Dominica

Our first call to the wild mountainous island of Dominica was Portsmouth, a large (by Dominican standards) fishing town located in Prince Ruupert Bay. This wide bay of pristine water is surrounded by palm trees, beach bars and rusting wrecks washed up by numerous hurricanes. They stay there perhaps because the people of Dominica lack the resources to remove them. Dominica exceeds any of the islands we are likely to visit in unspoiled natural beauty. The government realizes that the country's econimic strength is eco-tourism, therefore this beauty is protected. More importantly, the locals appreciate it too.

Our first venture into the interior of Dominica was an hour long ride to the airport to pick up Bill's daughter, Jessica, and her fiance (breaking news!), also named Bill. They spent a week with us hiking through rain forests, swimming in a mountain stream, rowing up an unspoiled river and seeing the only remaining villages of the Carib people.

We love Dominica. The people are warm and justifiably proud of their beautiful home.

Photos: rain forest waterfall; rasta's roadside gift shop; Jessica on the Indian River; cottage in Portsmouth; 3 wrecks after last year's hurricane; Jessica, Bill W, Pam & Bill B; Bill & Pam atop Horseback Ridge; Roadside bar; rain forest swimming hole; Jessica and Bill during rain forest hike. Video: Rain forest waterefall - Bill takes the plung.

Iles des Saintes

Out trip to Guadelope was shortened by a general strike which all French Caribbean territories were experiencing. Nothing was opoen and there were no services, so we didn't go ashore until we got to beautiful Iles de Saintes. These are three small islands off the south coast of Guadelope. The snorkling was good, the village is very quaint and we were able to feed our new-found baguette addition. Although we only spent two nights here on our way down, we returned with our guests during their visit with us in Dominica.

Photos: Street in Iles de Saintes; Jessica and Bill.