St. Pierre, a town on the northern tip of Martinique, was a highlight of the trip so far. We were anchored off of a nice beach just south of town which the kids could paddleboard to on their own, but it was the history that made this stop unforgettable.
The town of St. Pierre has an interesting but tragic history. It sits at the foot of Mount Pelee and in 1902 was the capital city of Martinique with a population of approximately 30,000. It was known as the Paris of the Caribbean and was the commercial, cultural and social center of Martinique. In early April, 1902, Mount Pelee’s volcano started rumbling and had a few small eruptions. The Governor at the time was convinced by local planters and business leaders not to advise an evacuation because it would hurt their businesses. Furthermore, evacuations would have affected upcoming elections. So, with a committee to assess the risk, led by the high school science teacher, they concluded there was no danger.
On May 8th, 1902, the side of Mount Pelee facing St. Pierre glowed red and burst open releasing a giant fireball of superheated gas that flowed down over the city, releasing more energy than an atomic bomb. An estimated 29,933 people burned to death leaving only one survivor – Louis-Auguste Cyparis. He had been imprisoned and put in solitary confinement for alleged murder. The cell he was in had thick stone walls with only a small slit for a window that faced away from the volcano. He was found in his cell severely burned but alive four days after the eruption. He was pardoned of his crime and later went to America to work for Barnum and Bailey’s Circus as a ‘freak show’ and became known as “the man who survived Doomsday”.
Touring the town, with Mount Pelee looming over it, really brought history to life. We got to visit the museum dedicated to the 1902 eruption, the theatre ruins and the prison where Cyparis was jailed.
The following day we got to hike up the volcano that caused all of the devastation. Ever since Millie heard about the volcanoes that helped create the Caribbean, she has wanted to hike up one. After learning about its interesting history, it was fitting that Mount Pelee be her first.
This is a look Daddy gets a lot these days…often followed by this.
Apart from the fascinating history and amazing hikes, here are some more photos of the usual day to day antics on Trismic…
‘Til next time!!
Sailing Trismic 
How is sailing? It is nice to see photos of you guys having lots and lots of fun. It reminds me of when we would hang out together and have lots and lots of fun. I hope you continue to have lots and lots of fun! Love Amanda
LikeLiked by 1 person
How wonderful to be surrounded by such incredible natural beauty and history. The experiences you’re having, friends you’re making and memories you’re creating are invaluable. Thanks for sharing your latest adventures with us. Miss you all tons!! Hugs to everyone. Ellen xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful post Cindy and what a learning experience you are having for all team Trismic.
Nathan, you get the gold medal for creative deck swabbing! I hope the skipper allowed you a double tot of lemonade grog for that effort.
Millie, I think your swing and your swinging are way cool. I would love to try it.
Love and hugs to all.
Granddad
LikeLiked by 2 people
The happy faces in the photos are such a contrast to the dramatic and tragic history of Martinique’s volcanic eruption. I am glad that Millie was not fearful as she scaled her first volcano. Glad, too, that Nathan tackles his deck duties with such gusto! He must be keen, he must be ten!
Thanks for sharing a special field trip,
Love, GG
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful story, full of history, so tragic, and brought back to life through your visit to the museum, the ruins and Millie’s climb up Mount Pelee. The beauty of the area must be breathtaking and I can imagine why the surrounding mountains is one of your happy places. The priceless pictures of Dad and Nathan and Mom, Millie and Nathan are proof of how happy you are. It’s amazing how St. Pierre’s tragic past can bring such happy memories. Fabulous pictures of the day to day antics; can’t beat Nathan’s efficient, innovative albeit challenging boat scrubbing method and Millie’s exciting trapeze as she bravely swings through the air with such freedom and ease! Lovely pictures of paddling the ocean blue, frolicking in the waves and Millie digging for gold! What a treat it is to learn about your experiences! Love, Mom/Lynne/Nana xoxox
LikeLike