Barbados, the last of our Caribbean Islands for this part of the cruise. Barbados is a coral Island pushed out of the sea by volcanic activity. On the west side of the island that we visit there is fine white coral sands and beautiful turquoise water. The reef fringes the shoreline and makes great spots for snorkelling and diving. On the eastern side of the island strong trade winds constantly blow causing waves that pound the rocky shore. The island is just 21 miles long by 14 miles wide and is the most easterly Island in the Caribbean chain and has a population of 260,000. It is one of the few islands not discovered by Christopher Columbus but by the English.
(P:- The Island appears to be much more industrial with a sugar industry and other agriculture also a large port compared to what we have seen)
We are off today to do some more snorkelling. After a drive through Bridgetown we stop at Pirates Beach where we meet our guide and board our boat, from the shoreline, to head to several shipwrecks which we will be snorkelling over. After a very short ride we anchor near the shipwrecks and don our snorkelling gear, no fins this time, which makes swimming a little more challenging. Again we just slip over the ramp at the front of the boat into warm water and swim towards the wreck. After checking out the first wreck we swim about 20 metres away to the second wreck. This is the better one and heaps more fish. The fish are schooling and are within easy touching reach. Quite an experience swimming over the wreck. After boarding the boat again we move several hundred metres away and slip into the water again to watch the turtles. Prior to getting in the water, our guide tells us that the turtles are in their natural habitat and stay in the area with no encouragement. But once in the water our guides throw turtle food into the water so they feed while we swim round them. I’d call that encouragement to stay. Still it was fun to see them. Another good snorkelling trip even though visibility wasn’the greatest. We both agreed that Bonaire has been the best place snorkelling. (P:- and the best coral island we have visited in the area, having said that I personally prefer the volcanic islands, mountains, tropical vegetation, less tourists and more friendly people. The last couple of days we have experienced a little rougher sailing with 3 -5 m seas and 35 knot winds, whilst I enjoy the rock and roll , Judith ( like many others) finds it uncomfortable, having said that, being the “trooper” she is she hasn’t missed a meal or a show and makes the most of the journey. Another day or so should see us in calmer waters again).
(P:- I always enjoy picking up on the odd statement whilst wandering around. During the last day or so I have memorised a couple perhaps worth sharing.
– Overheard In dining room- “ I am astounded as to how much water we see on this vacation” – If I am correct we are on a Cruise at sea not a coach trip on land!
– I was about to buy some local food when ashore in Bridgetown when the server said “ Excuse me sir I smell BAD GAS”, she then grabbed a box of matches lit one and ran the flame over gas lines to find leak! Needless to say I didn’t stay around and vacated quickly!
– Ships Scales – when in Gym ( yes correct Me in a Gym!) I decided to weigh myself. Amazingly I was 14 pounds lighter than when I left home! I know that’s incorrect.- I suggest that they are “Cruise Ship Make you feel good scales”! )
Devils Island
Originally a leper colony, the Salvation Islands are made up of three islands; Isle Royale, Saint Joseph and Isle du Diablo (or Devils Island). The islands are located 7 miles off the coast of French Guiana. A penal colony was formed on the archipelago by the government of the Emperor Napoleon III in 1852. It soon became home for the worst criminals, political and military prisoners and repeat offenders and its inhabitants soon renamed it Devils Island. Because of the harsh conditions, isolation and disease many of the more than 80,000 prisoners were never seen again. There were only two successful escapes from the island. The second escape received the most notoriety. Convicted murderer Henrietta Charriere successfully escaped the island in 1941 and his exploits were described in the popular book and movie “Papillion”. The island was closed down in 1952. Many of the islands buildings are still standing. Many of the buildings remind us of Port Arthur in Tasmania. It’s a fascinating island to visit with an intriguing history.
Today was our first tender port, and even though we are in the lea of the islands there is still quite a swell causing a few issues boarding the tenders for the run ashore. We still had enough time to climb to the top of the hill and wander through the ruins before circumnavigating the island via the dirt track. Then once back on the ship we climbed from deck 3 to deck 10 to our cabin. With the temperature at 27 degrees and the humidity high we were glad to get back and have refreshing showers and perhaps a Pina Colada or two.
Tassie Travellers 
Sounds and looks fantastic
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