Lucky 7: HELL NO

Seven might be a lucky number to some but yesterday it was pure hell. I've been to the Boiling Lake six times, well seven now since i made the journey yesterday as NAYA organized a hike to the second largest lake of its kind in the world. I think the largest is found in New Zealand or so my 11 year old niece told me.

Well the lake is found in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is also a recognized World Heritage Site by UNESCO. We set off from Roseau around 7:40 and took about one hour to get to the start of the trail (they really need to finish the road improvement works, it takes forever to get to Laudat). We started the hike at 8:42 after a quick group photo and prayer.

Everything was routine and just the way I remembered it from 5 years ago, the last time I hiked to the lake. Although alot had changed since the last time I saw it, it was even recorded to have dried up a few ago but not the Lake was back to its usual business, boiling up chalky water.

I stopped every other moment to take photos (one of my hobbies) and wait on the people behind me (a good way to catch your breath when you're tired). My mother and niece also made the trip so I had to make sure they were okay from time to time. Our first major stop was at Breakfast river, there I filled my bottle with the purest of water anywhere in the world. That water is sweet, no lie.

From there it was uphill. Again that was expected, but what I had forgot was how long it took from there to the viewpoint, which some people say is also the half way point between the start and the lake. It wasn't hard just long. Once we got there we took another pause for the cause and took photos, shared a few jokes and had some snacks pass around. No complaints or comments yet, but that was soon too come.

Everybody was all smiles through the Valley of Desolation and nobody took notice that we actually had to climb back up that steep incline. To be honest, I only went back to the lake to take a photo of my hand in the water, because i had lost the one I took out some time aback and I was glad to get the opportunity to do it but did i ever pay the price.

We arrived at the lake at about 11:30 and again had snacks, took photos and chit chatted. Nobody dared go down to the bottom (at the edge of the lake) but I made it there to get my photo, by any means necessary. The climb is always scary when you do it alone and I had my close moment when I second guessed my decision but I made it, else I wouldnt be here typing this blog.

We left a few minutes after, some people couldnt wait to go back when they realized how long the walk to the bus would really take. Off course, we had to take a dip in the hot pools before making our way through the Valley. If you are going to subject yourself to that painful climb you might at least enjoy the treats before you do so.

It felt like we were walking for day before we made it back to Titou Gorge, It actually just took me over 2 and a half hours. I felt bad for my niece though, she had cried on her way back to the Laudad and said she would never return there. I don't blame her, if I was at her age I probably would have said the same thing.

Oh before I end my blog, I want to say how proud I am of my mother for attempting the hike, at least she made it passed the Valley of Desolation, a lot of people haven't even made it that far before turning back.

Nest@

Next on my hiking list:

Morne Diablotin

Morne Trois Pitons

Perdu Temps (Lost Time)

Any takers??????

A guide book worth eating: Food and Drink Dominica

It is not normal to actually eat a book, nor would I actually encourage eating a book or any of its pages for a matter of fact. But I must warn persons before they pick up a copy of the 2nd Annual Edition of Food and Drink Guide for Dominica.Wai'tukubuli 2009, that they should ensure that they are filled and not hungry or dieting. Because this book is not for the faint in spirit but for those who have a huge appetite for Caribbean/Creole cooking or the person just looking for a hangout spot around the island.

I don't normally review books, or anything at all but ever since I saw the first edition I have been looking forward to future publications and this year's copy didnt disappoint. The guide book which was created and published by Leeward Consultants and Assoc. Ltd has the dedicated and spirited Mrs Celia Sorhaindo as its Editor In Chief as well as a hardworking team that ensures that the Dominican cooking experience calls out to you once you open its pages.

Besides photos and recipies for food and drinks, the 2nd Edition also captures a number of special interest stories (Editorial Features) on organic production, sheep conservation, school feeding programs (fish), coffee production, Fort Young Hotel as well as chef profiles, Dominican products and a list of hangout spots in every nook and cranny across the Nature Island of Dominica.

Before I end this blog, I must also mention that part of my enthusiasm about this edition came from an article (sheep conservation) that I submitted to the guide. It speaks of the National Association of Youth in Agriculture's (NAYA Inc) EWES project for sheep conservation in the Laudat Community (see page 84). I dont want to give too much away, you will have to pick up a free copy of the guide for yourself.

For more information check the website or email them at foodanddrinkdominica@gmail.com or Dominican contact number 1 (767) 449 3731 as mentioned in the guidebook.

Nest@