13:50.59N 61:03.82W   Soufriere, St Lucia

St Lucia (pronounced  "Sint Loosha"), the largest Windward Island is north of St Vincent and south of Martinique. It has a history of French and British occupation swapping many times before finally becoming independent about 30 years ago.  While the official language is English, many of the local speak an interesting Creole patois.

Soufriere is the oldest town in St Lucia and famous for the towering twin Pitons and the rather unpleasant smelling sulphur springs (referred to as a drive-up volcano). We are anchored right underneath Petit Piton at Malgretout beach, with the marine park reef a few swim strokes away.  The Pitons are forty thousand year old volcanic "caps", rising incredibly steeply from below the ocean surface to 800m high (Gross Piton).  On Saturday we walked up the hill for a swim in the warm water waterfall  - which was excellent fun. The Island has very rich, tropical foliage with wild mango's, breadfruit trees and a new one ..sweet sop, everywhere.  On Sunday while Mike and I relaxed, and had a gentle snorkel over the reef, Coenie hiked right up to the top of the Piton.  Very energetic!  Today we are going to town and then to hike up to swim at the Diamond Falls (cold ones this time).