Beautiful Cosmopolitan Martinique

There was much work to be done in Martinique. We had workers coming on Monday morning to begin the work on the forward holding tank and others to cut us a new front window. Yay! 

After we arrived, Tim worked diligently to get us checked into Martinique. He was so tired from the all-night sail, that he had to return to the boat two times to retrieve his forgotten items. We then ate and took a long nap. 

Later, we explored the huge marina area, including docks, stores and restaurants. We had a delicious dinner, went back to the boat, turned on the AC and went to sleep. 

We rented a car for four days. Now we could get whatever we needed. There were so many stores there! Huge grocery stores, appliance stores,  clothing stores, sports stores, hardware stores and marine stores, to name a few. First, we needed a new oven to replace the microwave that konked out 3 days after we boarded the boat.  We looked in several stores and decided to buy an all-in-one toaster/broiler/air-fryer/dehydrator/yogurt maker/etc. We bought a nice big oven that would fit in the spot where the microwave had been. When we got home to try it, we realized that it emitted way too much heat for that small space. So, we exchanged it for a small microwave. 

Our rental car proved indispensable in allowing us to stock up on more important items. We also toured southern Martinique. Some of our adventures included Clement Rhum Distillery and Gardens, Downtown Fort de France, Monique's medicinal garden, and the local covered market.

Lots of friends came through Martinique while we spent two weeks there. We had a marvelous time with all of them. 

Finally, our boat projects were complete (for now). We left the dock and sailed a couple of miles to anchor in St. Anne. A few days later, we left for St. Pierre. 

St. Pierre was a very interesting town. In 1902, a volcano named "Pele" erupted and killed all except one person in the area. He survived in a small stone room at the prison. Remnants of the volcano can be seen throughout the area. 

Several days later, some friends drove up from Le Marin. We ate lunch and went to the Martinique Zoo/Gardens/Ruins. It was beautiful, interesting and fun.  A definite must for anyone visiting the area. 

More adventures to come,

Miriam

Miles and miles of bananas

Monique's Garden

Downtown Library

Downtown Fort de France

St. Anne anchorage

HMS Diamond Rock

St. Pierre

Around town

Stopped for ice cream

Morning at home

Remnants from Mt. Pele's eruption

Cell where only survivor was housed

Martinique Zoo/Gardens/Ruins

Aardvark