We are finally here.  We all have been looking forward to Dominca for a long time and it’s really great to be here.  The boat boys came out to greet us.  Makai and Salida chose Lawrence of Arabia and we chose Martin.  No sooner had we gotten settled then we had a tour scheduled for early the next morning on the Indian River.  Martin picked up us, Kevin on Exodus, and another couple and took us to shore.  From there we met another small group and got into his rowboat.  No motors are allowed on the Indian River, so all tour guides operate the old fashioned way, oars.  The river winds and bends, passing trees with ornate roots, huge land crabs a lush green canopy overhead and many hummingbirds.  If you have seen Pirates of the Caribbean 2, the scene where they go to see the witch was filmed here.  Martin is very knowledgable and was able to tell us what the plants were and their medicinal purposes.  The hummingbirds were everywhere and we actually saw a hummingbird nest.  The tour was informative and relaxing, and not expensive at $15 US per person. 

After the tour we caught up with Wanderlust, the family of 5 from Chicago.  We first saw them in Saba, and later in Statia.  They told us they were going to a festival in Toucarie that evening and we went along.

Toucarie is a small fishing village, and that night they were having food vendors and live music.  We went early, even though we know island things don’t start until late.  We did get some good food though, fried chicken, fish and gravy, rice.  We were the only white people there, but the people were so friendly.  All of us walked up and down the short street, and as we passed people would come up and shake our hand.  They were very happy to have us at there celebration.  When we weren’t looking for something to eat, or listening to the music, we were busy talking.  Tristan, Tessa and Benjamin were having a long conversation, and Dan and I spent time talking with Judy, Bill and their teenagers Alice and Noah.  The kids became fast friends which made us happy as it had been a long time since they had some kids to play with.