| s/y Nine of Cups The Windward Islands - Martinque 2002 |
| Mt. Pelee |
| Fort du France |
| St. Pierre |
| Martinique - French Overseas Territory Population: ~300,000+ Area: 427 square miles Highest point: Mt. Pelee (4800’); 10th highest in the Carib Currency: Euro Language: French / Creole Major industry: sugar, bananas, rum Largest city: Fort de France Martinique is the largest of the Windward Islands, has almost always been a part of France. |
| The Windward Islands were so-named by the British because to get to any of them, a sail to windward was required. They include the countries or territories of Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada and all territorial islands belonging to these countries. |
The passage from Dominica to
Martinique was terrific. We were heeled
over so far our rails spent most of their
time in the water and the jib sail was
soaked.
We anchored in the historic little town of
St. Pierre…a delightful blend of French
civility and the exotic Caribbean.
Martinique was terrific. We were heeled
over so far our rails spent most of their
time in the water and the jib sail was
soaked.
We anchored in the historic little town of
St. Pierre…a delightful blend of French
civility and the exotic Caribbean.
A Creole welcome sign at the dock.
We anchored in the historic little town of St.
Pierre…a delightful blend of French civility
and the exotic Caribbean.
Pierre…a delightful blend of French civility
and the exotic Caribbean.
Waterfront square opposite the Bureau de
Tourisme.
Tourisme.
The fresh market is held every Friday,
Saturday and Monday. Fruits, veggies
and flowers galore.
Saturday and Monday. Fruits, veggies
and flowers galore.
The baskets of scarlet arthuriums really
caught my eye.
caught my eye.
The main street is Rue Victor Hugo and
it’s lined with every imaginable type of
shop and boutique including curbside
casket selection.
it’s lined with every imaginable type of
shop and boutique including curbside
casket selection.
A sad-looking American flag hangs from
this balcony. We’ve seen many US flags
in our travels and had strangers go out of
their way to express sadness over
September 11th. They feel the effects
even here…tourism is way down and that’
s a major part of their livelihood.
this balcony. We’ve seen many US flags
in our travels and had strangers go out of
their way to express sadness over
September 11th. They feel the effects
even here…tourism is way down and that’
s a major part of their livelihood.
View of Mt. Pelee on approach to Martinque.
| St. Pierre is commemorating the 100th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Pelee which totally destroyed the city in May 1902. The volcano erupted on Ascension Day (May 28th) 1902 after giving sufficient warning of ash and minor eruptions for weeks before. The governor and business leaders felt the problem would abate and refused to evacuate the city. The volcano erupted and was followed by a huge tidal wave resulting in the total destruction of the town and the deaths of 29,933 people. All but two of the inhabitants were killed: a cobbler who found refuge in his cellar and a famous prisoner, Cyparis, who was locked in his cell. |
| Cyparis' stone cell |
L’Eglise de Mouillage (Church of the
Anchorage) was originally begun in 1654
but not completed with bell towers till
almost 1891. It was also called the
“Pirate’s Church” because known pirates
attended Mass here and donated booty
to the church.
Anchorage) was originally begun in 1654
but not completed with bell towers till
almost 1891. It was also called the
“Pirate’s Church” because known pirates
attended Mass here and donated booty
to the church.
Reminders of the disaster are everywhere
around the city. New buildings are
attached to foundations of the old and the
ruins of several old buildings are still evident
as you walk along the streets and
alleyways. Above, part of the old city walls.
around the city. New buildings are
attached to foundations of the old and the
ruins of several old buildings are still evident
as you walk along the streets and
alleyways. Above, part of the old city walls.
Most interesting were the ruins of the
theatre which was first built in 1786 and
restored in 1831-2 to resemble a
mini-version of the theatre in Bordeaux.
A black & white photo above shows
the grandeur of the original 800-seat
theatre and below the ruins.
theatre which was first built in 1786 and
restored in 1831-2 to resemble a
mini-version of the theatre in Bordeaux.
A black & white photo above shows
the grandeur of the original 800-seat
theatre and below the ruins.
| A view of St.Pierre harbor. |
The local beer
Picture postcard perfect view of "Cups".
| We rented a car for a day to tour some of the island. We climbed the steep, winding road up to the summit of Mt. Pelee, but the views were hazy. The country side is lush and green. Banana plantations and fruit trees of every description abound. We also visited the largest city, Fort de France which reminded us of Point a Pitre in Guadeloupe, but not as classy. We did, however, have a chance to provision at a “hypermarche” which is the ultimate in French supermarkets, but not unlike a Super K or Super Walmart in the U.S. Though we purchased staples and meat, we couldn’t help but notice other offerings in the cases such as pig’s ears, beef feet, mutton trunks, chicken paws and beef navels. We stuck to hamburger and the local beer! |
Next stop, St. Lucia. Wanna come?
Click here! We're on our way!
Click here! We're on our way!
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