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St. Vincent's, Caythorpe, Lincolnshire
  The island of St Vincent is located about 20 miles southwest of St. Lucia and 100 miles west of Barbados. It sits north of the Grenadines, which altogether consist of 32 islands spread out over a 60-mile arc reaching all the way down to Petit St. Vincent – just a stone’s throw away from Petit Martinique of Grenada. The largest island of the Grenadines is Bequia, which is about 10 miles south of St. Vincent and covers an area of 7 square miles. The other main islands include Union Island, Canouan, Mustique, Mayreau, Palm Island, and Petit St. Vincent. There are many other uninhabited islands and cays including the idyllic Tobago Cays. The total territory of St. Vincent and the Grenadines covers about 150 square miles. St. Vincent is a lush volcanic island with mountains running north to south down the centre of the island. These mountains have steep, densely-wooded slopes with many fast moving streams flowing down them. The volcano Soufriere is St. Vincent's highest peak at over 4,050 feet and last erupted in 1979. This eruption was not as severe as the two major eruptions which occurred in 1812 and 1902. These eruptions have, however, deposited a layer of rich fertile ash which has produced the lush vegetation which covers most of the island, particularly in the Mesopotamia Valley. The eastern coast has cliffs and largely rocky beaches with choppy seas and surf due to the onshore winds, while the western, sheltered coastline has fine beaches and safe swimming. History St Vincent and the Grenadines were first inhabited by the Arawak Indians who were later displaced by the Caribs. Christopher Columbus arrived in 1498 and claimed it for Spain. It remained Spanish possession until 1627 when it was given to the British. The Caribs fought hard to keep their islands from the European invasion until they were defeated in 1795. During the 19th and 20th century, St. Vincent suffered through a number of disasters including an 1812 volcano eruption, an 1896 flood, an 1897 hurricane, and additional eruptions in 1902 and the 1970s. In 1979, St. Vincent and the Grenadines declared independence from the UK. Attractions St Vincent and the Grenadines is small and fun to explore although most trips take longer than one would imagine from the map. There are about 300 miles of road but some are only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles. Although Richmond is only 15 miles by road up the west coast from Kingstown, one should plan on spending at least three hours just to get there and back. It is necessary to allow more time if you are going to stop several times on the way to take photographs, do a little exploring, and perhaps swim or have something to eat and drink. The island is not a typical tourist paradise and the main attraction is its natural beauty, the warmth and friendliness of the people who live here, and the year-round sunshine. While most of the west coast and all of the south and east coasts are accessible by vehicle, much of the interior is not, and the only way in is on foot. There are many beautiful walks, sparkling waterfalls and rich, tropical rainforests to enjoy on the walks which are the essence of natural St. Vincent and the Grenadines at its best. | |
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Article Contributors Anonymous user updated 11 months ago |
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