Layou River Hotel Dominica

I decided to take advantage of my paid vacation and spend two weeks in Trinidad and Tobago. My good friend Kevin Fortune, who I met in college, is from Trinidad and was a phenomenal tour guide. I stayed away from computers, cell phones and any reading materials related to the economy and/or the environment. <br><br> <br>

... that hosts the heaviest tourist traffic. We found her in the dark, at the end of the obvious path where she'd dragged herself from the sea, across the sand, to where she now had begun to dig a hole with her rear flippers. The flippers are the craziest things, and something about them was....I'm at a loss for descriptors....something about them was dear. Like the way a dog twitches his leg when you rub his stomach. Something about the flippers reminded me of dear little dog legs ...

... the seven of us that set out to sea that day, only two of us had ever actually kayaked in the ocean...I was one of the two. So we set sail from the safety of the Salybia River, paddling calmly as the river met the sea. Things looked good. Things looked great, in fact, and Ronald and I, being in single kayaks, shot ahead of the group and up and over the swells. And there were great big swells, several of which I hit just as they were breaking. Foam and white water ...

... near the Rustic Shack, he came directly to me. I don't know why. In almost a whisper, followed by a scent of liquor, he said, "I'm interested in viewing the turtles." I wondered, is this what a poacher looks like? We were supposed to have left an hour ago; did he think no one would be here? I pointed him toward two staff members standing nearby, they had a brief conversation, and then the man departed. I went to Francis, Suzan's brother who has been a Nature Seeker patroller ...

... brown sugar and butter inside. Quite good. Joyce gave me several presents to bring back. Very nice of her. I gave her and Jem chocolate bars from Trader Joe's but didn't have a full one to give to brenda. I felt bad about that. I wonder if I will ever come back here. Probably not to live but it is a hiker's paradise, Especially for somebody much more dedicated than ...

Friday 03/04/09 Curacao - The Dutch Antilles Temps Air 32°C Sea 27°C Our berth once again is ideally placed being right alongside the Rif Fort and the entrance to the harbour of Willemstad the islands capital, making for an easy trip back and forth to the ship (probably laden with shopping) We're off for an early start as we'd booked an excursion on a semi submersible at 09:00. after a brief tour and introduction to the island we boarded the vessel, 2 ...

... way up to the island's dock. Dark clouds could be seen overshadowing the island. It looked as if we were entering into a dark mysterious place. The mountains were dark green with colourful houses built on them. It reminded me of the island we visited yesterday, but somehow, Dominica looked more intriguing and wild. One couldn't help but feel somehow curious about this island.<br><br>Dominica lies between Guadeloupe ...

... use to. They are very kind and appreciative to having me here. It did make me feel comfortable and reduced my fears a little. I know it is going to take a while more me to settle in. I am going through a big adjustment and need to remember that. We did have time to go over to the food bank and Brother Mike and I both volunteered to help out with their organization. I am hoping the more I get involved with the people the more I will settle down. That is with God's help ...

Trafalgar falls this morning - a stunning jungle hike and clamber over boulders and sharp rocks to a truly awesome place - huge twin waterfalls tumbling down the mountainside into deep and dark pools at the bottom. Amazing feeling being at the bottom, blasted by raging water and spray. Warmed up after in volcanic sulphur pools dotted all over the jungle - felt like a pina colada in a dug out pineapple with little umbrella but wasnt any about. Just bugs. Hit Roseau to get supplies - we ...

... it was me - rugged Michigan outdoorsman genius - against nature. Nature hardly had a chance. Like the Carib Indians who'd taken their cameras and snorkel masks to the beach in these parts so many years before, I had to choose the best available path and utilize my god-given resources. No machetes. No bubble baths. One valuable resource was my head. I sometimes used this to push the last twigs out of my way in clearing a path. Now, that's what I call "USING your ...