Dominica!!!

We were up quite literally with the sun. We needed to shower, dress and go upstairs for breakfast, then be down on the pier by 7:15 AM. No worries, really, the sun rose and woke me and then the wake up call came and we got into action.

Breakfast was the usual, and then we grabbed our things from the room and got down on the pier nice and early. We were on the Dominica’s Favorites tour with Mr. Gary (driver) and Cori (our guide).

First we all were a tad wet because it was raining like crazy when we got off the ship. Let’s just say I was very glad that we packed our umbrellas and rain ponchos, as today we had another day filled with rain. (Although as I write this, the sun has come out and things are drying up a bit.)

Dominica is truly an island rain forest! With the highest mountain measuring 4750 feet. They get a lot of rain here, as well as hurricanes, so the entire island is lush and green and is quite beautiful.

The roads were terrible, very narrow and at times with sheer drop offs on the side. I was glad that Mr. Gary was driving.

First stop was Morne Bruce, an old military garrison, that afforded us some splendid views of the city. While there, I met the sweetest little native doggy. I never asked his name and he never told me, but it made me miss my four dogs a great deal!

We stopped for some drinks and a bathroom break and were rewarded with singing and dancing in the classic West Indies style.

Next we drove to Trafalgar to the smaller waterfall viewing area. I’m certainly getting my exercise on this trip as we walked (yes we walked in the rain about 15 minutes both to and from a lovely waterfall.

As you can see by the pictures it was really raining quite about, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any worse we drove to the rain forest to see the waterfalls in the Trois Piton Park. It was another 15 minute hike in and out, but I wanted to see this waterfall area as it dumps into the Emerald Pool, thought to be the true “Fountain of Youth”. I did not get in, but this woman did.

And to think, she is actually 100 years old! LOL!!!

You can see how hard it was raining there. It was one of those times when even an umbrella doesn’t help!

As we walked out of the park we saw this crab just crawling along the path. I was so surprised that I quickly took this picture!

Our tour lasted from 7:45 until noontime when we were dropped off at the ship. Hubby and I came in and had some lunch and then went out to walk around the downtown area. We walked the crowded streets and poked our noses into different shops. Then I wandered around a bit more while Hubby walked uptown to a church he wanted to see.

Tonight is our second formal night. The last time I wore my cream colored Ann Taylor sheath, but tonight it is a silk Liz Claiborne top and skirt. I’ll also be wearing the new shoes that I searched high and low for.

Tomorrow (Saturday) we will be in St. Thomas for the day. We have a tour planned to St John Island, so perhaps we will poke around St. Thomas in the morning.

I simply cannot believe that the trip is nearly over! It has been such a wonderful break for me and for Hubby too.  I think that turning 50 has given me a little perspective on life. More than once along the way I have not had thinks work out the way I thought they should. Instead of getting upset or obsessing with them I have created a small list of things that simply are not worth getting upset about. This has made our trip truly a restful time!

Oh yes, cruising for me is the ultimate vacation as well as the very best of birthday gifts!