Monday, February 27 – Dominica

I’m feeling a little restless this morning. I’ve been told there’s a picturesque area south of here that’s within walking distance called Pagua Bay, with a landmark, Pagua Rock.

The hike took a total of about 3 1/2 hours. I wasn’t on a very fast pace though; stopping for pictures and to take in the sights. And I needed a couple rest breaks on the way back up. Sad!

I spent the rest of the day working on a journal entry and going for a swim at Sand Bay.

Tuesday, February 28 – Dominica

I’m traveling to the northwest part of the island today to explore the town of Portsmouth. My mode of transport?

The bus stop was about a 5 minute walk from my apartment. I got there around 8:05am, the bus arrived at 8:15, and we departed at 8:25. The ride to Portsmouth was very scenic, with about 75% of it along the coast. The trip took about 1 hour. The cost? Three USD.

Portsmouth is the second largest town in Dominica, behind Roseau. It was initially chosen as the capital of Dominica, but only served in that capacity in 1760. After malaria broke out there the same year, the capital was moved to Roseau, where it remains.

Cabrits National Park is an extinct volcano that was once its own island, separate from mainland Dominica. The park protects tropical forest, coral reefs and wetlands. It contains hiking trails and an English garrison, Fort Shirley. The park occupies 1,300 acres and was established in 1986.

Fort Shirley was formerly a military outpost; the British began building it in 1765 as a garrison to defend north Dominica. The fort was extended by the French during their occupation from 1778 to 1784. It was abandoned in 1854. After suffering for years, restoration began in 1982.

The entry fee for the park was 5 USD for the day or 12 USD for a one-week pass, which could be used at other tourist sites on the island. I chose the latter because I have an island drive around planned for tomorrow.

In the shop I ended up sitting with a couple that were originally from Virginia. They now live fulltime on their 76-foot catamaran. Wow! We had a nice conversation. In fact, it was so nice that I forgot to take a picture of my roti. Sorry! (Although, I guess you already know what they look like!) The cost of the vegetarian roti (would have chosen fish if they had it) and a drink was 7 USD.

While I was in town I stopped at the bank to get some Euros for my upcoming Guadeloupe visit, and to acquire additional Eastern Caribbean Dollars (which will also be needed for my future stops in Antigua and St. Kitts).

I didn’t have to wait at all for a return bus, as one was departing just as I arrived at the stop. Nice! Another hour ride back dropped me near the apartment around 4pm. A good day!

Wednesday, March 1 – Dominica

My Airbnb host, Phillip, offered to take me around to some sights on the island today (for a fee, of course). Thank you!

His plan was to travel south and visit some places in the area of Morne Trois Pitons National Park. On the way though is Jacko Falls. We were going to stop there first. However, as we approached we noticed three tour buses parked there along the road. Oh oh. That means there is a cruise ship in the port. And that means the tourist sights will be busy today. (we later learned that there were TWO ships at the dock!). So Phillip bypassed Jaco and continued south to a more remote location, which will hopefully be less crowded.

Freshwater Lake is the largest of Dominica’s four lakes. It is located at just over 2,500 ft above sea level and was formed by a volcanic grater.

Trafalgar Falls is the only twin waterfall on the island. They are named Mother and Father Falls.

Our path back north brought us through the capital city of Roseau, and Phillip took us to one of his favorite places for takeaway meals.

I was taking this picture on our way out, after purchasing our food. Well, I guess it was the owner who saw me (who wasn’t around the counter when I bought the meal), and she starting giving me a hard time about needing to buy something if I was going to take photos. We quickly straightened it out and all was forgiven. Kind of funny. (It undoubtedly helped that Phillip was there alongside me!)

We’re heading back north now, and our final stop will a return visit to Jacko Falls. Hopefully the cruise passengers are nowhere to be seen…

Phillip did a lot of driving today. And I was able to take in the beautiful scenery of the island, which was great. With left around 9:45am and returned around 5:00pm. For that Phillip charged me 120 USD, which I thought was more than reasonable, considering what I’ve paid for similar services on the other islands.

And now it’s time to enjoy the takeaway dinner…