Today we decided to take a public bus and go to some scenic waterfalls and then maybe on to the east coast of Grenada. Bill and Soon Gloege of GAIA joined us.
We hopped the local bus and headed to the bus station. Armed with a map and a list of local buses, we hopped on one headed for the rainforest in central Grenada. Bill asked some of the people on the bus which waterfall we should visit and the opinion was that Seven Falls in St. Margaret, about a half-hour away, is the prettiest. So off we went in the usual jam-packed bus traveling at breakneck speeds--for the narrow, curvy, mountainous roads. After a little while, the bus came to a stop and people started getting off. We then realized they were moving to let us off--we were there! Who knew? The bus driver told us to walk up the narrow path for the entry to the falls. We checked to see when another bus would be by to take us onward or back and he assured us that many buses pass by.
Up the concrete road, we were gr
eeted by a lovely woman who informed us of the entry fee of $5 EC (eastern Caribbean dollars), a little less than $2 per person. She also insisted that we take a walking sticks from a stack of sticks outside and use them! She further explained that the path can be muddy and slippery and is steep. Apologizing she said there are usually two guides on hand, but no one was there then. We assured her that was okay proceeded on our merry way. It was a beautiful hike, not unlike the one we made in Dominica to Chaudiere Pool. The forest was deep and thick with lots of bamboo, banana trees and bushes interspersed with the beautiful Hellegonia plants. As we trekked down the steep hillsides, we found steps cut out of mud, braced with rough-hewn wood which made the going in steeper spots a little easier. It took us about an hour to get there, but it was well wo
rth the hike.Two falls were close together; we had been told we could not go beyond the second waterfall without a guide.
These two were beautiful and more than enough for us to see and enjoy. Mike and Bill jumped into the pool, luxuriating in the cold, clear pool. Soon and I were more timid about our pool venture, but enjoyed a dip.
Afterwards, we climbed back up the mountain forever grateful for our walking sticks. Near the end, we spied some ripe bananas on a tree--a pretty unusual sight since they are always very green. Soon really wanted a banana so went in search of someone to grant permission to take one or to pay for one. Pretty soon, back came Soon with a banana for each of us. We passed a couple of grinning farmers who seemed delighted to have been able to provide what was a delectable snack after our hike.
As we left the park, the attendant told us that we’d probably have to walk to the next town as the buses that went by from St. George’s were always very full. We asked how far it was and hesitating, she said, “Not too far.” Actually it was probably a couple of miles, but after we’d walked about 15 minutes a flatbed truck, named CRAB (all the vehicles have names painted across the windshield) , offered us a ride.
As we left the park, the attendant told us that we’d probably have to walk to the next town as the buses that went by from St. George’s were always very full. We asked how far it was and hesitating, she said, “Not too far.” Actually it was probably a couple of miles, but after we’d walked about 15 minutes a flatbed truck, named CRAB (all the vehicles have names painted across the windshield) , offered us a ride.
Of course, we were thrilled since there had been no sign of a bus and we were already pooped from our hike. We hopped into the truckbed which fortunately was empty. We were delighted. Of course, two miles down the road in a little town called Birch Grove, the truck driver stopped and said he had to get a drink in the little bar by the side of the road. Bill and Mike decided we should buy it for him since he’d offered us the ride. Of course, we didn’t realize he was also going to play a game of dominoes before taking off. We waited awhile deciding we would either take the bus if it came first, or continue with the trucker if he other choices didn’t materialize. We were getting anxious to get to our next destination, Grenville, a good-sized town on the east coast, because then we had to get a bus back and we had discovered that most buses stop running at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Actually, we had hoped to go north to Belmont Plantation which our good friends on YOLO had recommended, but on the bus one of the passengers informed us that they were closed because they are Seventh Day Adventists and Satuday is their Sabbath. Good Information! This same passenger said that she used to work there and that we should definitely go! Some other time, of course!
We caught a bus about 15 minutes later ending up in Grenville, 20 minutes later. Things were hopping. It was market day, and the small, narrow streets were packed with vendors selling goods and fresh food. We even saw pickled pigs feet in a bucket. Hungry, we located The Melting Pot, a sports bar and restaurant, recommended to us as the place where locals go. It was up a set of stairs, as many restaurants here are, with buffet of stewed chicken, peas, callalou--a spinach-like dish, corn, rice, mac and cheese (a popular dish), green salad, pasta, etc. We loaded our plates then picked a table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
As we left, we emerged into a full-blown political rally in the form of a parade, with horns blaring, loud music and lots of dancing people. It was wild! Not the first time we’ve encountered this exuberant political rally in the islands.
We caught a bus about 15 minutes later ending up in Grenville, 20 minutes later. Things were hopping. It was market day, and the small, narrow streets were packed with vendors selling goods and fresh food. We even saw pickled pigs feet in a bucket. Hungry, we located The Melting Pot, a sports bar and restaurant, recommended to us as the place where locals go. It was up a set of stairs, as many restaurants here are, with buffet of stewed chicken, peas, callalou--a spinach-like dish, corn, rice, mac and cheese (a popular dish), green salad, pasta, etc. We loaded our plates then picked a table overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
As we left, we emerged into a full-blown political rally in the form of a parade, with horns blaring, loud music and lots of dancing people. It was wild! Not the first time we’ve encountered this exuberant political rally in the islands.
Our day concluded with a bus ride on the south side of the island and finally back home, getting caught in heavy rain. What a fun day!
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