Renewing our faith in the St Lucians

Stream
Darrell Jackson and Sarah Barnes
Wed 7 May 2014 16:13
13:50.39N 61:03.83W

Gregory's surname was Pascal incase you were interested!

Wednesday
Due to the relapse of one of the crew with tonsillitis (the"Very Nasty Virus") it was decided that a relaxing day was required. So we motored, with Julie on the helm, around the bay and across to Malgretout beach and Benny's Harmony Bar, and picked up a mooring below Petit Piton. As we had breakfast we were able to watch the Sandals hotel dive boats taking their groups along the rocky northern shoreline at the base of the Piton and marvelled at the time it took them to get everyone in the water. After breakfast a snorkel trip was in order for most of the crew. It was a rocky shore that falls off quickly following the deep drop of the Piton, a volcanic plug. There was a good range of fish, barracuda, tuna, squid, cuttlefish and many more. There were some nice frond like coral which made the swim interesting. It was an easy swim to the shore for an explore of the area and checking out Benny's bar which was unfortunately closed. 
After the snorkel, leaving Sarah to rest aboard, Darrell took the crew into Soufriere for lunch and shopping. Another trip to the arts cafe for more coffee, gifts and wifi was required, as well as a trip to tourist information to gen up on the Gros Piton. Then a return to the boat for another spectacular sunset.

Thursday. May Day, a Public Holiday in St Lucia.
Another chill day, with some swimming from the boat and then a dinghy to Malgretout beach for a drink at Benny's Harmony Bar. Just as we were enjoying our quiet drink a party Catamaran arrived full of local teenagers having a good time. It disgorged its passengers onto the beach, some of whom decided the dinghy made a nice seat under the trees while they drank and ate. Strangely, the music blaring from the boat's speakers was Country and Western rather than the usual Caribbean rhythms we are accustomed too. They were soon joined by another catamaran and the whale watching boat full of locals enjoying their day off. The marine rangers and police launches were also in attendance, either keeping an eye on things or joining in the party. While the beach was so noisy we had a gentle wander along a trail leading from the waterfront to Soufriere and through the Stonefield Estate. By the time we returned to the beach the boats were leaving to take the party and their loud music (back to Caribbean rhythms) elsewhere.

Friday
We ventured out into Soufriere looking for an easy but reasonably priced tour of other sights. Luckily, we found Rosy and his taxi and he took us up to Tet Paul Nature trail at Chateau Belais. This is situated on a ridge between the Pitons and is a gem. The trail meanders through six acres of the lush, verdant land in the farming area of Soufriere. Our guide took us around the organic farm, identifying the plants and explaining their uses. It is set amidst spectacular views of the two pitons and the south coast of St Lucia. Allowing us to enter Paradise before climbing the steps to Heaven! (These are the names they have given to the two viewing points)
We then went to Toraille Falls set in a pleasant garden for a swim in the cold waters. Unfortunately our timing coincided with several Sandals and other hotels tour groups, but we didn't let them dampen our enjoyment. Then Rosy took us to a local restaurant where we had lunch at local prices. All for $US60, so much better value than Greg, (that's Greg Pascal in case there's any doubt) especially as the Captain went free!
We then motored around to Sugar Beach, previously known as the Jalousie Plantation, with Julie at the helm again. This bay is situated between the two Pitons and is rather windy, but the skilled crew managed to pick up a mooring without the help of the boat boys. On shore is an elegant resort, with spectacular views of both the Pitons and the ridge that joins them. As we were settling to watch the sunset, Illias, the fruit and veg man, appeared and we arranged a trip up Gros Piton for the next morning, requiring being on the beach ready to leave at 6am! So an early night was needed by all the crew.