dimanche 27 mars 2016

Visit along the Salines Trail

Just a twenty-minute walk from our apartment is a really nice trail near the beach that meanders through some mangrove. The path has been nicely designed to take you through different parts of the mangrove and has various explanation boards which present the local flora and fauna. Its name in French is le sentier des Salines.

Come for a little walk with Jack and me as we explore this fascinating trail together. (Click on photos to enlarge)

First, let's follow the boardwalk to a large saltwater pond.


From the gazebo, we can look out at the dark waters which reflect the sky like a mirror. This is definitely a very peaceful place and it's calming to simply stare and observe the scenery.


On the other side of the gazebo, we've got a very different view. The sun brightly illuminates the vegetation from this angle and we can see birds fishing here and there.


After contemplating this quiet nature scene, let's go back down the boardwalk...


The vegetation is getting thicker and the boardwalk has given way to a sandy path. If you're not careful, you might miss the right direction. Fortunately, here's Jack to point the way...






Now, the vegetation completely surrounds us and we seem to penetrate into the rain forest. Actually, it's just the shadowy mangrove. There is no more wind but there are plenty of mosquitos here who have decided to tag along with us. We'll have to hurry up-- and yet it is so alluring to look at the sun dancing through the maze of roots...





Thank goodness the boardwalk has returned. It was starting to get muddy. Jack and I are really starting to get bit by mosquitos. We'll have to hurry up. In fact, Jack's already speeding up and is waiting way in front of us. Come on!


Unfortunately, the mosquitos have seriously outnumbered us and are becoming very pesky. We didn't prepare with the proper gear to go through the mangroves. We'd better leave. Let's just take one last look down the empty boardwalk...





We definitely will have to come back, but with the proper clothes! Although we couldn't do the whole trail together, we did see some beautiful areas.

This was actually a rather nice Easter Sunday. In just another three weeks, Jack and I will be leaving for the island of Saint Martin which we're really looking forward to. However, I'll try to get another post published before we leave on our Caribbean vacation....

dimanche 6 mars 2016

February 2016 vacation in the Martinique

During our two-week vacation in February, we were able to meet my daughter,  my father and step-mother in Fort-de-France, Martinique. Here are just a few highlights of our tropical get-together. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Visiting the famous Schoelcher library in Fort-de-France...



Learning about the ruins of an 18th century plantation called Chateau Dubuc...


Observing my dad and daughter as they played with their hair...


Seeing the active Pelée volcano around the city of Saint-Pierre...


Finding a near empty beach for a little swimming fun...



Snorkling at the clear waters in the picturesque town called les Anses d'Arlet...


Visiting the Saint Clément rum distillery...



Now that vacation is over, we're back to loads of work and long work days. I'll try to post another message before the end of March.