We arrived at lLittle bay to find it empty of yachts, mainly due to the swell of previous days. We went in and out and round and about, again and again before we found a spot to anchor. It's funny how once we'd dropped the hook several other boats came in and anchored nearby.
The following day we took a trip to see the volcanoes. We were shocked at the devastation and it was the first time we had seen the effects of pyroclastic flows of ash, so much more deadly than flows of lava.
Plymouth was buried and it's hard to imagine the organisation that went into to evacuating people, not to mention the impact on families having to literally walk out of their homes leaving everything behind.
The haze isn't out of focus, it's smoke and ash.
The brown field is ash, covering the old houses of Plymouth to the first floor.
This hotel was swamped by ash and still people are unable to return as the volcano is still active. The smell of sulphur was strong. Access is limited to certain areas and this is reviewed daily.
Nice swimming pool...
I really felt sorry for the people whose lives had been affected but we were told the British Government is supporting them. Cows, goats, horses and pigs have gone feral, no one could say whether the threat of pyroclastic ash flows or the brooding sows were the greater danger in the abandoned houses of Plymouth. With Montserratians comfortably on British dole, Guyanans and Haitians are employed in pretty much the one remaining industry, gravel extraction from the beds of the pyroclastic flows. These guys also hunt the feral animals, much to the dismay of locals who still covet the offspring of their livestock.
We only stayed one day in Monserrat as we were expecting Tristans brother, Max, and Sarah and the boys, who were coming on holiday to Antigua.
We had a very boisterous blast into big seas on the nose. Tristan went below and paddled into the heads. The door to our bunk had slammed shut and when he opened it a river of sea water gushed out. Someone had left the deck hatch open. So much for a romantic wedding anniversary, our bed was drenched in sea water.....bedding, cushions, clothes, the lot!
As soon as we approached Jolly Harbour, turquoise seas, white sandy beaches and turtles....all was forgiven. Calm and tranquility was restored and we remain married!
We had a fantastic time with Max, Sarah, Charlie and Harry.....turtle spotting was top of the list.
Buoyancy aid training for crew....
The weather was a little fickle but we know how to treat or guests......put them out to sea in a rainstorm and see how they fare!
'It's ok boys, just curl up in the boat'
'Hi!'