Higher Ground

We spent most of the time in the Saintes in Terre de Haut (High Earth.)  It was a great little fishing village much like Brittany, France (so we've heard) and we were pleasantly surprised with new adventures around every corner. 

We were taking Kala to the beach and stopped at Ile a Cabrit for her to play on the beach.  We saw a path that led further into the island so we followed it.  Next thing we knew, we were atop Fort Josephine, which was built in 1777 by Napoleon and named for his wife.  The French and British fought for a while over control of this area.  Horatio Nelson was the British Admiral fighting against the little French Emperor and his commanders. 

The next morning, again on a walk with Kala, we kept walking and walking until found ourselves at Fort Napoleon, opposite from Fort Josephine.  The fort is officially a museum and it was closed, but fun nonetheless to view Guadeloupe and the Saintes from a different perspective.

Our last adventure before heading to Dominica was Le Chameau.  It was described as being only for the fit and 1,000 feet on a very steep incline.  We had to accept the challenge.  The tower atop was exceptional for 360 degree views.  You could see Dominica, 20 miles away to the south and Guadeloupe, 10 miles to the north and every reef in between. 

On the way back from our hike, we thought we had earned an indulgent French lunch at Les Pieds de l’eau which I believe means “A walk on the water.”  It was a great little café on the bay, where everything moves on island time. 

The next morning we sailed off our mooring and didn’t run the engine until anchoring in Dominica five hours later.  It was such a great sail, I didn’t even whine too much during the 40kt (no exaggeration) squall that decided to welcome us to Dominica.  I’m really getting the hang of this Carribean sailing.

Anchored next to us in Iles Saintes

Carnivale parade on Mardi Gras

Baxter and Kala atop Fort Josephine (Le Chameau in back over Baxter's right shoulder.)  This tall ship was anchored next to us in Dominica a couple of days later - pictured in yesterday's blog (History Lessons)

Kala scoping out the mooring field.

My turn.

Little kids amongst the ruins.

Big boat, little boat.  Terrapin on right of "Royal Clipper" cruise ship.

Ocean front property for the season.  This one had an infinity pool on the deck.

If only we could do this in the US.

View of Le Chameau from Terrapin.

Excusez-moi…Je mange le petit dejeuner.  ("Excuse me, I am eating lunch.)

Translation:  Leave no trace.

The tower on top of Le Chemeau.

View from inside the 1700s tower fortress.

Fun playing on old rickety ladders that go into deep dark holes.