Part of the Waitukubuli National Trail Journal
Previous entry: Roseau, Dominica
Journal entry for November 24, 2012.
The bus ride from Roseau to Scotts Head goes down the west coast of the island all the way to the southern tip. Passengers hopped on and off the bus until we got to the final destination. The fare was only EC$4.
I got off and wondered where the Ocean View Apartments was. The driver saw me looking lost and asked me where I was going. He kindly offered to drive me to the building which was up a hill.
I walked into the building and saw the owners Francis and Caroline relaxing under the shade, there was also another couple sitting around. At first I was told that there were no rooms available, but they then told me to wait for a bit. Caroline then told me that they indeed had a room, but I was to only use one of the two beds in there. I think this was the owners master bedroom, which had an extra bed on the side. They were going to sleep somewhere else that night. After dropping off my backpack, I chatted with them for a while. They offered me a glass of Passion Fruit juice which was delicious.
Francis had worked on the construction of the southern segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail, so he gave me some advice and information. I then headed to my room and took a 90 minute nap. What was this sudden need for naps? I must be getting old because I usually never take naps.
At around 3pm I headed down the hill to check out the town. I had to walked by a large group of young guys who were just sitting by the roadside drinking and playing cards. I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t a bit intimidated. They all looked at me as I walked by but they were cool and nodded back when I nodded at them.
I walked to the shore to check out the colorful fishing boats.
A guy came up to me and offered me a trip on the fishing boat. After I declined, we chatted for a bit and he told me that he was one of the fishermen there. He told me that they fish everyday, and about half of the catch is sold within Scotts Head, with the other half going to Roseau. Shortly after, another guy came and insisted to show me the little peninsula off of Scotts Head, called Cachacrou. Since that was the place I wanted to visit, I thought, why not. He seemed friendly and non-threatening.
We walked to the top of the peninsula, which had amazing views. On one side you can see the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other the Caribbean Sea.
Once back at Scotts Head, we stopped by a bar where I bought him a drink. Up to that point he had not asked me for anything. After I paid and got the change back, he asked me if I could give him the change. I refused. I do not like it when people pretend to be your friend just to get something out of you. Either be my friend if you want to, or if all you want is money, approach me in a direct way without pretences. I did end up spending the rest of the afternoon with him. He took me to visit his cousin and her kid, and I had an interesting and long chat with the cousin.
He was very friendly and I kinda wished he had not asked me for money since that soured the whole experience a little bit. I wouldn’t have minded at all buying him a few more drinks. I promised him that I will mail him a couple of pictures I had taken of him on top of Cachacrou once I returned home. He again asked me if I could slip a bit of money with the pictures in the envelope.
Shortly after sunset, I made my way back to the guesthouse. Just as I was getting ready to take a shower, I saw this gigantic spider on the roof of the bathroom.
I asked the owner what was the best way to remove it from there, her response was “Don’t worry about it. It’s good for getting rid of mosquitoes. He won’t do anything to you.” Okaaaaaaaaaaaay. I proceeded to have my shortest and most stressful shower ever, keeping an eye on the spider at all times. Before going to bed, I got my backpack and gear ready for the hike next day. I was excited to finally start the Waitukubuli National Trail, with of all of its mysteries and unknowns.
Next entry: Segment 1 – Scotts Head to Soufriere
Part of the Waitukubuli National Trail Journal
