Charlestown, Nevis

11/14/2010

Flat seas, calm winds, southeast and downwind led us to St. Kitts and Nevis, considered one country and formerly British and NO baguettes.

Rounding the misty St. Kitts peaks, this island chain is known to be part of the “Islands That Brush the Clouds”. (Chris Doyle!)

We continued south to anchor off the historical town of Charlestown, Nevis for a short visit as well as to clear in with customs, the port authority, the police, and immigration. Rum shops, fresh passion fruit, conch and saltfish pasties.....yummm!

Nevis peak is 3000ft high and the island was formerly a colonial society of plantations.

Now drawing mainly on tourism with a population of 12,000, the architectural heritage has been preserved and the tours range from historical plantation tours, hiking and forest trails, or bird watching.

In addition to its world class plantation resorts Nevis was also known as the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton in 1757.

Complete with the restored Hamilton House on the quay and museum, they also offer wifi which you can enjoy in the garden cafe next door. 

Planning only a one day stop, taking an inland tour was a must so a local taxi driver was secured to show us the sites. 

We headed off to the area known as Gingerland, on the southside of the mountain. Because of its elevation it is cool and breezy, affording beautiful views of the surrounding islands.

Numerous historic plantations have been restored and refurbished into luxury resorts and spas, surrounded by manicured tropical gardens and million dollar views. This one is called Golden Rock Estates situated on 96 acres of lush tropical forest.

On this incredibly clear day from the dining terrace we could spy the distant volcanic island of Montserrat, our next destination.

Circumnavigating the island, the windward side seemed rather desolate and dry, and a stop at a local rum shop was in order.

This pristine but windy and private palm-dotted beach was part of another plantation/resort on our route belonging to the widow Fanny Nesbit, future wife of British navel icon Lord Horatio Nelson.

While Diane and I strolled down to the beach, Don and Ken, alias Arthur Ashe and Jimmy Connors, took up a quick and entertaining game of tennis so as to “feel” the moment.

Our daytrip finally dropped us back to the northwest side, calm and sheltered from the trade winds. A quick stop at the oldest church and cemetery in Nevis, circa 1642, and with the island of St. Kitts in the background, it seemed some lucky early settlers had picked the ideal eternal resting spot.