Friendly jungle. Isn’t that an oxymoron? But as we stand beside the vast buttressed trees, each festooned with entire ecosystems of bromeliads, creepers, orchids and vines, Eric is adamant. “No poisonous snakes, no nasty spiders, no creature more dangerous than a guinea pig.”
“They do bite.”
He grins. “But rarely kill.”
Columns of sunlight come stepping down from above, and each leaf that they touch becomes a brilliant glorious emerald. A yellow land crab scuttles off through the forest litter. Underfoot everything is either bursting with vitality, or busy with decay.
I reach up and take hold of a liana. Putting my weight on it, I find it gives a few inches then holds firm. I have a small experimental swing, then a bigger one, and bigger. When I come back to earth, I scramble back on the path and catch up with Eric. “You like the path?” he asks. A hummingbird thrums past, heading for a patch of yellow and red heliconia flowers.
NEVER IN MY LIFE I HAVE DOUPTED THAT MY COUNTRY IS THE BEST PLACE ON EARTH..ITS IS JUST HEARTBREAKING THAT BECAUSE OF THE ECCONOMIC SITUATION 30YRS AGO I HAD TO LEAVE FOR A BETTER LIFE.I PONDER EVERY DAY ABOUT MISSING MY DEAR LAND AND HOPE TO MAKE IT MY HOME PERMANENTLY ONE OF THESE GOOD DAYS.GOD BLESS DOMINICA,THE NATURE LAND AND OUR PEOPLE.I FEEL SO PROUD WHEN STRANGERS TALK TO ME ABOUT DA,AND WANT TO KNOW WHAT AM I DOING IN THE USA..MY PEOPLE LETS LEARM TO APPRECIATE WHAT WE HAVE.AT A TRIP TO VISIT I WAS SO AMAZED TO WITNESS A CULTURAL SHOW AT THE CABRITS WITH THE DANCING OF QUADRILL.PEACE TO MY PEOPLE!
The National Trail should be a great asset to Dominica in keeping with its characterization as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Those persons who envisioned and worked towardsthe trail’s development should be highly commended.
Feature articles like this one will help to make the international community aware of this beautiful and challenging trail. However we cannot depend on travel writers to pubicize the trail. While we celebrate the arrival of the trail we should not forget that as of the publication date of the article there were no brocures , maps, or dedicated websites with information about the trail. This is very unfortunate. We who are proud of this trail should push the authorities to develop and distribute appropriate information that will enable potential visitors to become familiar with the trail before they leave their homes. This is how tourism is done in the 21st century!
As Kevin Rushby observes, the trail can only be sustained if there are trail users.
Respect DA. The most beautiful island!!!!
I dont care what people say,there’s no place like our beautifull D/CA.
THANK GOOD FOR OUR DOMINICA HOPE WE ALL CAN GET TO PUT IT BACK THE WAY IT USE TO BE TO ALL DOMINICANS AND FRIENDS OD D/A WE THE DOMINICANS LOVE YOU ALL PLEASE COME AND HAVE ARE GOOD TIME ONE LOVE FROM MY HEART AS SAY GOOD BYE AND GOD LOVE YOU
@jb fox:
Thats White River.
i am most pleased with this article. the writer is also very good. his words came to life whlist i read and for a moment i actually felt the cool mountain breeze, and the gently showers spraying my face. I love Dominica, and as I always tell my collegues no amount of money will keep me from home. I could be a millionaire in another land, but i prefer the hand to mouth here as there is peace of mind and comfort
this is so beautiful..the water looks green..wonderful site..
Aaaahhhhh!
Now that is the Dominica I know and love….
Let us hope this trail comes to fruition man, this could be wonderful Mama Dominique.
I love my country. Why do we just put all “bad” people…politicians and all in a boat and have them sail away????
This is one of the reasons why i visit frequently…..to enjoy the things i took for granted\
When i visit it is like i am in a new world. The damn island is so rugedly handsome and beautiful
I just love it and the more i visit the more i fall in love.
where is that blue water?
GOOD PLACE GOING BAD.
It’s a wonderful treat to hike this trail. Did the first segment and loved it, then again I love the outdoors.
Nicely said. People let us learn to appreciate our natural beauty that we take for granted. Friendly Jungle as described by our visitors.
Really nice article. A plus for the country.
Hmmmmmmmmmm…
I just love my country and I love when these people come over to just say how lovely it is! Dominica, the Nature Isle of the Caribbean! Promote our country guys, and make us known!
oh how sweet i love my country so much …………………..i may live in another country but am still 1000% Dominican
WOWW!!!!! where exactly is that? it’s beautiful
I scour the western press most days looking out for items on DA .. just to see what to outside world make of us. That is one of the finest pieces of travel reporting I have read about Dominica. Somebody give that gentleman a cigar! …as they say in the US. can someone explain to me why it is that foreigners can have so in such high regard (deservedly) and yet we do not give ourselves the same credit?
am jealous