De Palm tour operators kinda have to tour business sewn up on the island. Normally this would make me choose a smaller operator but in this case they are worth their reputation. Parts of the island are inaccessible to normal vehicles, the national park and most of the east coast for example. So we decided to take the off road jeep safari to the natural pool for some snorkeling, and to see the natural bridge, Alta vista chapel, gold smelting works and Californian lighthouse.
Our driver was Ivo, one of the happiest and liveliest people on the island. He lead the expedition of six jeeps (Land Rovers, not Range Rovers we were proudly informed) and kept us amused informed and hydrated with water stops. Our first stop was the Casi Bari rock formations which were not on the itinerary but Ivo really liked us so we would have this extra stop! From there we went off road into the national park and down to the natural pool, protected from the pounding surf of the Eastern Caribbean sea but filled with colourful fishies. It was truly an idyllic spot but then you realise you are sharing it with 50 other people and it is pretty crowded for idyllic! Trying to snorkel among a tangle of limbs in a very limited space is a skill I feel I should add to my CV. Talking with Ivo after the snorkel, I acquired the nickname, The Fire Lady because of the colour of my hair! My hair has been the recipient of many compliments on the island and I can safely say I am the only person here with orange hair. It certainly turns heads in a way that would never happen at home!
The off road safari was a great ride to some of the most amazing sites and across an incredible landscape. The sun was setting as we made our way back to the hotel, a perfect end to a perfect day. The injuries? One enormous purple bruise due to extreme contact between my thigh and an immovable hand grip on the jeep, a sliced palm due to vicious attack by coral and sunburnt shoulders due to stupidity. All part of the fun.
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