Day 9 - Anyone got yogourt? My back has a pulse.

Day 9

It was bound to happen – the white boy got a sunburn. I can feel my freakin pulse in my back . . . I thought I was being diligent. Today we went to a beach at a place called Woodford Hill. The beach was crushed coral sand flanked by ruddy red cliffs. The blue sea charged suicidally at the bluffs in the distance, the ocean floor slope being just right to cause the breakers to crash first on their left, then continually along the cliff until the length of the wave was spent, spray kicking up as though an invisible firing squad was releasing a volley of ammunition from left to right, incessantly beating the cliffs to silt. We met up with our german friends and spent the morning with them, enjoying the sun, the sand, and the colour of the water. Many local parents bring their families here, to hold barbecues, games of cricket, or simply to watch their kids play in the water. The scene was what one might imagine as stereotypical of coastal Africa, the chocolatey skin of the frolicking children contrasting strikingly with the electric blue and green waters they were splashing in, as they danced carelessly through the surf. The locals certainly are more fit for the hot sun than we north Americans are. I spent just a little too much time splashing around in my gear, looking always at the ocean floor and not thinking about the sun on my back, but such is life here. We retired to Calibishie early and met up with an American couple here, we talked for hours about Dominica’s teetering political situation. They also kindly offered to give my dad a pair of shoes that were too small for Tim, the hisband. We tried them and they fit reasonably well, so now he has shoes to hike in. It is nice to receive help when you need it. We dined this evening with an older couple from Cornwall, UK. We had a blast exchanging stories and talking about travel. Calibishie has a nice atmosphere, where people ask to join you over dinner, and you can meet plenty of interesting folk.