This morning we decided to use the dinghy and motor across Rodney Bay to the Pigeon Island National Park. The island is where the British cited their fort to protect the northern end of the island and used it to keep their eye on the French shipping which used the 25 nm wide channel between St. Lucia and Martinique. Martinique, during the colonial years of the 1700s and 1800s was the kingpin of the French controlled islands in the West Indies. The islands of the West Indies were important sources of wealth for both the British and French during this period due to the valuable sugar industry that resided on the islands. Each island was covered by large sugar cane plantations.

During the period of the American Revolution, Rodney Bay was home to a large British Fleet under the direction of Admiral Rodney. There were a number of sea battles between the French and British in and around the area between St. Lucia and Martinique. Thus, the fort and lookouts of Fort Rodney were critical. A place like this really brings history to life as you envision the garrison troops actually moving and loading 2 ton cannons with cement wheels (!) Imagine a 24 pound super-heated cannon ball flying through your wooden ship held together by tar!!! Visceral!!

The dinghy ride was only a mile or so and the bay is very well protected from the swells and wind so the ride was smooth and easy. We tied up at the old dinghy dock near the little wooden restaurant that is within the park. Mary Margaret, our son, David Paul, and I had stopped here in 2006 when we had chartered the Cantana 47 OC for a couple of weeks.

The ruins of the various buildings that make up the fort are in the process of being restored. The buildings were made of stone and most of them still remain. I took some pictures and will try posting above this blog, Internet permitting.

We hiked up to the top of the peak of the island where there the gun placement was sited. The view toward Martinique and of the bay below was stupendous. The colors of the water, the beaches and the forest cover island yielded the image of paradise.

We then walked to the old, wooden restaurant and enjoyed some cold drinks and a large cookie and piece of carrot cake. With our thirst quenched and tummies happy we then walked to the little beach nearby and fell into the luscious water. It was wonderful!

By now it was time to return to Leu Cat to get ready for dinner. Dwight and Kati were taking us out to the Big Chef restaurant, which is rumored to be the best on the island. When we did arrive we had the place to ourselves and the service stumbled over themselves giving us personalize attention. The main crowd comes after 8 PM.

The drinks and food were wonderful with steaks, ribs and Mahi Mahi/Dorado ordered between us. The desserts of ice cream and chocolate cake were the perfect topping to this great meal. It is a place we would highly recommend if you get a chance to come to Rodney Bay.

Tomorrow we will cast off our lines and sail down south to explore and enjoy the colorful reefs.