May 21-24, 2017

Dominica is a unique Caribbean island with some of the highest volcanic peaks, dense rainforests, waterfalls, and many rivers. The Dominicans are gracious and welcoming. We decided to walk along Section 13 of the Waitukubuli Trail between Penville and Capuchin. As Alexis drove the 4 of us to the trailhead, he relayed stories of his youth. He showed us the "old walking path" to Portsmouth as we bounced along a lumpy road. The path looked in better condition than parts of the road!

Alexis said the trail is all downhill. We weren't sure about the distance or the duration of the hike. Mmm, we weren't in a hurry. Greg and LizAnn on Lagniappe led the way. It was a good way to start--downhill. The green forest surrounded us. We saw small hillside farms of callaloo and plantains. We easily crossed a small stream. Oooh, I see uphill. We hiked to a switchback. The air closed in as sweat poured down our faces. We stopped at a break in the trees. The breeze dried our faces. Haze over the water occluded the views of Guadeloupe and Les Saintes. We trekked past a few blazes on the trees and rocks. We climbed uphill. We walked downhill. We stopped for lunch, water and more water. We approached a large sign saying Grande Fond. Whoa, we have been walking 2 hours and we are not even halfway. The birds filled the trees with song and calls. We passed goats and donkeys tethered along the trail. We walked uphill and downhill. We spotted Alexis. We drank coconut milk and shared a couple of mangoes. Refreshing! There are 14 sections of the Waitukubuli National Trail Project that circle the island of Dominica. The sign said that this section was approximately 8 kilometers (about 4.9 miles). My Fitbit recorded 7 miles. Mmmm, we were tired.