Across the island to Soufriere

Really one trip by land across to the old capital Soufriere, and then back by boat, is enough to feel one has "done" St Lucia. So here is the big post. To start, back through Castries and another view of the floating fortresses that are the cruise ships. Happily no rocks to run aground on here.

Then a passing glimpse of Government House.


Then on through the mountains. It is a very mountainous island, with a number of consequences for the tourist - great views, changeable weather within minutes from rain in the peaks to bright sunshine, and for the travel sick, a distinct queasiness as you wind round yet another hairpin bend.

Finally one arrives at Soufriere, the former capital, which has a very impressive setting as behind it are the two massive peaks of the Pitons. Much used by  film makers wanting a dramatic tropical backdrop.

Then the opportunity for the shower of a lifetime, under a waterfall. Bloody freezing.

Following that an hour in the botanical gardens. This is like Kew, but not in a greenhouse. Obvously in the tropics you would expect the blooms to be pretty spectacular. As you can see, they were. Stunning.

Next on the menu the world's only drive-in volcano. Well that's how its sold. Alas, rather a disappointment. I don't know about you but I have a very distinct idea of a volcano. I expect to see bubbling lava, hopefully at a considerable distance. This I am afraid just looks like steam coming out of a quarry. With the added smell of rotten eggs. Not really my idea of fun.

And at last, having survived gagging at the volcano's sulphorous fumes, a well-earned lunch on a cocoa plantation.

That left only to return to Soufriere to pick up the catamaran to return to Rodney Bay, and the chance to take a few more photos of the Pitons, Maginot Bay, a rainbow, a brief swim in the relatively warm Caribbean and then into the marina at the end of it. A really fine day.