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We have visited the nutmeg plantations on the main island of Banda and climbed the still smoking volcano (660m).  It was particularly interesting to see where and how nutmeg is grown after seeing nutmeg produced in Grenada.  The nutmeg trees on the main island of Banda have huge almond trees planted amongst them to provide shade and protection.  The reason Banda was fought over and became known as the centre of the nutmeg trade was not because it was the only place where nutmeg grew but that the quality in Banda is simply the finest in the world. Despite various attempts to transplant, clone or graft, the quality remains unsurpassed. A combination of soil and climate, “terroir” perhaps?

Meryon, Mike and Tim joined a group to climb the volcano.  It was very steep over loose rocks and gravel but luckily there were plenty of shrubs and bushes to pull up on.  Very tiring but the views from the top were fantastic.  The descent was even worse and akin to skiing vertically downhill on marbles held together with dust.  Very undignified, especially for two old but experienced climbers!  Everyone ended up on their behinds many times and there were several bruising and bloody falls amongst the group.