Fire and brimstone in St. Lucia.

No diving today, because we have a flight at 4:45.  Happy to have secured the last two seats on the volcano trip, even if it is one one those group tours.  Two vans were loaded up with smiling pink tourists and off we went for the four-mile drive (which took about 30 minutes of course -- the roads are crazy here!). We had a scenic stop to look at Soufriere town on the way, and Steve sang a little song about being "down in Soufriere town" which stuck with us the whole trip. 

We first stopped at the volcano area. Everywhere, boiling mud, steam, and the tang of sulphur. Surreal. It was more restricted than when I went to Iceland and just strolled amongst the hot pots and steam vents. We were told that a guide broke through the crust and was severly steamed 20 years ago, hence the board walks. OK, good idea! Despite threatening appearances and the flash-fried guide, this volcano is considered dormant.

Next up was the botanic gardens, where we had a nice easy walk on our own. It seemed deserted and special. Along the way, there were samples of cocoa beans, nutmeg, and other fruits and flowers, all with informative signs. There was a nice waterfall, and we did a honeymoon shot in front of it, probably just like every other couple who has visited that very spot.

Just as we were leaving the area, multiple vans arrived with hoardes of cruise shippers - perfect timing on our part! We peeled out and back to Anse Chastenet.

Back at the hotel we packed up and had lunch before that nausea-inducing ride back to the airport. :^p  Next stop: Canouan!