Relevant Facts: Dominica, population 71,293, has an area of 750 square kilometers (290 sq mi) and its highest point has an elevation of 1,447 meters (4,747 ft). It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest hot spring, Boiling Lake and is the only country in the world with a count of 365 rivers. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture. From Wikipedia.
Brief history Lesson: Dominca was put on the map in 1493 by Christopher Columbus, of course, who named it after the day of the week on which he spotted it; dominica which is latin for Sunday (I’m guessing at that point he was just running out of names and imagination). The local Caribs continued to live peacefully there until 100 years later, when France turned up and started a colony with imported African slaves. About 170 years later, the Brits took over until the island gained its independence on November 3, 1978 and on April 7, 2014, the Orléachs arrived.
Due to the unfavorable conditions of our anchorage, we only stayed two days in Dominica—not enough time by a long-shot, but sufficient for us to become completely enamored. Honestly, I am at a loss to describe this island; lush, verdant, unspoiled, friendly, unique, colorful, spectacular are just a few adjectives that come to mind, but don't do it justice. So rather than use many more words, I’m going to lean on the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and allow my photographs to do most of the talking in the rest of this post by offering you three slideshows—one for each of segment of our stay (just click on 'play' icon in the top left corner of each of the photos below to activate).
Due to the unfavorable conditions of our anchorage, we only stayed two days in Dominica—not enough time by a long-shot, but sufficient for us to become completely enamored. Honestly, I am at a loss to describe this island; lush, verdant, unspoiled, friendly, unique, colorful, spectacular are just a few adjectives that come to mind, but don't do it justice. So rather than use many more words, I’m going to lean on the old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and allow my photographs to do most of the talking in the rest of this post by offering you three slideshows—one for each of segment of our stay (just click on 'play' icon in the top left corner of each of the photos below to activate).
1. The Town of Portsmouth
On our first morning on land, we cleared customs and walked through the picturesque seaside town of Portsmouth in search of internet, boat parts, produce, cold beverages, lunch and a feel for the town. We were successful on all accounts.
2. The Indian River
After lunch, Martin took us on a tour of Indian River in his pirogue. It is the widest river in Dominica and its claim to fame is that some of the scenes of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest were filmed there.
3. Highlights of our Island Road Trip
On our second day we rented a car at daybreak and like crazy tourists set off to see as much of the island as possible driving from Portsmouth across to Marigot, down to Roseau, up to take a dip in the natural springs at Laudat and finally back to Portsmouth by early evening--whew! It was a magical, yet frustrating trip as we did not see a fraction of what we had hoped, but we did our best to make the most of our short time. We’ll be back.
Dominica, God hath blest thee
With a clime benign and bright,
Pastures green and flowers of beauty
Filling all with pure delight,
And a people strong and healthy,
Full of godly reverent fear.
May we ever seek to praise Thee
For these gifts so rich and rare.
*From Dominica’s national anthem
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