Volcano Expedition

Ever since we got to the Caribbean, I wanted to visit a volcano. Our first chance, after having skipped Statia and not having enough time in St. Kitts, was Nevis.

The crew of Almost There, Skylark, and Taia, 11 in total, got together at the dinghy dock and armed with lots of water and snacks, took the bus that would leave us at the start of the hiking trail. Unfortunately, the trail is not that simple, and after 2.5 hours it got too difficult for the young tripulation and we were forced to go back. The hike was incredible and we had a great time, even though we didn't get to the top of the volcano.

I have to say I'm very proud of the kids. Even though they were tired and it wasn't always easy, they didn't complain and just kept going.

Exploring a cave.

Repelling to see a cascade.

Happy people!

Our next destination was Montserrat. We were all looking forward to visiting the volcano, but were quickly dissapointed when we found out it has been closed to the public since it erupted in 1995.

That being said, we were able to get close to Plymouth, the old capital city that is now covered in ashes, using the car our friends from Skylark had rented. It's a very desolate picture! The green of the vegetation is a drastic contrast to the ash-covered parts of the land. As you get close to it, you can smell the distinctive rotten egg smell of the sulphur that's still coming out of the volcano.

On our way to Plysmouth. At the far end of the picture, you can start seeing the ash-covered beach.

Looking at the ash.

Huge contrast!

Looking at Plymouth.

Close up of the old capital city. All the houses are abandoned.

After two days in Montserrat we sailed to Guadeloupe, the most developed island of the Caribbean. This time it was Almost There that had rented a car and together we went to hike the volcano. The trail up to the volcano is easy and well mantained, covered with a big variety of lush vegetation, including some algae that is approximately 500 million years old. About half way to the top, the day got grey as we started to walk through the clouds and the temperature dropped a bit. After 2 hours of walking up hill, we were at the top of the mountain (1467 m.) with an incredible view surrunding us. As the volcano is still active, you can clearly see the smoke coming out of it and smell the sulphuric air.

Starting the hike to the volcano

500 million year old algae. The orange color is from carotene.

Almost at the top, walking in between clouds.

We made it to the top!

The volcano and its sulphuric fumes.

Saint Barthélemy

On Christopher Columbus's second trip to the Caribbean, he stumbled upon an island that he decided to name after his older brother Bartolomeo. Some 150 years later the French settled here. In 1784 the French king Louis XVI gave St-Barth to the Swedish King Gustaf III and got it back some 100 years later.

That, in a nutshell, is the history of St-Barth. I love visiting all these places and learning the history behind them. I love being in the islands Columbus found on his different voyages and then the French, Spanish, Dutch and/or Swedish people fought for over and over.

St-Barth is a beautiful island where the rich and famous vacation. Gustavia, its capital city, is very picturesque and by far the cutest town we have seen so far. We spent a day walking around the town and up the hills to see some spectacular views. There was also the inevitable beach time.

Sunset at Colombier Bay

Munching at Colombier Bay Beach

Colombier Bay Beach

Walking from Colmbier Bay to Flamands Bay with our friends from Skylark

Gustavia dinghy dock

Street names in French and Swedish

We are now in St. Kitts. Another post coming up after we do some exploring.

The Northern End of the Leewards

I couldn't help but feel a certain sadness as I watched Almost There pick up anchor and motor by Taia, both crews waving and sharing the promise to meet up somewhere down island. The truth is, we'll probably see Almost There in a few days, somewhere between St. Barts and Nevis. Why, then, was I a little sad? After all, we still enjoy the convenience of 21st century communications, even while cruising.

Almost There's departure this morning marks the end of an incredible 4 weeks at anchor in Marigot Bay, St-Martin. For most of that 4 weeks, Taia was sandwiched between Almost There and Skylark. The kids from all 3 boats jumped overboard and swam when they wanted to visit their friends. The grown ups helped each other with boat projects and provisioning. There were dinners, drinks, sleep-overs, restaurants, knee boarding, Carnival, and enough time shared to get to know each other quite well.

Our time in St-Martin, for this year at least, has come to an end. Almost There left this morning, Taia and Skylark are leaving tomorrow. It's been a happy time. There'll be more.

A view of Marigot Bay from Fort Louis. Simpson Bay lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean to the south west are visible in the background.

Carnival in Philipsburg was a wonderful experience. I had every reason to sport a big wide smile.

Maho Beach is at one end of the airport's runway. Standing on the beach, you feel like you'll be able to touch the undercarriage of the landing planes.

Nope, it's not yoga. These were taken while I was installing the water maker.

The kids from Skylark and Taia in Fort Louis.

Robert, from Almost There, helping Matias get on the knee board.

Left to right: Shena (Almost There), Natalia (Taia), Louise (Skylark).

Dock in Grand Case.