Day 1
Good morning from the Harmony Suite
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Today we went to Pigeon Island National Park.
In the morning, we snorkelled in the sea and looked at the varied populations of fish and coral in the area for our Coral Reef survey.
In the afternoon we went around the Pigeon Island and climbed the large mountains of the area. When we got back to the hotel we went into the pool and then went into the town of Rodney Bay.
File fish
Trumpet fish
Tiger snake eel
Coral Reef Survey
Coral Reef Survey
Pigeon Island Walk
Pigeon Island Walk
Walk into Rodney Bay
Walk into Rodney Bay
SpeedboatDiveDay 2
In the morning we went to Marigot Bay. We went snorkelling to complete a sea-grass, sea-urchin and fish survey. Unfortunately hurricane Beryl had wiped out the sea urchins.. but there were still plenty of beautiful fish to see.
In the afternoon we met up with Group 2 to watch the football.. not the result we were hoping for but being in St Lucia softened the blow!
Day 3
In the morning we went to La Toc beach. We spent some time snorkelling and spotted a tiger snake eel.
Whenever we swim we are accompanied by the most amazing life guards called Shorty. They travel with us to every beach Not only are they brilliant at their job but they tell us so much about their island's culture and ecology
We then carried out a micro plastic survey on the beach. Our results showed very little, which at least was a positive indicator for St Lucia. The micro plastic survey data will be shared with Portsmouth University - as part of their citizen science research. They have no data for St Lucia which makes it really exciting that we can contribute.
On the way back to the hotel we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of 'Carnival' in Castres.. It was amazing and a real privilege.
Day 4
In the morning, we travelled south to Soufrière. We went on a walk to see both Gros and Petit Piton, which are the most iconic largest peaks in St Lucia.
In the afternoon we travelled down to the volcano in Soufrière. Here we enjoyed the hot springs and sulphur baths. The latter was fun as it has positive effects with skincare and sunburn!
Gros Piton
Gros Piton
Hot Springs
Hot Springs
View of Gros and Petit Piton
View of Gros and Petit Piton
Day 5
Today we went to a conservational farm and learnt how to use sustainable practices, with the key takeaway being the phrase "Use wisely". Then we saw how multiple methods are utilised such as drip irrigation to grow crops such as mangos, which we bought and ate on the beach.
Day 6
In the morning, we visited Morne Fortune Museum and Art Gallery. On our tour of Sir Arthur Lewis College, we learnt about the colonial past of the island, you can see the two cannons below (the one on the right is French and the left is the British). The war between the French and the British lasted over 150 years, with both countries controlling the island 7 times each and St Lucia finally gained independence in 1979. Located in the grounds, the Samaan Tree, which is between 150-200 years old, is also known as the Massay Tree due to a British Journalist misunderstanding the creole translation for "I don't know", who named it the "Massay" Tree when writing an article when he got home.
In the afternoon we explored Fond d'Or Nature Heritage Park; our tour guide Flavier (seen in the photo below) talked to us about the disused sugar cane plantation. He showed us around the landscape; exploring the mangroves and the local beach which floods at high tide!
In the evening, we went out for drinks on the beach, before going to Dax's Bar for dinner. We enjoyed a beautiful rendition of Umbrella, at the Karaoke, by Reuben.
Day 7
Today, we travelled to the Fond Doux Plantation and Reserve. We experienced the creation of chocolate, from pod to bar! Even Tim helped out with the process.
Afterwards we travelled to Balenbouche, the second stop of our St Lucian journey! It is very outdoorsy and has a strong link to nature, with lots of animals including cats, dogs and tortoises.
Day 8
Today we went to sandy beach, where we did 3 forms beach research. We carried out a beach profile, using a clinometer, to work out the gradient of the beach. Then we did the micro-plastic survey and the turtle nesting temperatures.
Then we went back to Balenbouche and had a relaxed rest of the day.
Day 9
Today, we went to do a Mangrove survey. We used trigonometry to work out the biomass. Additionally, we learn how to use characteristics to determine what form of mangrove we found, between red, white and black.
In the afternoon, we went bamboo rafting. Where we went down the Roseau River to discovered lots of the local flora and fauna. We were also able to utilise our knowledge of mangroves to identify which ones were which.
Devonte the tour guide
Devonte the tour guide
Boat ride 1
Boat ride 1
Boat ride 2
Boat ride 2
Mangroves
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Boarding the rafts
Mangroves vidDay 10
Today we went to the Millet Bird Sanctuary and visited the local views. We saw some of the local wildlife such as crabs and lizards. We also saw a wide variety of flora and fauna including the rosary peas, which are extremely toxic when consumed (Which none of us did).
Then on our way back to Balenbouche we went shopping and picked up supplies from the local supermarket. Afterwards we had a chill rest of the day.
View from the top!
Land crab
Day 11
Today we went to Piton Falls, where we saw a waterfall and some fresh-water baths. After this we went to a buffet that outlooked the Pitons and enjoyed some delicious food.
In the afternoon we went to Hummingbird beach and relaxed before coming back to the hotel for the evening.
Piton Falls
Piton Falls
Beach
Beach
Buffet
Buffet
Day 12
Today was the toughest physical day yet. We climbed Gros Piton! The climb took 2 hours, and a equally gruelling 2 hour descent. In total it was a climb of 2,619 feet, a few stumbles and a whole lot of sweat!! After the climb we returned to Balenbouche for a shower and to say goodbye to Uta (our amazing host) before heading back up north to reunite with the other group and to enjoy a sleep with aircon and no creepy crawlies!
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