A Volcanic Paradise
 

This is my second time visiting St Lucia and like the first time my visit here will be a brief one since it is my transit stop to St Vincent then Grenada.

However, in less than five hours after leaving the unusual frigid temperatures of Atlanta, Georgia, my feet are stepping in the white sand and warm tropical waters of this Caribbean Nirvana.

Video:http://youtu.be/mslDWh3dYrc

Drive From Hewanorra

With the need to go from the main international airport (UVF) to the more local inter-island airport (SLU) in Castries, I opt for a rental car instead of an airport shuttle.

Just outside of baggage claim I am met by Andy a Thrifty car rental employee. We find a shaded spot away from the airport terminal building and in about ten minutes after exchanging credit card and drivers license information I am on my way to exploring St Lucia.

A beach stop along with a few photo opportunities and I take in some of the awesome and tropical beauty that St Lucia has to offer.

It is less than 50 miles from Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) to Castries but I take over four hours to cover the distance along a mountainous and scenic coastal route.

One of the most impressive St Lucia offerings, The Pitons, A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is just spectacular no matter how many times you see them and from any view point.


Video:http://youtu.be/iK4KInmsuww

Feelin All Right

After a night of listening to karaoke and spending time at “Rehab”, I am up before noon in time to savor a delicious breakfast buffet at Coco Palm Resort Hotel. Salt fish with cinnamon plantains, sausages and guava juice are just the beginning of my most important meal of the day.

A walk around town and I am back for “The Bar Man's Special” that soon has me feeling all right as I enjoy the sounds of a Caribbean entertainment icon, Bob Marley.

Next it is a trip to beautiful but hot Rodney Bay to revel in more of St Lucia's warm waters and cool white sand beaches. I find shade under some sea grape trees and really enjoy the beachfront views.

Before long it is time to head to the airport (SLU) to return my rental car. Fortunately, SLU is located next to another picturesque and relaxing beach. I spend some time here before taking a walk in the local neighborhood.

My journey to the Vigie Lighthouse takes me by the St Lucia National Archives which is already closed for the day but still has some interesting machinery on display on its porch area. The views on this hike are amazing as I can see some of the coastline as well as airplanes taking off from the airport that is now below me.

I do make one discovery that has some potential. An estate home is available for rent that has me wondering if my Swiss account can cover the payments.

At Vigie Lighthouse I watch a St Lucia sunset before returning to the airport. Around 8pm I am on board a LIAT ATR-72 headed for my next “Island In The Sun” adventure.


Video:http://youtu.be/I5LjO0aRyU0

You are brave to drive from one area to another. Are the roads any better? They were terrible, but I agree the ride is beautiful. I stayed at the Coco Palm also but in the Creole rooms to the back of Palm's swimming pool. I loved Rodney Bay area. I am very interested in going to Grenada and was not aware you could go through St . Lucia. Anyway I enjoyed your videos.

Most of the roads are ok in St Lucia, some are potholed & some areas windy but it's hardly like driving thru the Alps. 4x4 is useful for unmade roads.

tch912,

Drive was not too bad especially since it was a nice option to go to SLU from UVF to take flight to St Vincent then Grenada.

Unfortunately, inter-island air travel in this area of the Caribbean is not as easy or as reasonably priced as it should be.

Odin,

Its "The Caribbean Alps" :)

DMBT I think Delta has a flight to Grenada from New York. I looked at it a year ago and liked the idea of an overnight flight. I do like the idea of staying a day or two in St Lucia and then to Grenada.

tch912,

You are right about Delta flight but it is seasonal. Overnight flight to a warm destination is great idea especially if you can wake up refreshed to hit the beach :)

LIAT and Caribbean Airways both offer inter-island flights. I have booked both of them online and had no problems whatsoever. I agree that the inter-island costs are very high especially for the local people while it id not that bad for us North Americans.
Hewanorra International Airport in St. Lucia services international flights while George Charles (SLU) serves domestic.

DMBT, are you finally home? Any trip reports about Grenada? Grenada is on my radar. One of my student's mother is from Carricou and he visits often. So I will stay there a couple of nights.

tch912,

Back home but leaving again this time for an Epic Adventure on NCL :)

Only stopped in Grenada overnight for the flight back home. Will have to go back to see more of Grenada during the day.

Have fun and keep the reports and videos coming:).

I enjoyed your video, especially as some of your footage was taken from a spot near to my childhood home. May I ask you what software program you used to make the film please?

rogandgee,

I use Windows Movie Maker and shoot videos with a simple Samsung Camcorder..

Your childhood home has some very beautiful and awesome spots :)

Thanks. When you have time you may want to look at my blog on St. Lucia. You will have to scroll down to find it but go to www.mytb.org/whirl-traveller

Grenada is one of my favourite West Indian islands.