Dominica

15 35.0 N 61 28.0 W

Dominica

Dominica has it all – mountains valleys, gorges and pinnacles and amazingly lush vegetation. Colourful birds, butterflies and flowers enhance an already beautiful island. To add interest there is a boiling lake, hot waterfalls, sulphur springs and crater lakes.

Lisa and Tim on “Caribbean Souls” and Heather and Ray on “Ner do Well” are in the anchorage with us – it is great to be surrounded by friends. We booked a river jungle tour that took us up a river to a landing then on a rather long steep hot bush walk. It was fascinating – our guide was informative and funny – we took home bags of mangoes, ginger, bay leaves and other assorted fruits and veges- all grown on the steep hillsides. Our walk ended at a small shack – we grinned as we heard our guide yelling out a friends name as we approached (hey get out of bed I have customers for you and we will split the profits) – this was a part of the tour that is not advertised and where you are expected to spend some money on the home made rum punches and coconut delights. The friend looks like a hippy without teeth. I wonder if that was as a result of his moonshine.

White Rose 1 left Dominica on her way to Grenada – the other two boats stayed behind for a few more days and fell in love with the island.

When getting ready to depart Don was at the forepeak of the boat readying the windlass to bring up the anchor chain, I was at my usual post at the helm waiting for instructions as to which direction I needed to guide White Rose 1 in order to facilitate the lifting of the anchor chain. Don glanced around at me and pointed in the direction of the chain, at the time I was rubbing my forehead trying to avert a threatening headache. Don stood up straight and smiled from ear to ear – “now that's how it should be”. I looked puzzled and he claimed that from now on he expected a salute at each of the Captain's commands, proper due respect shown for his authority, knowledge, leadership, guidance etc. . Being one of those rare wives that show a great respect for their husband I just had to sweep my hand up to the forehead for the correct salute position with the two errant fingers curving straight up to heaven.