Pictures of the Week 2010-22
Hello All,
To continue our explorations of Dominica our tour stopped at the Botanical Gardens. We’re not sure of the need for a botanical gardens here because of the natural beauty throughout the island. However, what really caught our interest was the school bus they have on display. We mentioned in our last Pictures of the Week that Dominica gained its independence in 1978. Unfortunately, the interim Government was barely two months old when one of the three most destructive hurricanes known hit Dominica, lashed its shores, stripped trees from the mountains and tore apart the fragile homes and lives of its people.
First expected to hit Barbados, the hurricane, named David, changed course and shot across the southern section of Dominica. There was little local radio warning and no operational systems for disaster preparedness. With swirling 150-mph wind, David pounded the island for six hours. Thirty-seven people were killed and an estimated 5,000 injured. Three quarters of the 75,000 population were left homeless with many others temporarily so. They slept under rough cover in the open, or huddled in the homes of their more fortunate friends for weeks and months after the storm. Some areas were without electric power for up to two years. They have done a wonderful job in picking up the pieces, rebuilding their infrastructure, and establishing their government. They are to be commended.
Now back to the school bus story. When officials received word that hurricane David had changed course and was bearing down on the island, they had little time to prepare. A new school bus had been purchased by the government and had just arrived by ship the day before. The decision was made to move the school bus away from the port area to the Botanical Gardens in the middle of the Capital of Roseau for safekeeping. The bus has never been moved from this point since and is a symbol of their trying times of the past.
To continue our explorations of Dominica our tour stopped at the Botanical Gardens. We’re not sure of the need for a botanical gardens here because of the natural beauty throughout the island. However, what really caught our interest was the school bus they have on display. We mentioned in our last Pictures of the Week that Dominica gained its independence in 1978. Unfortunately, the interim Government was barely two months old when one of the three most destructive hurricanes known hit Dominica, lashed its shores, stripped trees from the mountains and tore apart the fragile homes and lives of its people.
First expected to hit Barbados, the hurricane, named David, changed course and shot across the southern section of Dominica. There was little local radio warning and no operational systems for disaster preparedness. With swirling 150-mph wind, David pounded the island for six hours. Thirty-seven people were killed and an estimated 5,000 injured. Three quarters of the 75,000 population were left homeless with many others temporarily so. They slept under rough cover in the open, or huddled in the homes of their more fortunate friends for weeks and months after the storm. Some areas were without electric power for up to two years. They have done a wonderful job in picking up the pieces, rebuilding their infrastructure, and establishing their government. They are to be commended.
Now back to the school bus story. When officials received word that hurricane David had changed course and was bearing down on the island, they had little time to prepare. A new school bus had been purchased by the government and had just arrived by ship the day before. The decision was made to move the school bus away from the port area to the Botanical Gardens in the middle of the Capital of Roseau for safekeeping. The bus has never been moved from this point since and is a symbol of their trying times of the past.
Departing Roseau, our target destination was
Spanny Falls and Emerald Pool. Our drive took us through more beautiful
countryside before returning to the rainforests of the interior. Every now and
then we spotted a photo opportunity as our driver worked his way into the
mountains.
Emerald Pool is one of the
most popular attractions and is Dominica’s most photographed natural site. Once
we reached the entrance we had a 30-minute hike to reach it. The small
waterfall and the natural pool, located on the northern edge of the Morne Trois
National Park, are filled with glistening clear spring water. It’s been featured in several movies.
It was hot and muggy as we started walking into the falls. The trail was challenging with rocks, roots and running water across it--but we found it fascinatingly beautiful.
It was hot and muggy as we started walking into the falls. The trail was challenging with rocks, roots and running water across it--but we found it fascinatingly beautiful.
Dave is wiping the mist off
his camera lense so as not to miss anything.
The jungle was dense, but that
was a blessing because it saved us from the direct sun. Every once in a while
we would get a break in the canopy that we considered worthy of a photo.
Upon reaching the falls it was
small as advertised--probably 60 to 70 feet with a lovely pool at the base. And
it really was emerald green.
A lady in our group came
prepared. She was wearing a swimming suit and jumped into the cool refreshing
water.
Before returning to the ship
our tour took us to Morne Bruce for a photo stop above the town of Roseau.
Emerald Princess is in the background. In the second photo you can see
Dominica’s lacrosse stadium.
With everyone back onboard
ship, we let go our moorings, thrust off the berth, and maneuvered clear of the
port of Roseau. We were surprised to learn that the thrusters are so powerful
that they can move the ship sideways at 4 knots!!
This photo is a good example
of how the clouds form over the mountains in the interior of the island.
Dominica is rightly famous for
its outstanding diving venues and for having one of the most pristine tropical
rainforests in the Caribbean Islands. We thoroughly enjoyed our short visit and
put it on the list of places we would visit again. Our next port of call will
be St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns