Monday January 29
Today, We moored off Terre-de-Haut (yes I know that’s bad French grammar) in the Iles des Saintes south of Guadalupe. Les Saintes is, like Guadalupe, an overseas territory of France, with signage in French and prices in euros. We took lifeboats (tenders) to the town dock and then vans up to Fort Napoleon. The fort overlooks the town, and was built by the English in 1776-1780. In 1783, shortly after Cornwallis’ surrender, there was a 4-day naval battle in the harbor. The English were victorious, essentially blunting the French plan to take over Jamaica. At that time, Jamaica was more important financially to England (because of the sugar cane) than all 13 American colonies combined. By 1815 the French took over Terre-de-Haut and from 1816-1822 there were 45 French soldiers stationed to protect the harbor during the reign of Napoleon III.
In the late morning we were able to go snorkeling again on a shallow coral reef. The highlight was watching a spiny lobster. The weather today was a series of windy rain squalls, but we were lucky to get both the fort visit and the snorkeling completed during dry spells.
This evening we learned more about the history of the Sea Cloud, including her rescue in 1978 by German investors who found her languishing in the Panama Canal having been abandoned 7 years earlier. Then we were allowed to tour the original owner and guest state rooms on the lower level of the ship. We are grateful that our co-passengers allowed is to do so — the level of comfort and luxury was amazing.
Pictures: spiny lobster, view of Terre-de-haut and the harbor from Fort Napoleon
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