Tag Archives: History

Hike, Sight Seeing

Fort Rodney and Signal Hill Hike

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SAINT LUCIA

CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Activity: Day Hike, Peak Bagging, Sight Seeing

1.5 miles, 252′ elevation gain, 45 minutes, rated Moderate

Date: 3-1-24

This is a short, but scenic hike that is rich in history. My friend Dan did not want to pay the $10 USD just to go see some ruins at this National Park, but afterwards he was glad that he did. He especially liked the Interpretation Center that provided some history and background to what we were seeing. It had some artifacts and showcased the different British Uniforms of the period.

Pigeon Island Model showing the Fort and Signal Hill.

It was interesting to see the ruins of the different installations scattered throughout the National Park set in the exquisite beauty of this stunning island. Along the various stops there were incredible views of the island and the sea.

Whenever we were out of the Trade Winds it felt hot which made me wonder was this exceptional duty for these British soldiers to get out of rainy Old England to be stationed in paradise or did they consider it a chore and just plain stifling hot in their wool uniforms? We did read that the uniforms in the area where modified somewhat because of the heat. Even though there was no mention of Pirates I think back to the ‘Pirates of the Carribean’ movies and Commodore Norrington and the other British Troops and their heavy uniforms worn in the Carribean. I think that I was much happier in shorts and hiking boots as we walked the same steps of history.

Would you want to wear a heavy wool uniform and powdered wig in the tropics?

Fort Rodney and Signal Hill on Pigeon Island were key to holding one of the best natural bays of the Caribbean and strategic to British keeping an eye on their rival the French on the nearby island of Martinique. The French were helping those pesky Colonists much to the disdain of British Crown.

Signal Hill looking down on the Fort.
Our Catamaran ‘Force’ with the black mast.

There is a bit of a scramble going up Signal Hill so proper footwear would be an advantage.

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure YouTube Channel
Fort Rodneyand Signal Hill
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British Admiral Rodney viewed this as an important observation and defensive site. In 1780 he wrote ”…this is the post the Governor of Martinique had set his eye on and if possessed by the enemy would deprive us of the best anchorage place in these islands and from which Martinique is always attackable…”

My friend Dan and I want to thank you for joining us while ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’. Hiking and Peak Bagging the ruins of an Colonial Period Fort.  Adventure is the best way to gain that Balance in life so sought after. Super fun short hike since we were anchored just below it.  Please stick around by doing this: COMMENT, LIKE, FOLLOW and SHARE. Also checkout SHOP APPAREL for adventure hats, shirts, beanies, like the ones in the video and pics. The menu above will send you to more PBTA locations for your adventure pleasure. Each one is independent and thus needs to be FOLLOWED independently.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins, 

Pursuing Balance Through Adventure