarters are there.
Almost invisible from the ocean, though it is wide and
deep, an unwitting sailor could pass by without noticing
this lovely blue lagoon. The story goes that a famous
Admiral – Lord Nelson – once hid his small and out-
gunned fleet from the Spanish armada passing by. Adding
to the illusion, he hoisted palm fronds to the tops of his
masts, which would have been visible to a vigilant enemy
look-out.
You may take a water taxi to the location where a Dr.
Doolittle movie was shot. Odin’s Bar is a hangout for
divers and yachties. The village close to Ladera is
Soufriere, a scenic setting where cruise ships can ease
right into the dock, and a 140-ft. four-masted Pirate
brigantine takes day charters. There’s also a believe-it-or-
not drive-in volcano.
Alas, there are few beaches in this beautiful island’s
panorama. Little fine white sugar sand; it’s coarse and
dark, unlike most of the Carib. Rodney Bay is an
exception, with its Reduit beach. In fact while it, too,
offers great scenic views, the entire eastern, Atlantic side,
is subject to heavy winds in its rocky outcrops and coves.
The island’s markets are packed with the fruits of the
island; mangoes, breadfruit, limes, fresh ocean fish, just a
short ride from the hotels. Ladera is rustic on purpose,
built into the mountainside with heavy oak and mahogany
beams, splash pools, kitchenettes. It’s a one-of-a-kind
design, with stacked rooms, and open to the elements in
front. Part of some Superman movies were shot here.
Hollywood celebs slip in anonymously.
Around the Piton, another much-lauded hotel is Anse-
Chastenet. Other resorts north and south on the island fit
all budgets, including Sandals, Grande St. Lucian Spa,
Stonefield Estate, and more. St. Lucia is a marvelous isle,
perfect for a Caribbean Pirate vacation. #
For More, Link to:
http://www.Stlucia.org
St.Lucia
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