Day 2 (November 9, 2018): Rain, rain, go away...

Before I get into today, let me share a few contextual things about St. Lucia. Named after Saint Lucia of Syracuse by European explorers in the 1600s, the island is 238 lush tropical square miles, often referred to as the Eden of the Caribbean. Home to 170,000 people, it's best known for its twin peaks – the Pitons – that soar over 2000 feet about sea level. 

First sighted by the Spanish in early 1500s, the Brits tried to colonize it in the 1600s, and the French a century later. The British and French fought over it for 150 years. The Treaty of Paris finally ceded it to the British in 1814. English replaced French as the official language in 1842, but most people still speak the local French Creole dialect. St. Lucia gained full independence in 1979.

So with that background checked off, let me tell you about today. We awoke to the sound of pouring rain, so we rolled over and caught up on much-needed sleep until 8:30. The breakfast buffet was excellent, featuring an excellent omelette station. (Omelette quality often dictates my overall feelings about a resort!) The rain kept up much of the morning, like a tap turning on and off.  At 10:30, we went to the beach anyway, taking refuge under an umbrella. It finally dried up, and we enjoyed a nice swim in the warm Caribbean. 

After lunch, we headed up to the northern tip of the Island, past the modern tourist trap of Rodney Bay. We stopped at the beachfront of Gros Islet, then on to the Pigeon Island National Landmark, where the British had a strategic fortification. A nice hike to the rampart ruins on the point provided sweeping views.

We no longer got back to the car when the skies opened up again. This time, however, it didn't stop. When we returned to the hotel, we made coffee and drank it on our balcony while watching the rain pour down. Dinner was at the resort's open-air Bambou, on the water. We had a wonderful traditional meal of a St. Lucian stew-like dish made with duck, and topped off the night with lattes at Choc Bay Cafe.

The rain is supposed to be even worse tomorrow, so we shall see what ends up filling a soggy Saturday!  

The view of the resort from our balcony showing the angry rainclouds that lingered all day long.

An enterprising but uninvited guest at lunch.

The marina in Rodney Bay - tourism central!

The beach at Gros Islet, showing the mountainous terrain of the island.

Coconut vendor in Gros Islet.

Fishing boat on the beach at Gros Islet, with Pigeon Island in the background..

Ruins at Pigeon Island National Landmark.

The view from the ramparts of Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island.

The view from the ramparts of Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island.

The view from  the ramparts of Fort Rodney on Pigeon Island.

Geckos galore!

Nice to look at, but undoubtedly deadly to eat.

The northwest coast of St. Lucia is the wildest coast of the island.

Horses and cows grazing by the roadside are a common sight.

These are :bakes" - bread dough deep fried and served with a cheese sauce.  Something like the toutons back hom in Newfoundland.

Dinner at Bambou Restaurant, featuring a local stew.

Artistic lattes to cap off dinner.