Wow what an impressive group of islands to visit. We stayed on mooring at Ilet a Cabrit and were right beside some of the best snorkeling we have had so far this trip. The water was crystal clear with loads of fish (fish we have never seen before) and great coral around huge boulders. We climbed up to the top of the island on a concrete track passing lots of goats to some beautiful views of the islands including Le Chameau, which we hiked up to.
We then moored off the town of Bourg Des Saintes on the island of Terre D’en Haut with its red roofs and the older style Caribbean buildings and really enjoyed the laid back atmosphere of the town. There are 2 dolphins that have apparently made the anchorage their home and spend the day moving between the moored yachts exciting all the people that see them.
We wandered the concrete streets where the mode of transport is mainly by foot, scooter or electric bike. There are a few cars but not many. When the ferries come in with day trippers you can see how the economy thrives with people buying goods, enjoying the restaurants and all hiring scooters to get about. It’s a small place to get around with a relaxed holiday feel to it, but there are a lot of hills. Trust me I walked or rode my bike up them. Fishing is big here and you can see that when you wander the foreshore and see all the fishing boats lined up.
We enjoyed a seafood meal out at a place called Au Bon Vivre, which was delicious. Strange having smokers in a restaurant again.
The hike up to the lookout at Le Chameau, 1000 feet up, the tallest peak on the island had incredible views of the islands. You follow a very steep concrete path that is blocked off to motorized vehicles to the top.
It was a long weekend so there was plenty of things going on in town and a lot of people out and about at the local market. There was a park which had lots of events going on with music and lives bands, boat races and people just limin’. A great place to people watch.
They even had a pretty impressive fireworks display out over the bay Sunday night which we were able to enjoy.
We also went up to Fort Neopleon, a restored old fort with a deep moat in great condition. Within the fort there are gardens with cacti and other succulents and a great breeze to sit and look out at the Carribean or the Fort. Inside the Fort you can wander from room to room and get some history of the local sea battles.
Heading to Martinique tonight.