Emerald Pool & Spanny's Falls

Though we may live amongst the cows and sheep, I doubt that's why Dominica boasts itself as "The Nature Isle." So, this past Monday I joined a group of 8 other spouses and we went off to explore the island. We were headed off to Emerald Pool, one of the most popular tourist sites on the island, with our trusty driver and guide, Theo.

First off, the ride to Emerald Pool is a good hour and a half away (and for those of you who know my tendency to get car sick, I'm sure you can feel for me. Thankfully, I didn't feel sick the whole trip!) Along the way, Theo stopped for us to take pictures, as well as to grab us some bay leaves, cinnamon, and even some leaves to help with allergies and asthma. Here are some pictures from our spontaneous stops (though they are pretty, I have no idea where exactly we were on the island!):

So after a few stops for photo shoots, we went through Carib Territory. The Caribs were the first inhabitants on the island. Mostly, they're known for their woven baskets, so a lot of women of the trip were excited to check them out and even get a start on Christmas shopping. When I told Kyle we'd be stopping there, he said, "Andrea, do we seriously need any baskets? Does anyone we know need a basket?" Haha needless to say, I didn't get any baskets that day, or take any pictures there! But the baskets were really unique, and there was a picnic basket I liked, but the "voice of reason - aka Kyle" popped in my head. :) If you seriously do want a basket for Christmas, you just let me know!

Next, we hopped back on the bus and kept on trucking to Emerald Pool. After a quick lunch on the bus, we finally made it! So with Theo leading the way, we were off!

If you look closely in the picture above, you can actually see that the waterfall is actually off in the distance behind Ashley and I. And I promise we didn't go hiking at night - I don't know why the picture turned out so dark!

It was about a 15 minute walk to get to the Emerald Pool, and it was pretty easy! It was neat to look around and just realize, "Wow, we are definitely in the jungle." When we finally got closer, it was awesome! There is a waterfall that ends in Emerald Pool, named that because the water has a green tint to it. The area is surrounded by rocks, so it was a little tricky to navigate around (I thought for sure I was going to wipe out!) A few people in the group jumped into the water, and I was brave enough to stand in it for a picture - it was freezing cold, but well worth it!

While we were at the pool, one of the girls with us actually passed out and fell on the rocks, which was a little scary. After a little recovery time, she was OK and we were off! We hiked back up to the welcome center where some people had some souvenir shacks set up. Though I thought I'd find nothing there, but I was surprised. Kyle and I decided every country we visit, we want to find something that we could make into a Christmas ornament. So I found a wood key chain with the Dominican flag painted on there - it will be perfect whenever we have our first Christmas tree together!

So we all hopped into Theo's van, and we were off! Our next stop was Spanny's Falls. We found out it was named that simply because the people who owned the land and small store nearby have the last name Spanny. The hike to this waterfall was a little more interesting because the path started off almost like a swamp because of all the rain we've had down here. The walk wouldn't have been complete without walking by a pigsty that smelled just wonderful. Once we got into the jungle, it was awesome! We were surrounded by rock walls covered in moss, and water was flowing down. The path we were walking on got pretty step and running water flowed down, leading us to the falls. This waterfall was bigger than the one at Emerald Pool, and the water was even colder. Once again, I only stayed in the water long enough to take pictures!

After that, and about another hour and 15 minute bus ride (which I actually slept most of the way!), we were back home!

And where is Kyle this whole time you ask? Studying, of course! :) Mini 2 is this Tuesday, November 6th so he's kicked it in to high gear. He's feeling pretty prepared and at peace about it, not really nervous, so that's been great!! We'd love it if you could keep him and his studies in your prayers!

That's it for now, but get ready for a post-mini update next week! Love and miss you all!

Kyle & Andrea