Dominica
The misty green peaks of the island nation of Dominica greeted us in the morning. Called “The Nature Island,” Dominica can boast of several National Parks, a World Heritage Site and spectacular scenery. A series of old but not quite somnambulant volcanoes forms a verdant backbone the length of island. Elevations reach 4,000 ft into the trade winds, capturing moisture and allowing prime rainforest conditions.
A short drive from Prince Rupert Bay, took us up into Morne Diabotin National Park were we joined local guides for an informative hike through some of the best preserved rainforest in all of the Antilles. Lush lianas, philodendrons, and anthuriums draped towering tropical hardwoods. Butterflies flitted about lantana blossoms and orchids. Dense canopies protected us from quixotic showers as we marveled at strange growth forms of buttressed and prop rooted- trees. Brazen Blue headed hummingbirds darted between flowers oblivious to our presence. Whistling Solitaires serenaded with fluty songs.
Lindblad, along with many local and international conservation organizations in the 1980s, helped establish this expansive park in order to provide a natural haven for two highly endangered parrot species, both of which occur only on Dominica at high altitudes. Despite rain squalls we managed to hear both the Imperial and the red-necked parrot.
After lunch aboard, local historian, author and artist Lennox Honeychurch,
along with our own historian Dr. Tom Heffernan, led an exploration of the nearby Fort Shirley. Once part of a planned British stronghold in the Antilles, the fort offered a glimpse into the checkered history of Dominica which passed from British to French, and then British hands before gaining its own independence in 1978. Dr. Honeychurch has headed a restoration of the Fort and adjacent garrison which are now showpieces of the Cabrits National Park.
Those choosing to refresh themselves enjoyed a first glimpse into the underwater diversity of the Caribbean by snorkeling along the parks shoreline. A myriad of colored fish created a dazzling bookend to the lush mountainous morning.
The misty green peaks of the island nation of Dominica greeted us in the morning. Called “The Nature Island,” Dominica can boast of several National Parks, a World Heritage Site and spectacular scenery. A series of old but not quite somnambulant volcanoes forms a verdant backbone the length of island. Elevations reach 4,000 ft into the trade winds, capturing moisture and allowing prime rainforest conditions.
A short drive from Prince Rupert Bay, took us up into Morne Diabotin National Park were we joined local guides for an informative hike through some of the best preserved rainforest in all of the Antilles. Lush lianas, philodendrons, and anthuriums draped towering tropical hardwoods. Butterflies flitted about lantana blossoms and orchids. Dense canopies protected us from quixotic showers as we marveled at strange growth forms of buttressed and prop rooted- trees. Brazen Blue headed hummingbirds darted between flowers oblivious to our presence. Whistling Solitaires serenaded with fluty songs.
Lindblad, along with many local and international conservation organizations in the 1980s, helped establish this expansive park in order to provide a natural haven for two highly endangered parrot species, both of which occur only on Dominica at high altitudes. Despite rain squalls we managed to hear both the Imperial and the red-necked parrot.
After lunch aboard, local historian, author and artist Lennox Honeychurch,
along with our own historian Dr. Tom Heffernan, led an exploration of the nearby Fort Shirley. Once part of a planned British stronghold in the Antilles, the fort offered a glimpse into the checkered history of Dominica which passed from British to French, and then British hands before gaining its own independence in 1978. Dr. Honeychurch has headed a restoration of the Fort and adjacent garrison which are now showpieces of the Cabrits National Park.
Those choosing to refresh themselves enjoyed a first glimpse into the underwater diversity of the Caribbean by snorkeling along the parks shoreline. A myriad of colored fish created a dazzling bookend to the lush mountainous morning.
