Sunday we took our dink around the point to go snorkel a bay that was supposed to have lots of large turtles. It took some swimming, but we did find them. Unfortunately my camera settings were off, so no great photos.
After the snorkel, we moved, as the spot we were at was getting a bit rolly, so we went back to Ilet a Cabrits, where the water was calm.
Monday we decided to go for a morning walk around the island again to stretch our legs, with Jason and Monica. They came over to pick us up, and their outboard engine died and would not restart while picking us up. So Dean and Jason worked on the outboard while Monica and I had a nice walk.
They ended up rebuilding the carburetor, and all seemed good after that.
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| Trees send long roots down from their branches. I believe they are Banyan trees |
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| Fun exploring the old ruins |
Tuesday we left Les Saintes and had a very nice sail down to Dominica. We had a bit of an excitement, as what we are pretty sure was a sperm whale surfaced not more than 50' from our boat. Glad we did not collide.
We walked to town after lunch and did our check in at Dominica, and arranged a tour for the following day.
Wednesday we started our tour with our guide Ken, stopping first at Paradise Valley Gardens. Lush tropical gardens, used for events and growing plants for landscaping. Truly a beautiful area. Lots of Peacocks, and three donkeys and a few goats and chickens roam the property as well.
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| Small bar and relax area |
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| Beautiful grounds |
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| Area where they grow plants to sell for landscaping |
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| Our guide Top showing us one of the tortoises on the grounds. I believe it is a red footed tortoise |
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| Millie, the donkey |
Next was a hike to Chaudière Pool. Nice hike through the lush landscape, to a small waterfall and pool. We did not jump off the rocks into the large pool, but did enjoy soaking in the fresh water smaller pool.
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| Enjoying the pool |
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| Hiking down to the pool |
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| Other folks enjoying the small waterfall and pool |
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| Lots of very small freshwater snails |
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| Hiking back out |
After our hike, it was off to lunch, which was very yummy.
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| Kris's meal, shrimp, lentils, rice, mac and cheese, salad and coke - for about $25.00 USD. |
Next was Red Rocks. This is an area of - you guessed - red compacted soil and sand which is red from the oxidization of the volcanic basalt which was rich in iron, causing the red color.
After Red Rocks, a quick stop at the chocolate factory to buy some goodies, and then a very scenic drive back.
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| Kris got her 90% dark chocolate bar |
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| Looking towards the bay in Portsmouth |
Thursday we decided we needed some exercise after sitting for most of Wednesday, so off we went to hike the East and West Cabrits, two hills ls near Portsmouth Dominica, where we are anchored. Fort Shirley is on the East Cabrits, and is a partially restored fort. It was a long hot hike.
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| Inside the Fort Shirley officers quarters looking out the window to Portsmouth |
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| Dean ready to man the cannons |
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| Ruins of Commandants quarters |
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| Charm is anchored down there in Portsmouth Bay |
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| They are building a new marina in the area - should be done in 1 to 10 years |
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| Mahogany tree seed |
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| View from West Cabrits looking toward Guadeloupe |
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| Taking a break on the top of West Cabrits |
Friday we snorkeled an old pier in the area - finding lots of small critters, coral, sponges and such, and enjoyed a restful afternoon.
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| Lots of Sergeant Majors around the piers |
Saturday we decided to take a hike that Kris had found while searching trails in the area. Kris was not having luck with Wikiloc, for offline trails, and we ended up going past our turn, but eventually backtracked and found the trail, which was quite beautiful, and lead in a canyon to a tight area with a waterfall. On the way there passed a strange home with lots of statues in the yard.
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| The statues look homemade |
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| Not sure about what the design is supposed to be |
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| Lots of work put in to what is now looking abandoned. |
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| Start of the trail to Fau Valley Canyon has us walking in a field with a couple of cows |
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| Trail to Fau Valley Canyon |
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| Trail goes along some very steep walls |
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| End of the trail for us - waterfall coming down the rocks - hard to see due to sun angle |
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| Bridge over the river |
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| Lots of sprouted coconuts along the trail |
After the hike, we went to town and stopped at the Saturday market to get some fresh veggies.
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| Lots of stalls set up selling local fruit and vegetables |
Don't know how much longer we will stay here - depends on weather, and sea state, as an irritating roll has developed in the anchorage.
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