3 hrs, 10.5 kms
Day Totals: 16 hrs, 32 .7 kms

It's getting to be lunchtime, so I stop at a roadside stand. Once again, I get to chatting with the middle aged lady running it--and, once again, it turns out she's been to the United States as well. In fact, she spends part of her year there, and part of it here. Her grown children are alll in New York now.

As a I eat my saltfish sandwich and fried chicken, I can see how she would prefer running a roadside stand in her native land of St Lucia rather than than the hectic dog eat dog life of New York City....

Further up ahead, according to the map there's a trail that follows along the coast, so I wander through an old plantation in search for it. I do find a cozy little beach sandwiched between two cliffs, the sea and a mangrove swamp... but the trail takes me back to an upscale neighborhood that's being buit, where I keep running into dead ends, so I head back to the highway.

Something doesn't feel right about these upscale villas on large lots that are being built . St Lucia ha very limited amout of flat land, and I would think this land should be used for something sustainable, like farming... not just sold to some rich St Lucian living abroad or foreigner so they can build a house that will just sit empty for most of the year. When you're a tiny island, any waste of precious resources--like flat land, can be disasterous further down the road...

My next town is coming up soon. I figure this day won't be complete without a swim in the ocean... so I find another secluded beach and dive in for my ritual swim.

Next I finally find a place where I can follow the tree lined coast to the cheerful town of Laborie, where I order a delicious lunch and to visit the church up on the hillside. I smile at a poster on the notice board of an "All Night Valentines Dance"... advertised at church? Is this something the church endorses?

It reminds me of Italy, where the church is not just about religion, it's the center for the town social activity, insuring that people always feel a connection to with the church .

It looks like I might have a bit of a problem getting back to Soufriere, as the vans originate in Vieux Fort, and when they pass here they're already full. I guess that means my best bet is to hike toward Vieux Fort and hope I either catch something along the way, or get all the way and hopefully get there before the last van leaves.

So I sprint down the country road, fingers crossed, as the sun sinks on the horizon... past peaceful country homes, palm tree groves and across streams. Finally I reach a modern shopping district and catch a glimpse of the airport (unlike the other countries, St Lucia has 2 airports).

I heave a sigh of relief when I get to the transport station and... yes... there is still a van left. Whew. At 32 kilometers, his was my longest tropical heat hike to date.