We left ROC at 6:11 AM to Newark and arrived in Antigua around 2:00 for our 5:15 Fly Montserrat flight to Montserrat. All the legs of the trip were very uneventful and smooth. Arrived In Montserrat and strangely enough it seemed like the customs for the 7 of us was longer than in Antigua. Once we cleared Clover from Gingerbread Hill was there waiting for us. On the way she had pre-ordered take out from Peoples Place which we picked up on the way as well as a quick stop at the grocery store for some minor provisions.
Finally walked thru the door at Heavenly Suite at 6:00PM and ate then off to bed. The wind blows fairly well and thus there are no screens on the windows or doors and bugs were a non issue. It also rained, poured in fact. Apparently it had rained 27 inches in 2 weeks prior to our arrival. The rain lasted a good bit and we were scheduled for a 9:00 AM pick up from Green Monkey for their Plymouth boat tour but the rain was really coming down in the north, but just sprinkling where we were and sunny in the south. At any rate Green Monkey contacted Sun, who we were doing an island tour with after the boat tour, and he graciously re-arranged his day and came got us around 9:45 for our land tour. The Sun tour was very extensive and detailed. We saw the volcano devastation from all the land angles with a narration and knowledge from Sun that was fantastic, he is very passionate about his island and the destruction done by the volcano.
Sun dropped us off at Green Monkey around 1:15 for the 2:30 re-scheduled Plymouth tour and the weather was cooperating, sunny, not much wind and decent seas. We ate next to Green Monkey at a place which is open from noon to 4 on Sundays and serves great BBQ chicken and ribs. The owner’s name was John and this was one of the nicest places to chill. We were told to tell them that we were on the boat tour so that “island time” would not prevent us from getting served quickly. Sure enough, the service was perfect and prices reasonable!
There were six of us for the Plymouth tour and the activity level of the volcano was 3 which meant we could get as close as Troy from Green Monkey wanted to from the shore but could not stop. Once there the devastation was incredible. Troy commented that the dome was more visible than it has been for weeks (and about 5 min later…poof, clouded up), no winds so the dust was not blowing around either. It was just awe inspiring, like gazing at the Grand Canyon.
Between Sun & Troy we gained tons of knowledge and facts. They both expressed a sadness with how the eruption has changed Montserrat forever. It used to be quite a bustling island from the world renowned recording studio, to the upscale visitors. Now there is no industry, except government, to speak of. Tourism is very sparse, as you can see form lack of input in this forum, but the all genuinely appreciate any visitors that they get and do everything they can to assist you.
Sun’s wife picked us up from Green Monkey and offered to stop at the grocery store on the way back which was very appreciated since it was Sunday and our dining options were limited especially since we did not opt to rent a car. Once back to the villa, around 5:30PM we settled in for a relaxing evening.

Although we were only here for a short stay, arrived Sat night and left Monday noon) we feel we got a good feel for the island. We sensed not despair but sadness about the Government’s lack of sight and planning for the “future” let alone the current plans for recovery. I get the impression that the Brits, who own the island, like any other government, are concerned with their own self perpetuation as opposed as the future of the island……sound familiar? Just a little economic stimulation can go a long way to improve the life of the people.
I hope to have pictures labeled and up soon and will place another post when done with that.