Position 14:44.71N 61:10.68W
Date 2300 – 10 February 2011
A small move of position; keeping a good look out first thing in the
morning meant that we saw a large catamaran with a prime position next to
Sulana leave the anchorage. We quickly moved to occupy the space which put us
well out of the way of any ferry and safe to leave the boat to go ashore sight
seeing.
With Alan and Sue and David and Ginny from Sulana we mounted a tourist
attack on St Pierre.
St Pierre was a major city and trading port for Martinique up until 8th May 1902 when it was
destroyed by the eruption of Mt Pelée which 4,800 ft dominates the town
Whilst the town has been rebuilt there remains a great deal of evidence
of the destruction caused with shells of buildings a poignant reminder of the
29,933 people who died.
Whilst some people were able to escape before the eruption most stayed
either because they did not believe that it could happen or they had nowhere to
go and no resources. Reputedly there was only one survivor and he was
imprisoned in this cell which reputedly saved his life but left him with such
severe burns that he became a circus attraction.
Sulana’s crew being of the walking inclination we set off to
climb up to another of St Pierre’s
sights, the statue of the Madonna; it is in the upper right of this photograph.
To prove that we made it:
The inscription on the plinth is a reminder of the disaster:
The descent was a rough footpath which took us past the remains of an
18th century battery complete with cannon:
And finally into a beautiful tropical garden that has been especially
planted to attract butterflies.
A bus ride back to St Pierre delivered
us to a good small restaurant overlooking Mount Pelée.
Following lunch we visited the excellent small museum and wandered along the
town walls which gave an interesting view over the harbour; Caduceus is
definitely in the sights:
The day was very pleasantly finished off with supper on board Sulana
– Thank you!
