Lush winter holiday in St. Lucia

Glance out of the aircraft window as you prepare to land at St. Lucia's main international airport and you will see for yourself just why this is thought by many to be one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean islands.

Unlike other Caribbean destinations much of the island is both mountainous and covered in a cloak of dense rainforest, with no shortage of dramatic natural wonders, such as the precipitous volcanic cones of the iconic Pitons, which rise up out of the sea on the south-west corner.

We checked in at the St. James Club, Morgan Bay and were ferried by buggy to our large and comfortable hilltop room. (1131)  We weren't totally prepared for the view that greeted us when we pulled open the curtains and stepped on to the balcony.  Idyllic doesn't quite cover it. Such a fabulous balcony with an amazing sunset.

It was heaven to be back in St. Lucia.  To dip my toes in the warm Caribbean sea and to feel the sun on my back.  Lush winter.  Constant sunshine, (except on our last day when St. Lucia was crying because we had to leave), cocktails, gentle waves lapping against the sand some days or fun surf on other days.

We made good use of the sun loungers throughout our stay.  But there's more to the beach than just sand, and in addition to reading and reposing we swam, water skied and I joined the Aqua Aerobics class whilst Phil took out one of the hobie cats.

For an adventure we joined Joys Cruise.  We  first did a cruise with Joy 25 years ago with the children.  The eight seater boat has now been replaced with a fast catamaran which can now take 28 passengers and we were picked  up from the beach at 8.30 a.m. We headed out past the docked cruise ships in Castries and were on our way.

Do you remember the scene in Pirates of the Caribbean?  The Curse of the Black Pearl where Jack Sparrow sees the skeletons of three pirates hanging from an arch?  There weren't any skeletons hanging from the arch the day we were there, but we did see some cliff divers who were happy to show off for us.

Next stop was Marigot Bay, also known as Hurricane Hole.  If you are old enough to remember the 1967 version of Doctor Dolittle you will be familiar with Marigot Bay as it was featured in the movie.  Marigot Bay is also known as Hurricane Hole because, due to the high cliffs surrounding the bay, this little inlet is virtually safe from any damage from hurricanes.

Heading back out to sea we were so lucky to see a large pod of young dolphins.

Our next stop, Soufriere.  But before we arrived, we got our first glimpse of The Pitons.  They are magnificent.  Petit Piton (on the left) Gros Piton (on the right).

We stopped alongside a cliff with a narrow opening running the length of the rock.  A faint screeching was coming from the opening.  We were at the bat cave, home to hundreds, if not thousands of bats.  Looking carefully, we could see some flying around inside.  Fortunately, none left the cave!!

After docking at Soufriere we were met by our taxi driver who would take us on our land journey.  Our next stops included Sulphur Springs for a mud bath, a visit to a waterfall, lunch at Joy's house and snorkelling between the Pitons.

As we drove up the mountainside, I caught a whiff of rotten eggs - Sulphur Springs, the mud bath couldn't be far away.

When we arrived at Sulphur Springs we stripped down to our swimming costumes and were led to a large square pool filled with grey (muddy looking) water.  The water was hot - 30 degrees.  (A warm bath before we slather ourselves with volcanic mud).

A few minutes later, we climbed out and slathered each other with the volcanic mud.  It is said after a treatment with this mud, you will look ten years younger and your skin will be baby soft.  I don't know about looking younger, but I did notice my skin was much softer afterwards.

Once the mud dried some, we went back into the pool with the muddy water to rinse the mud off before heading back to the van for our next stop - the power shower!

The water surrounding the waterfall we went to was much colder than the mud bath pool although after the initial shock, it felt good.

I wasn't too brave when it came to the waterfall (didn't want to lose my contact lens), but I did get under the outer edge.  Phil, however, enjoyed the full experience!

Once everyone had had time in the waterfall our next stop was lunch at Joy's house.  Joy's wife and daughter prepared a delicious spread of Lucian food.  But before lunch, we were treated to a tour of Joy's beautiful garden which he planted himself 25 years ago when he built the house.

After lunch we went back to the boat and headed to a marine reserve for some snorkel time at the base of the Pitons.  The view was amazing.

All too soon it was time to head back home.  But first, the tunes were turned up, the rum punch or beers were passed out and the party began!  A great day out.

Another fabulous holiday at The St. James Club.  All the staff are so friendly.   We didn't want to pack to come home.

Jamie is six

Jamie turned six this week.  As with everything in this life when a new milestone is reached, I wonder how time moves so quickly.

How did he go from infant, to baby, to toddler to a real little boy?

I look forward to this coming year, the year of six, and I can't wait to see the things you learn to do.

You are getting really good at maths.  This, as you probably already know, comes from your Grandad.  The maths you can do in your head is quickly going to surpass my abilities, and I am not looking forward to helping you with maths homework in the next few years.  You'll have to talk to your parents or Grandad about that!

It's all "Ninjago" in Jamie's world at the moment.  He is a real big fan of this Lego fantasy world.

Your Lego creations continue to impress me and I have bought you more Lego for your birthday.  Sorry, Mummy, I know you are drowning in Legos.  Talk Daddy into building you some shelves in your new bedroom to house all your Lego!!!

Jamie's birthday party was at Monkey Madness.  It ticked every box and the children had a ton of fun
tearing about all over the climbing frames and running and screaming for a couple of hours.

Caroline made a fantastic green Lloyd Ninjago cake.  In case you  don't know the Green Ninja (also known as the Chosen One or the Master of Energy) is a legendary Ninja said to be the strongest of all Ninja, destined to defeat evil in a final climactic battle for the fate of Ninjago.

Happy Birthday Jamie.  Love you forever.

Grandparenting duties in Beaulieu

For Jamie's birthday treat we took him to the Beaulieu Motor Museum.  It's not the typical theme park but if you are looking for a relaxed place to have a family day out, then this is for you!!  They have a mono rail and a vintage bus.  The Motor museum is brilliant!!

On arrival we picked up some quiz trails.  Each trail is tailored to a different age group and the puzzles kept Jamie and Chloe entertained all day.

As we left reception we spotted the tree-top griffin.

First stop was the world-famous National Motor Museum, which is home to over 280 vehicles.  Both Phil and I recognised our first cars.

Jamie and Chloe enjoyed dressing up in costumes and climbing behind the wheel of the 1904 Pope Tribune.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  Everyone knows this one!

Bluebird CN7.  The fastest vehicle in the museum.

Mini Outspan Orange.  A giant orange on wheels?!  Unlike Bluebird, this vehicle definitely isn't built for speed - when it reaches over 30 mph it has a tendency to roll!

Peel P50.  One of the cutest vehicles in the museum, this microcar doesn't have a reverse gear.  But that's no problem - the driver can simply pick it up and move it using the handle at the rear of the car!

Now for something a little bit different.  Jamie and Chloe loved the monorail for a high-level journey around the grounds, including a trip through the roof of the Motor Museum.  One circuit was never enough!!

We then visited the Enormodrome to find out what it feels like inside the Top Gear studio and walked through the Challenge Gallery to see the challenge cars in the condition they were left after filming.

Next was the Test Track Challenge to see whose driving skills were the best on the remote-control cars.

Next door to World of Top Gear was the exhibition of TV and film  favourites in On Screen Cars.  Mr. Bean's Mini, Del Boy's Reliant Regal and the 'flying' Ford Anglia from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

We hopped on the Veteran Bus for a trip to the Secret Army Exhibition.

We really enjoyed Palace House, it was beautifully decorated for Christmas.  The Victorian Christmas pantomime and singing (we were the 7 swans a swimming) was a real highlight.  Jamie loved looking for the hidden mice and Chloe making decorations.  All the staff we came across were very helpful and happy to see the visitors.

Then it was time to go exploring with a stroll along the Mill Pond Walk.  The peaceful route took us past ancient oak trees and supernatural characters.   We challenged the kids to spot the fairy doors at the base of the trees lining the path plus looking for tree carvings - a sprite, a legendary Green Man and a many-headed serpent.

There was so much to see and do but we didn't need to worry that we couldn't fit absolutely everything into our day.  Beaulieu offer a Return for Free pass (terms apply) so we returned the next day and did it all over again, slightly differently this time, plus Beaulieu Abbey and the Grounds and Gardens.  We tried to build a medieval arch in the Abbey, we did it but it wasn't easy.

On the third day we returned to Beaulieu again but without the grandchildren this time.  Alun and Gemma had treated us to a three course lunch at the Terrace Restaurant in the Montagu Arms Hotel.
After a warm welcome and a glass of English sparkling wine in cosy and comfortable surroundings by a log fire, we enjoyed a delicious meal.  The food was excellent.  The ambience in the restaurant was quiet and relaxed, it was such a treat to be able to relax between each of the different courses.  It was a truly wonderful dining experience.  Thank you Alun and Gemma and Emmie.