Going South
CuriousOyster
Steve & Trish Brown
Sat 2 May 2009 15:05
Having stayed in Antigua far longer than originally planned we are back once more in Guadeloupe where this time the island is not o strike and we can hire a car to explore the two main islands.
As well as lots of sunshine and some great beaches the island has a large tropical rainforest that is designated as one of France's major National Parks.
A short walk away from the road takes you quickly into the forest to be surrounded by huge trees, massive plants and vegetation of all kinds. Species that are familiar to people in the UK and kept as house plants are seen everywhere and but instead of 6 inches or so high are 6 feet or more. With a significant rainfall there are numerous streams and waterfalls within the forest and the combination sustains a wide range of bird life that add a musical background to the sights and smells.
The NP authorities have created a number of well marked trails that take you deep into the forest and up to some of the major summits as well as the islands dormant volcano.
The two islands are very different from each other Grand Terre being slightly smaller and very flat whilst Basse Terre is very mountainous and heavily forested.
With French and EU subsidies the roads are far better, the cars newer and to my mind the people more at ease and naturally friendlier. Another noticeable difference from the islands to the north would be a great deal more cultivation with small vegetable plots as well as larger sugar cane and banana plantations as well as larger and better kept houses.
The islands have a nice feel about them and the readily availability of most things French, food, wine and good restaurants only add to the general impressions.