Arrived Melville Hall airport after 45 minute flight from Barbados. Easy process through Customs and Immigration. Purchased a Visitors driving license from the Immigration Office. Hired Car from Courtesy was awaiting me at the Airport. Drove to Roseau via the Northern Forest Reserve,stayed at Tamarind Hotel in St Joseph, located midway between Roseau and the second city of Portsmouth.
Next day visited the Syndicate Trail, the home of many wild exotic birds, and the occasional Agouti. Next stop was Fort Shirley, at the Cabritt National Park just north of Portsmouth. An old British Garrison, similar to St Anns Fort, Barbados. In spite of the heavy rain I decided to explore the North Eastern tip of the island. Was I in for a surprise.? Although having a very descriptive Ordnance Survey map, I was still amazed at the steepness of the hills. Worst still the heavy rains had washed mud and stones onto the extremely steep hills. The tarmac roads surface was washed away leaving the rough roadway covered in rounded river stones. The hired car was a Suzuki Escudo, and most of the time I had to engage ,and remain in First Gear 4 Wheel Drive, to both descend and ascend these mountain roads.Sitting alongside of me, my wife was uttering a pray, ending with "thank God we do not have to pass back here." On reaching the village of Capucin on the Northernmost part, the road ended, and we had no choice but to retrace our steps along the same treacherous route. We made it back to Portsmouth area without any incident.
The roads in Dominica apart from being set high in the mountains, some almost vertical, are quire narrow and winding, and the use of the vehicle horn at every bend is absolutely necessary.Driving in Dominica demands all of ones best driving skills, as well as maximum mental alertness. Personally I prefer to do my own driving. One hotelier was telling me of a Bajan lady who picked up her hired car in Roseau, drove to the hotel set up the Morne Anglais mountains, parked the car and never used it again for the 7days that she was there.
Our exploration,next day, was to the Central and Eastern part of the island,.Heading up towards Portsmouth and turning before the Cabritts National Park.For the first two miles I was contemplating turning back. The road was extremely bad ,even for a 4x4. But a mile or so further down, there was a newly built highway,quite broad by Dominica standards, and paved in concrete, especially in the corners,which were frequent.These mountain roads were even steeper than any we had encountered before. You had to be very brave to look over and down the the sides of the roads, which in most parts had no barricades or crash barriers.The ocean was visible, and at this point you knew that you were above sea level. Well above....the ocean was way down below.On a clear day the island of Guadeloupe is visible.
We came to a village, Perot Ville, perched on top of the mountain,and as we descended were fascinated by the thick low handing clouds by -passing,which severely restricts visibility. Further down in the valley by a place called Cold Soufriere, it was difficult to imaginge any place in the Caribbean ,displaying the kind of weather conditions that you will likely find on Dartmoor in Southern England, or the Brecon Beacon in Wales.In the village of Vielle Case we were forced to turned back as the mountain road on the other side had washed out.We saw evidence on this side of the village where there was almost vertical collapse of the land and trees from some 1000 feet above smack onto the road below.
As we turned , a lady asked for a lift ,as she was going to Portsmouth Hospital to visit her sick father,she did this trip daily. On our travels on that road we did not come across any Route Taxis, the normal mode of transport,as this would have been classified a remote not-profitable area. Back down the mountain road, the lady pointed out The Snake Pit in Cold Soufriere, as she put it, she visited it once and could not sleep for weeks.There are million of snakes there she said, small. mediuam, large. short, long black, purple, brown .Snakes of all descriptions, millions of them wriggling and crawling about in the honeycomb structure they live in.Apparently they rarely leave this area. She had np intention ,she said of taking us there , as was suggested by one of the villagers.
In the Syndicate area , this same day I had visions of sleeping in the forest overnight. Late in the evening,I went into the area, which is mostly agricutural land worked by many small farmers. I took the wrong trail to the Syndicate Falls and the vehicle came unstuck,as I was trying to turn and come back out. Try as I might , it would not budge. I walked towards the farming area main road, (the Portsmouth main road was some 15 winding miles away), in the hope of getting help from one of the farmers who all have 4x4"s. No good as it appeared they had all left for the day. I returned to the Jeep, and on my way there I took some wood and pieces of galvanise sheets , which I stuck under the wheels of the jeep to give me some traction. As I started up I realise that I had made a boo boo. I forgot to engage 4WD when I first went off the road. The jeep came out easily after that, but I told the wife ,who was outside , ''Ya have to walk to the top of the road , caused I ain't stopping.?
Subsequent trips took us south to Scotts Head,where the island of Martinique is visible, Grand Bay,and up through the Carib Territory.
If you decide to take an adventure trip to Dominica, remember there is no shopping, these are some of the things you will need.The Dominicans boost that if Mr Columbus had to return he would quickly recognise Dominica.
*Good Driving Skills
*Patience
*alertness
*A 4x4 Suzuki Grand Vitara or Ezcudo.( No cars.) Remember that not all SUV's are in permanent 4Wheel Drive. Some must be engaged manually)
*Good climbing / hiking footwear
*Good physical fitness, if you want to visit the Boiling Lake and other mountainous trails.
*Disposable rain gear
*A good road map ( Ordnance Survey Maps cost EC$40) Land Surveys, Cork Street
*A good camera ( with protection from rain & mist)
*A good supply of bottle water. (Stand pipes are frequent, water is of high quality)
*Visitors Driving License
*An admission ticket to enter places designated as National Parks.
*Bathing Suit ,as you may want to dip in one of the many refreshing pools.
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Dominica Visit Great Caribbean Getaway
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#2
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Posted 18 July 2006 - 09:03 PM
QUOTE (Beep_Beep @ Jul 17 2006, 11:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Arrived Melville Hall airport after 45 minute flight from Barbados. Easy process through Customs and Immigration. Purchased a Visitors driving license from the Immigration Office. Hired Car from Courtesy was awaiting me at the Airport. Drove to Roseau via the Northern Forest Reserve,stayed at Tamarind Hotel in St Joseph, located midway between Roseau and the second city of Portsmouth.
Next day visited the Syndicate Trail, the home of many wild exotic birds, and the occasional Agouti. Next stop was Fort Shirley, at the Cabritt National Park just north of Portsmouth. An old British Garrison, similar to St Anns Fort, Barbados. In spite of the heavy rain I decided to explore the North Eastern tip of the island. Was I in for a surprise.? Although having a very descriptive Ordnance Survey map, I was still amazed at the steepness of the hills. Worst still the heavy rains had washed mud and stones onto the extremely steep hills. The tarmac roads surface was washed away leaving the rough roadway covered in rounded river stones. The hired car was a Suzuki Escudo, and most of the time I had to engage ,and remain in First Gear 4 Wheel Drive, to both descend and ascend these mountain roads.Sitting alongside of me, my wife was uttering a pray, ending with "thank God we do not have to pass back here." On reaching the village of Capucin on the Northernmost part, the road ended, and we had no choice but to retrace our steps along the same treacherous route. We made it back to Portsmouth area without any incident.
The roads in Dominica apart from being set high in the mountains, some almost vertical, are quire narrow and winding, and the use of the vehicle horn at every bend is absolutely necessary.Driving in Dominica demands all of ones best driving skills, as well as maximum mental alertness. Personally I prefer to do my own driving. One hotelier was telling me of a Bajan lady who picked up her hired car in Roseau, drove to the hotel set up the Morne Anglais mountains, parked the car and never used it again for the 7days that she was there.
Our exploration,next day, was to the Central and Eastern part of the island,.Heading up towards Portsmouth and turning before the Cabritts National Park.For the first two miles I was contemplating turning back. The road was extremely bad ,even for a 4x4. But a mile or so further down, there was a newly built highway,quite broad by Dominica standards, and paved in concrete, especially in the corners,which were frequent.These mountain roads were even steeper than any we had encountered before. You had to be very brave to look over and down the the sides of the roads, which in most parts had no barricades or crash barriers.The ocean was visible, and at this point you knew that you were above sea level. Well above....the ocean was way down below.On a clear day the island of Guadeloupe is visible.
We came to a village, Perot Ville, perched on top of the mountain,and as we descended were fascinated by the thick low handing clouds by -passing,which severely restricts visibility. Further down in the valley by a place called Cold Soufriere, it was difficult to imaginge any place in the Caribbean ,displaying the kind of weather conditions that you will likely find on Dartmoor in Southern England, or the Brecon Beacon in Wales.In the village of Vielle Case we were forced to turned back as the mountain road on the other side had washed out.We saw evidence on this side of the village where there was almost vertical collapse of the land and trees from some 1000 feet above smack onto the road below.
As we turned , a lady asked for a lift ,as she was going to Portsmouth Hospital to visit her sick father,she did this trip daily. On our travels on that road we did not come across any Route Taxis, the normal mode of transport,as this would have been classified a remote not-profitable area. Back down the mountain road, the lady pointed out The Snake Pit in Cold Soufriere, as she put it, she visited it once and could not sleep for weeks.There are million of snakes there she said, small. mediuam, large. short, long black, purple, brown .Snakes of all descriptions, millions of them wriggling and crawling about in the honeycomb structure they live in.Apparently they rarely leave this area. She had np intention ,she said of taking us there , as was suggested by one of the villagers.
In the Syndicate area , this same day I had visions of sleeping in the forest overnight. Late in the evening,I went into the area, which is mostly agricutural land worked by many small farmers. I took the wrong trail to the Syndicate Falls and the vehicle came unstuck,as I was trying to turn and come back out. Try as I might , it would not budge. I walked towards the farming area main road, (the Portsmouth main road was some 15 winding miles away), in the hope of getting help from one of the farmers who all have 4x4"s. No good as it appeared they had all left for the day. I returned to the Jeep, and on my way there I took some wood and pieces of galvanise sheets , which I stuck under the wheels of the jeep to give me some traction. As I started up I realise that I had made a boo boo. I forgot to engage 4WD when I first went off the road. The jeep came out easily after that, but I told the wife ,who was outside , ''Ya have to walk to the top of the road , caused I ain't stopping.?
Subsequent trips took us south to Scotts Head,where the island of Martinique is visible, Grand Bay,and up through the Carib Territory.
If you decide to take an adventure trip to Dominica, remember there is no shopping, these are some of the things you will need.The Dominicans boost that if Mr Columbus had to return he would quickly recognise Dominica.
*Good Driving Skills
*Patience
*alertness
*A 4x4 Suzuki Grand Vitara or Ezcudo.( No cars.) Remember that not all SUV's are in permanent 4Wheel Drive. Some must be engaged manually)
*Good climbing / hiking footwear
*Good physical fitness, if you want to visit the Boiling Lake and other mountainous trails.
*Disposable rain gear
*A good road map ( Ordnance Survey Maps cost EC$40) Land Surveys, Cork Street
*A good camera ( with protection from rain & mist)
*A good supply of bottle water. (Stand pipes are frequent, water is of high quality)
*Visitors Driving License
*An admission ticket to enter places designated as National Parks.
*Bathing Suit ,as you may want to dip in one of the many refreshing pools.
Beep, you have not said how beautiful the country is. How lush and green. What about all the rivers and waterfalls? Of course it rains and rains and rains. In the mountains it is quite safe to drink the water right from the streams. No pollution. Of course Mr. Columbus would recongnize it. It is still forested with little or no development. lolNext day visited the Syndicate Trail, the home of many wild exotic birds, and the occasional Agouti. Next stop was Fort Shirley, at the Cabritt National Park just north of Portsmouth. An old British Garrison, similar to St Anns Fort, Barbados. In spite of the heavy rain I decided to explore the North Eastern tip of the island. Was I in for a surprise.? Although having a very descriptive Ordnance Survey map, I was still amazed at the steepness of the hills. Worst still the heavy rains had washed mud and stones onto the extremely steep hills. The tarmac roads surface was washed away leaving the rough roadway covered in rounded river stones. The hired car was a Suzuki Escudo, and most of the time I had to engage ,and remain in First Gear 4 Wheel Drive, to both descend and ascend these mountain roads.Sitting alongside of me, my wife was uttering a pray, ending with "thank God we do not have to pass back here." On reaching the village of Capucin on the Northernmost part, the road ended, and we had no choice but to retrace our steps along the same treacherous route. We made it back to Portsmouth area without any incident.
The roads in Dominica apart from being set high in the mountains, some almost vertical, are quire narrow and winding, and the use of the vehicle horn at every bend is absolutely necessary.Driving in Dominica demands all of ones best driving skills, as well as maximum mental alertness. Personally I prefer to do my own driving. One hotelier was telling me of a Bajan lady who picked up her hired car in Roseau, drove to the hotel set up the Morne Anglais mountains, parked the car and never used it again for the 7days that she was there.
Our exploration,next day, was to the Central and Eastern part of the island,.Heading up towards Portsmouth and turning before the Cabritts National Park.For the first two miles I was contemplating turning back. The road was extremely bad ,even for a 4x4. But a mile or so further down, there was a newly built highway,quite broad by Dominica standards, and paved in concrete, especially in the corners,which were frequent.These mountain roads were even steeper than any we had encountered before. You had to be very brave to look over and down the the sides of the roads, which in most parts had no barricades or crash barriers.The ocean was visible, and at this point you knew that you were above sea level. Well above....the ocean was way down below.On a clear day the island of Guadeloupe is visible.
We came to a village, Perot Ville, perched on top of the mountain,and as we descended were fascinated by the thick low handing clouds by -passing,which severely restricts visibility. Further down in the valley by a place called Cold Soufriere, it was difficult to imaginge any place in the Caribbean ,displaying the kind of weather conditions that you will likely find on Dartmoor in Southern England, or the Brecon Beacon in Wales.In the village of Vielle Case we were forced to turned back as the mountain road on the other side had washed out.We saw evidence on this side of the village where there was almost vertical collapse of the land and trees from some 1000 feet above smack onto the road below.
As we turned , a lady asked for a lift ,as she was going to Portsmouth Hospital to visit her sick father,she did this trip daily. On our travels on that road we did not come across any Route Taxis, the normal mode of transport,as this would have been classified a remote not-profitable area. Back down the mountain road, the lady pointed out The Snake Pit in Cold Soufriere, as she put it, she visited it once and could not sleep for weeks.There are million of snakes there she said, small. mediuam, large. short, long black, purple, brown .Snakes of all descriptions, millions of them wriggling and crawling about in the honeycomb structure they live in.Apparently they rarely leave this area. She had np intention ,she said of taking us there , as was suggested by one of the villagers.
In the Syndicate area , this same day I had visions of sleeping in the forest overnight. Late in the evening,I went into the area, which is mostly agricutural land worked by many small farmers. I took the wrong trail to the Syndicate Falls and the vehicle came unstuck,as I was trying to turn and come back out. Try as I might , it would not budge. I walked towards the farming area main road, (the Portsmouth main road was some 15 winding miles away), in the hope of getting help from one of the farmers who all have 4x4"s. No good as it appeared they had all left for the day. I returned to the Jeep, and on my way there I took some wood and pieces of galvanise sheets , which I stuck under the wheels of the jeep to give me some traction. As I started up I realise that I had made a boo boo. I forgot to engage 4WD when I first went off the road. The jeep came out easily after that, but I told the wife ,who was outside , ''Ya have to walk to the top of the road , caused I ain't stopping.?
Subsequent trips took us south to Scotts Head,where the island of Martinique is visible, Grand Bay,and up through the Carib Territory.
If you decide to take an adventure trip to Dominica, remember there is no shopping, these are some of the things you will need.The Dominicans boost that if Mr Columbus had to return he would quickly recognise Dominica.
*Good Driving Skills
*Patience
*alertness
*A 4x4 Suzuki Grand Vitara or Ezcudo.( No cars.) Remember that not all SUV's are in permanent 4Wheel Drive. Some must be engaged manually)
*Good climbing / hiking footwear
*Good physical fitness, if you want to visit the Boiling Lake and other mountainous trails.
*Disposable rain gear
*A good road map ( Ordnance Survey Maps cost EC$40) Land Surveys, Cork Street
*A good camera ( with protection from rain & mist)
*A good supply of bottle water. (Stand pipes are frequent, water is of high quality)
*Visitors Driving License
*An admission ticket to enter places designated as National Parks.
*Bathing Suit ,as you may want to dip in one of the many refreshing pools.
However, a British think tank has just said that Dominicans are the happiest people in the entire world. It was in yesterdays Mail or Telegraph.
#3
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Posted 19 July 2006 - 09:59 AM
I spent a week in Dominica 14 years ago and I remember it being an extremely beautiful place. I can't wait until we relocate to Barbados so I can take my children and show them the Caribbean.
#4
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Posted 19 July 2006 - 10:14 PM
Actually I did describe Dominica and its people most vividly, Bajans , after my first visit. And speaking of water quality,On my last visit I stayed at Exotica Cottages , set high up in the Morne Anglais mountains. The operators are very eco conscious, and even if you as a visitor is not eco conscious, by the time you leave there you will be. The Cottages has a direct water feed from the mountains, via a 4" main. The Canadians builts a residence for thier High Commissioner near to the Cottages ,and the kind owners of the Cottages gave the Canadians permission to extend the water main to thier property. But before this could be done, a water sample had to be sent to Canada for testing.Twice the findings were rejected. The Canadian lab were of the opinion that the water samples were coming from a glacier up north, and not from a Caribbean island.
And by the way, I would highly recommend a stay at Exotica Cottages if you plan a visit there. To hear the wind whisling over the mountain top, is and experience you will never forget.
Many of us tend to forget how beautiful the Caribbean and its people are, Goldenbead.
And by the way, I would highly recommend a stay at Exotica Cottages if you plan a visit there. To hear the wind whisling over the mountain top, is and experience you will never forget.
Many of us tend to forget how beautiful the Caribbean and its people are, Goldenbead.
#5
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Posted 20 July 2006 - 06:37 PM
QUOTE (Beep_Beep @ Jul 19 2006, 11:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually I did describe Dominica and its people most vividly, Bajans , after my first visit. And speaking of water quality,On my last visit I stayed at Exotica Cottages , set high up in the Morne Anglais mountains. The operators are very eco conscious, and even if you as a visitor is not eco conscious, by the time you leave there you will be. The Cottages has a direct water feed from the mountains, via a 4" main. The Canadians builts a residence for thier High Commissioner near to the Cottages ,and the kind owners of the Cottages gave the Canadians permission to extend the water main to thier property. But before this could be done, a water sample had to be sent to Canada for testing.Twice the findings were rejected. The Canadian lab were of the opinion that the water samples were coming from a glacier up north, and not from a Caribbean island.
And by the way, I would highly recommend a stay at Exotica Cottages if you plan a visit there. To hear the wind whisling over the mountain top, is and experience you will never forget.
Many of us tend to forget how beautiful the Caribbean and its people are, Goldenbead.
And by the way, I would highly recommend a stay at Exotica Cottages if you plan a visit there. To hear the wind whisling over the mountain top, is and experience you will never forget.
Many of us tend to forget how beautiful the Caribbean and its people are, Goldenbead.
Thanks Beep, next time I will try these cottages. I can assure you I never drive in Bim and I sure aint driving in Dominica. I had a scare coming down a mountain in Kauaii in 1989 in an Aries K-car. Very hard to handle. Deep ravines, no guard wall and almost blow off the mountain by a large Greyhound Tour Bus.
Well, well, well, Canadians have glaciers and mountain streams galore, but the water piped to ones house is piss. I buy bottled water or boil and my son has a filter.
#8
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Posted 22 July 2006 - 09:53 PM
QUOTE (stiab3 @ Jul 22 2006, 11:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
2Beep boy,
I've always wanted to go to Dominica. You now make want to go even more.
It sounds like a lovely place to visit.
s3
I've always wanted to go to Dominica. You now make want to go even more.
It sounds like a lovely place to visit.
s3
Don't put it off like I did. In 1996 during the week leading up to our independance, I was encamped at St.Anns Fort,the Garrison. During this time we played host to a British Army unit returning from a military exercise in Dominica. Many of these men looked a sorry sight. Some on crutches, stretchers and others wrapped in blankets . I was intrigued and wanted there and then to see what could be so treacherous about a sister Caribbean island. Finally I got to see it first hand in 2003, and cannot keep away.
Just a few miles away from Roseau or Portsmouth, and you feel as if you are a few steps behind Columbus or the British Soldiers who were there . Its more than an excursion, its an adventure.
#9
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Posted 22 July 2006 - 10:04 PM
QUOTE (bajanDiva @ Jul 22 2006, 02:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
sounds like a nice excursion, i like the idea of no shopping so you could really enjoy nature. there are a lot of west indians at my church, one lady is from dominica, she is very nice. we always chat.
enjoy
bD
enjoy
bD
Yes bD , the friendliness of the Dominican people are admirable. During my service days, I was posted to a new garrison, and the first person I met was a lady from Dominica. She welcomed me and my wife to her home the first night we were there. Her husband is a Bajan, and we have remained friends ever since.
#10
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Posted 01 August 2006 - 10:37 PM
This well known Hymn could have been written for Dominica.
O Lord my God,when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the world thy hand has made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy Power throughout the universe display.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetlty in the trees.
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook ,and feel the gentle breeze.
O Lord my God,when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the world thy hand has made
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder
Thy Power throughout the universe display.
When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetlty in the trees.
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook ,and feel the gentle breeze.
#11
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- Interests:I love video Games<br />I love a good Kick ass game of Street-Foot Ball/Basket Ball<br />Basicall andy form of Sports especially Fast Cars and Car Raceing<br />I love to clown around sometimes<br />I LOVE GIRLS AND WOMEN and I respect them greatly<br />I love adventure and I'm often fasinated by BIG places<br />I can tolerate/handle and enormous amount of pressure,I'm basically what you call a smart dumb kid cuzz I like to do stupid things at times just for the kicks are maybe when i'm curious but I can get really intellegent when forced to or when I feel i should step up and defend myself or state my opinions/beliefs.<br />I like making friends although at times I tend to keep to myself<br />I love to crack jokes and crack heads<br />Ok i'll stop there because I got alot to my personality but this is just the net so any further details/description won't be necessary besides i just gave you the basics ha ha<br /><br />On a different side of things I live Science :PHYSICS, BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ASTROLOGY/ANYTHING SCIENCE RELETED, and i'm soon going to be studying to be a scientist, after the secondary school level i'm currently in
Posted 04 August 2006 - 02:10 PM
Judging from what I read we could all say you had a “healthy” trip 
#12
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Posted 12 May 2010 - 07:13 AM
The Dominica has endless beautiful natural sites and activities for visitors. It is famous for hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing and many other amazing attractions. The Roseau and Portsmouth are beautiful cities which have abundance of natural treasures and historic museums and heritage sites for visitors.
Romantic bed and breakfasts
Romantic bed and breakfasts
#13
Posted 21 August 2010 - 02:17 AM
is there any one know if http://www.eluxuryblog.com selling the authentic bags ? I have bought from them ,but the price is cheap that I doult
Thanks
Thanks
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