![\"Volcano](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/svecho.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/DSCN2094.jpg\")
<\/a>Volcano ahead<\/p><\/div>\n
As you approach the island you clearly see the Quill<\/a> in the distance, the volcanic cone that is 1800 feet high.\u00a0 It last erupted in 400 AD so no worries today.\u00a0Statia is a Dutch island and Quill comes from \u00a0kuil, Dutch for pit or hole. \u00a0Hiking to the rim is a popular activity which we did.\u00a0 From there you can hike around the rim or down into the crater, which we did not.\u00a0 The trail up was well marked and well maintained, going into the crater is a difficult hike and a guide is suggested; not for the likes of us.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to a walking guide published by the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation , the island was first inhabited 2500 years ago.\u00a0 Archeological studies found the prehistoric people left by the 14th century and the Europeans arrived in 1629.\u00a0 The first were French but the Dutch soon arrived and began to grow tobacco and later sugar cane. \u00a0They expanded the fort and built several hundred warehouses in “Lower Town”, some of which were built on land reclaimed from the sea.\u00a0 The island’s prosperity and status as a “free port” (British and French levied high duties)\u00a0 made it a target for foreign occupation.\u00a0 It apparently changed hands between the Dutch, British and French 22 times over a few centuries.\u00a0 This explains the importance of forts throughout the Caribbean.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oranjestad, the only town on Statia, was\u00a0 a very busy place during the 1700s.\u00a0 It was the main stopping place for thousands of ships between Europe and the American colonies with a population of over 10,000 people.\u00a0 It served a pivotal role in slavery and slave trade, the historical museum includes an extensive exhibition of those times.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Today the island is a mixture of African and Dutch cultures and the people are proud and welcoming.\u00a0 We were very impressed with the cleanliness and beauty.\u00a0 Many of the historical\u00a0 buildings are identified and open for touring, ruins have been excavated and restored with some in use today.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n While hiking the Quill we met a family who recommended a guided walking tour to us.\u00a0 We first met their son and a Swiss boy that lives on Statia then came upon Cormac and Kathleen.\u00a0 They have visited the island several times and gave us some good information.\u00a0 Since we were only on Statia for a short time we were unable to schedule the tour but picked up the book at the museum and explored on our own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Statia is not the island if you’re looking for white sandy beaches, it is apparently a great diving destination.\u00a0 There are reefs and wrecks of colonial ships along with snorkeling over some of the ruins of Lower Town warehouses.\u00a0 The guides indicate seahorses and giant octopuses – neither of which we saw.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n At Kathleen and Cormac’s recommendation we had dinner at The Blue Bead.\u00a0 Arriving at the dinghy dock we met another couple and suggested sitting together.\u00a0 We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed meeting John and June who were en route to Antigua.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Main sail repairs<\/p><\/div>\n <\/p>\n While sailing from St. Barth to Statia we had the opportunity to test Jeff’s repair work on the main sail.\u00a0 With a reefed main and full Genny we were on a beam reach seeing mostly 7 and 8 knots but did see 10 once or twice.\u00a0 Happy to report the main is looking good.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n We really enjoyed our visit to Statia!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n ~ Jeff and Mary ~<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This island is a bit off the beaten path and not your typical Caribbean destination.\u00a0 It is most often called Statia and according to our cruising guide is a “small island with a large history”. As you approach … Continue reading <\/a> <\/a> <\/a>