This year May is full of activities with DOMFESTA, Hike Fest, Community Tourism events, Public Awareness campaigns and forming partnerships.

See the Calendar below for all this month’s activities.

The day started off brilliantly  at Canna Heritage Park, with a delightful breakfast snack provided by the Capuchin Cultural Group: warm Cocoa Tea made with fresh coconut milk and arrowroot. The trek was led by Dr. Lennox Honychurch who provided informative and entertaining information as we passed by many historical spots.

The turn-out was tremendous – 63 hikers in all!

From Canna Heritage Park, we descended a steep path that has been in use for hundreds of years;  by the Kalinago, by the Capuchin Monks who settled the area, by the British,  and by modern day school children who made their way to Sunday morning church in Portsmouth along this route.

Following a small stream, the path descended to the rocky coastline.

Here we walked across boulders and beach.

Several waterfalls splashed onto the beach as we passed, created by rainwater running down the  ravines from Morne Aux Diables above us.

As we trekked along the rugged coastline, we reached one technically difficult part of the route. Here, as the tide was up, we had to crawl along the edge of the rock to reach the other side. Teamwork was essential here and with the help of many, we all made it through!

The trail joined the main road, so we had a brief walk along a smoother surface from Toucari, up to Morne A-Louis…

Then it was back along the rocky coastline to reach the break between the two hills of the Cabrits and up into the forest again. We passed by the Battery and the ruins of the Commandants Headquarters.

From the Cabrits, we followed the road to Purple Turtle Beach where we relaxed, bathed in the sea and reflected on what a wonderful hike we had just finished!

So Hike Fest 2010 came to a close. But keep your eye on DHTA’s website and don’t be surprised if there are more of these organised hikes throughout the year!

• For more about hiking in Dominica, visit our website.

Satrday was the launch of the DHTA’s annual Hike Fest

This first hike began at the church in Salybia (Carib Territory) and followed much of Segment 6 of the Waitukubuli National Trail from Salybia, over Horseback Ridge and down to Pagua Bay.

This 3-hour trip was led by local tour guide Prosper Paris (from Bataka) who proved to be an engaging and entertaining guide.

Prosper Paris

From the Saylbia church, Prosper led our group of more than 30 hikers up a gentle trail to the Kalinago Barana Aute. Here we learned about traditional farming techniques of the Kalinago people such as  ‘cou no cou’ (also known as’ slash & burn’) and the division of labour between the genders, with the men cutting and preparing the area and the women doing the planting.

From there we wound our way up and around, crossing several small rivers, and passing through beautiful green landscapes with gorgeous views along the east coast and the Atlantic Ocean. One more steep hill and we reached the village of Bataka where we had a short rest and a water break at the spot where the Kalinago celebrate Vaval on the Wednesday after Carnival.

As we passed through this lovely, quiet village we were greeted by smiles and waves from many a doorway. Leaving the village, we crossed over Horseback Ridge and began our descent to Pagua Bay. A quick break at a guava tree served as the perfect pick-me-up, then it was down again as expansive views of Pagua Bay greeted us.  We made a brief stop at a look-out that provided a peek  down to a particularly pretty little beach called Antrizle, then it was on to our final destination.. Silks Hotel.

Thanks to the DHTA & the Hike Fest sponsors for a wonderful hike!