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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Dominica the Eden we hoped for




When we arrived in the semi dark of our first night sail, the very tiered crew fell fast asleep rather quickly. I was left alone in the moonlit cockpit as the sky began to change from black to glowing grays, then blue, finally unfolding to greet the sun as it rose in it's glory peeking over the lush mountains. The aura was unique as the sun and moon shared the same sky for a brief period, almost as if they were changing watch themselves.

The warm glow in the cockpit was cozy.


Very tiered, but happy to be here.


 I too fell asleep after a prayer to thank God for a safe trip.

After a nice rest we went into the bustling town of Rosearu and took a delightful taxi up to Victoria Falls and the hot springs which are in the southern part of Dominica. During a fifteen minute exciting  ride, twisting and climbing into the interior, everything quickly changed before our eyes. The lush overgrowth encroached on the road at times like a roof over your house. The whole family just fell in love with the stunning plant life that encompasses this wild country.

Steam rises and water flows down the landscape shaping it
 and helping the growth of such a magnificent land.


As we walked along the road side bananas hung over the street.


There must of been hundreds.


Families of goats dotted the paths. Munching as much as they could.


The foot path to Victoria Falls.
Home of the Mama and the Papa waterfalls.


Isabel makes tracks up to the falls.


Izzy bought a flute from a "jungle guy"




Once we drew closer to the falls our path began to change.
The trail became rocky and very moist. We had to take care and step with caution on the moss covered stones. For a group of boat bohemians who go barefoot all of the time, hiking shoes were foreign.  We felt a little bit like, "Fish out of water" on dry land.



The trail changes were minuscule at first, but quickly became reshaped by many years of flowing water.






For our Russian friend Valery



Boulders became larger and climbing the rocks became laborious.



Allan and Devon were the only ones in our bunch that made it close up and personal with Mama Falls and victory is theirs.  




Flowers just spring up in the earth all over the territory. There isn't a spot on the ground that doesn't have an alluring flower growing form it.  The locals just pick the different species and create spectacular arrangements on the side of the streets for all to enjoy.
The people are very creative in Dominica.









Dominica is such a blessed joy to see hear and taste. I would love to come again.