More adventures on break

So last blog went through Tuesday which was my first full week of break. I should probably start with Wednesday to catch you up.

We were babysitting on Wednesday for a friend, so we had one extra child, Ben. We had planned to go to Red Rock again along with a lot of other families. Wes figured since we already had three kids, we could watch three more. So we ended up taking our friend's three kids along with us (friends were working, selling books on campus). That was quite stressful once we got there. It wasn't so much the kids, but the waves and current were really strong where we were and we had to constantly watch to make sure no one was swept out to sea. We were fortunate that no one was lost and all were returned to their rightful owner.

Thursday was just for the family. We took the kids through Syndicate park, which is a real gentle hike. It went through the rain forest where the parrots live. We actually got to see a couple fly over, which is a rare event. It was a very relaxing day. Later that night we went to our friend's house to play games. The Karissa and Jillian really love playing with the Farley kids and we enjoyed learning a new game of strategy (don't ask me what it was called).

This tree looks like it has been tattooed with "tribal art" but the ferns just grow around the trees like that. Really cool place to walk through.

Wes made friends with one of the professors who took us to Fresh Water Lake (near Roseau). It was quite a drive to get there, but a very beautiful place and much cooler (temperature) than home. Dave (friend) had three kids that went with us, plus our two...long car ride, especially for me who had to sit with all the kids. We hiked around the lake which took a while, since the trail was either going straight up or straight down. The kids did a great job. Jillian was packed by Wes sometimes and Laynie (~2 years old) was packed by Dave for the majority of the hike. All in all we saw some beautiful country.

After a hike like that isn't it natural to soak in a hot tub? Well, what do you know, there was a "hot pool" on our way home that we stopped at. The name of the place is odd...Screws. Yes, that is the name of the guy who owns it. It is an awesome place to go soak your muscles. It has 4 pools with varying degrees of heat. There is a 'cool pool' that they recommend dipping in before you leave. This place would be great to hang out at all day, or have some sort of family reunion...

Saturday we went back to Syndicate, only this time we went to the falls and we took some friends and their 3 year old daughter. The water fall was beautiful, but we were not allowed to swim, or even dip our feet in it since it is the drinking water source for a few villages around there. We hiked around the park again and were able to see more parrots...only this time they were further away.

Wes now knows what it is like to be a tree hugger. (this is all one big tree...the root system is weird.)

After getting home and relaxing for a bit, we were shaken (literally) by an earthquake. It was my first. It really felt like a big truck ran into our house and we were tipping over. Kind of freaky, but it only lasted a second. I guess that happens a lot on a volcanic island...just hoping our 30 year + old house can take it, especially since we now live on the top floor.

Today, Sunday, was another relaxing drive to the north most part of the island. We went through the "drive through volcano", which you really wouldn't know was the crater until you look down from the top. We also stopped and hiked into a spot that has the water bubbling up from the ground, kind of like Yellowstone, only this water was cold. We continued our drive through some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. So far, the best village on this entire island is Thibaud...it is stunning! Of course, Wes ran into a local in the village that he knows! Seriously, you can't take him anywhere without him knowing someone. Anyway, for any of you who are wondering where to stay when you come to visit...it is not with us, but in Thibaud. I would move there in a heartbeat.

Until next time...

Activities so far...and its only Tuesday!

I figured I needed to post as many times as I can during my break so I don't forget what we did after school starts up again. So, the last post ended with Indian River...that was last Wednesday...Thursday, we went to Roseau to do some grocery shopping and took a couple friends along with us. Nothing much to see there, just a really cramped town, so we have no pictures to share.

Friday we all went to Red Rock beach. That is a beautiful place. It has such a quaint restaurant and bar with the palm branches as shelter from the rain. The waves were impressive, I think that was due to the storms that were passing us by (hurricane Bill). The kids loved it because you can walk out quite a way before the water gets deep. The boys tried to spear fish, but it was too murky and the current was strong.

Saturday our friends Brian and Anna took the girls for the entire day and night (woo hoo!) and Wes and I went hiking in to Victoria Falls with a few other friends. Wes and Ryan had been there before, but Lauren, Stefani and I had not. It was a tough hike, especially since I have not exercised in years! We had to climb over boulders and cross the river multiple times, but it was worth it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHTOn2o1UJU I don't know how high the falls are, but when you get close enough you cannot look directly at the falls because the spray is blasting your face. The current in the 'pond' is really strong as well. We made it with minor scrapes and bruises and I got a black eye from Wes...no, really...he was trying to save me from falling in the river and ended up kneeing me in the face. So I have to give him a hard time about blacking my eye...he just says I shouldn't talk back.

After the hike, we had dinner at a cute place called "River Side". It is fairly new here and the people are great. The food is probably the best I have had since I've been here...and maybe even longer. I would definitely recommend going there. It was a great day and one of the last for Stefani...she finished 4th semester so she left the island. We have definitely met some wonderful people here.

Sunday...we moved!!! Yeah! Not far...just upstairs. But we now have 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. I know...sounds like we are living high on the hog, but don't forget, this is the apartment that leaked on us all 1st semester. It is not the Hilton, but it is great to actually have a bit of room to move around. My legs were so sore from the previous day's hike that I wondered if I were going to make it through the day...but I did and almost everything is put away. Did I mention that our "pet" gecko named Diamond came with us? Yes, we found him packed in a box. Cute little guy.

Monday we finished up unpacking (almost finished) and hit the beach here in town. We were babysitting a friend's little boy, so we didn't go very far. The kids had a blast, as usual. Karissa actually snorkeled (using my mask and snorkel) and loved it. Next time we will take her fins and let her use a longer snorkel...since the one we got for her is really just for use in a pool...where the waves don't put water down your pipe.

Today, (Tuesday), was another short trip day to Syndicate Park. It is a beautiful rain forest and an easy walk on the paths. It is where you can see Parrots, which we did! Unfortunately the parrots do not stop and pose for pictures, so you will just have to take our word for it. There is such lush vegetation in the park that it looks just like the movies.

We will keep you posted on more of our family adventures!

Ready for some fun!

Well, finals are finished and I am ready for some sight seeing around the island. I finally saw a centipede (a little too up close and personal). I think it was on the power line above my head and landed on my shoulder. It didn't bite me, but my skin is still crawling from the experience. Plus, we must be in "big spider season" because in the last week I've seen more giant spiders than I care to. One was in our house (same day of the centipede experience). Wes rescued us and killed him. Needless to say, sleeping is interesting.

(Karissa, Anna and Nina)

Last week, Wes and the girls went on a trip with a few other spouses to a beach called #1 beach and to Bense Pool. The beach is on the Atlantic side of the island and tropical storm Ana was in the neighborhood, so the seas were a bit more rough than usual (not that I know what normal looks like). (Speaking of tropical storms, hurricane Bill is in our neighborhood, but to our North, so we should not see anything from it.) Karissa loved the waves, but Jillian stayed on the shore.(Margo and Jillian)

Bense Pool is a place that has a small water fall that you can go down like a water slide. It also has a 25' cliff for jumping off. Karissa, being the great dear devil she is, decided that she was going to jump. So, Wes took her up there to make sure she was still game on...and she did it...a few times. Of course, Jillian thought that was ridiculous and stayed on the beach (not that I blame her).

Today, the kids went on a field trip, by boat, up the Indian River. Wes and I were able to tag along disguised as chaperons (ha ha). We had a great time. There were two boats (man powered) that took us up to a little bar (not open) where we had lunch before returning. It was interesting to see the wildlife from that angle. There were a ton of land crabs. I guess Dominica has 18 different crab species. Interesting to see all the different colors and sizes. We also got to see an iguana in the tree just above our boat. The teacher was concerned that we would end up with another passenger.

So we broke down and got a car. We actually made a down payment on it a couple months ago. A 4th semester family sold it to us and we finally were able to take possession of it. I must say, it is really nice to not have to hike up and down the mountain every day...especially in the down pour of rain. The good thing about purchasing a car here is you can get out of it what you purchased it for.

We will keep you posted on our upcoming adventures.

Secret Beach

Wes took the kids to Secret Beach a couple of weekends ago while I got to stay home and study. Secret Beach isn't very far away, but you do have to hike down (more like scale a cliff) and with kids, it is a bit more challenging. Our neighbor went as well while her boyfriend studied. She brought her friend's daughter, Coletta.

Jillian is still not willing to get too deep in the water, but she still enjoys the ocean. In this picture: Melanie (neighbor)

Here, the girls are having hermit crab races. I'm not exactly sure how it works, but I think they draw this circle in the sand and put their hermit crabs in the middle and whoever gets out first, wins.

The girls are giving us their "silly" pose. This kind of looks like the Little Mermaid rock to me.

This is on the top of the cliff that they had to walk down. The island is very beautiful and we plan on exploring a lot more over the break between semesters. Maybe next time I can actually go to Secret Beach.

Wes is checking out a cave. I'm not so sure I would have been in it...doesn't look like very much room in there. He did get stung by something, but doesn't know what it was...no adverse side effects.


We'll keep you posted on our future adventures.