Christmas holidays in St. Lucia

 We had an easy passage from Bequia to St.Lucia, sailing for a few hours before the wind died on us. While travelling up the coast of St. Lucia we were treated to the sights of whales and dolphins  playing at our bow. What a great sight the dolphins are, speeding bullets of blubber, so incredibly fast. Too fast for our camera man unfortunately;  all we got were blurred shots, we will try again next time.

Sailing by the Pitons

Mum and "Chips"

We anchored in Rodney Bay, which is a very large bay with many different anchoring areas. Checking in to St. Lucia was easily done at the Rodney Bay Marina. The next few days were spent checking out Rodney Bay, grocery shopping and cleaning the boat ready for our kiddlies arrival. Arrive they did!  All safe and sound and on time, it was great to see them again ( and Dean too).  We had a nice dinner on shore and then managed to fit all five of us plus luggage into the dingy for the ride back to Zooropa. The kids were seeing her for the first time and I think they were impressed.

Hobie Cat sailing

The next few days were spent hanging out on the boat, snorkelling and enjoying all that the Sandals Resort ( day passes for the kids) had to offer. Ryan dropped by the boat on a Hobie Cat and took me for a spin; lots of fun.

Christmas eve, day and Boxing day were spent moored in the southern end of the Island, near to the Pitons. The Petit Piton ( 2460 feet) and Gros Piton ( 2619 feet) rise out of the water dwarfing the bay at Soufriere, a very impressive sight. The snorkelling in this area is very good right off the boat, you just need to be aware of the quite strong current - next stop Venezuela !












 The last few days of the Ball Family Christmas Vacation were spent in Marigot Bay. We actually had intended to just drop by and see the bay, but the kids liked it there so much we ended up staying for three nights. Marigot Bay is well protected and very pretty, it has a small palm tree lined beach and several bars and restaurants. Perfect!

Head gear

Made it to the top

  

 All good things must come to an end, apparently, and we were sad to say goodbye to the kids ( and Dean). We had a great trip, come back soon kiddlies, I miss you !!!

















We have now moved back to Rodney Bay where we have had a life raft installed on the boat and a few dingy modifications done.  Since my New Years resolution is to exercise more we decided to hike the Gros Piton. To do this you have to take a local guide-ours was a young fellow named Rice- who patiently waits while you huff and puff your way up the winding, rock strewn path. The round trip took us 4 hours, the saving grace being that for most of the climb we were in the shade. The view at the top is spectacular, looking down onto the Petit Piton.


 We are now preparing for our next stop, Martinique. Get out the French phrase books!