Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2014/January 2015 | Page 28

TRAVEL

Scenic St Lucia
B

system extensively affected by mud slides.
oasting a mix of English, French,
It was ‘touch and go’ whether our holiday
African and Caribbean cultural
was to proceed some three weeks after the
influences St. Lucia has so much
storm but the local people and
to offer for a comparably small
with the assistance of the UN,
Caribbean island. The island
had worked hard to restore the
has a hot and humid climate,
access routes for tourism.
but it is moderated by north
High winds and rain usually
east trade winds.
continue for several weeks
The high season runs from
after such a direct hurricane
January to April. These
impact, while remaining hot
months are warm and sunny
and humid, all of which can
and are contrasted by the
seriously hamper the recovery
rainy season between May
By Terence
process. We were completely
and December with the peak
overwhelmed by the positive
hurricane risk activity between Willey
and courageous spirit of the
August and September. On
St. Lucians and despite their
one of our visits to the island
personal adversity they were keen to ensure
we were to witness the aftermath of
that we enjoyed our stay. On the day of
hurricane Tomas which passed directly
our departure we had no fewer than three
over St. Lucia. According to statistics only
taxi drivers attempt to return us to the
14 hurricanes had moved closer than 60
main airport at the capital Castries without
miles to St. Lucia since 1850. This indeed
success owing to continuing mud slides.
was an exception with the stor m passing
The determination to assist us in every way
directly over the island causing extensive
was demonstrated by a local boat crew who
damage and killing 14 people. Homes
offered us, without charge, to return us to
and schools were flattened and the road

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the airport by sea.
We finally arrived at the harbour 20
minutes before the scheduled departure
and a small van was awaiting our
arrival to take us to the airport. As we
said farewell we noted our plane was
awaiting our arrival with one gangplank
down ready to depart. We were greeted
by anxious stewardesses who told us
only around 100 people had made the
return to the plane out of a scheduled 400
passengers, who were stranded in various
hotels and residences.
During our journey home we had time
to reflect on this special island with so
much natural beauty. The famous Piton
mountain range provides the most
wonderful backdrop from both land and
sea. This is coupled with the opportunity
to enjoy the most rugged terrains which
continue off shore in a diving heaven of
underwater mountains, caves and drop
offs. Humpback whales regularly frequent
the coastal waters and we were fortunate
to see one during a sea trip. It was an
experience to behold and although our