Ending 2014 Looking forward to 2015

 

Sorry, It’s been awhile since I posted.  My last Post was the 21st of Aug.  After that, we took several more hikes.  The Bailey Lake Hike on the 28th and the Lander Cutoff of the Oregon Trail on the 29th and the 7th of Sept.   Both were beautiful and about 6 1/2 to 7 miles each with an elevation change of 500 ft per mile or around 1,500 ft gain. Here’s some pictures of those hikes.

Bailey’s Lake

      

 

 

 

 

The Lander Cutoff of the Oregon Trail, cutoff  85 miles by going over the mountain instead of around.  However, the terrain must have really changed since the ledges on the mountain were not wide enough for a horse, much less a wagon.  They had some of the wagon ruts still protected.

   The wild flowers were still in abundance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before we left, on the 23rd of Aug., We had an unplanned meal with a few of the friends we’ve made in Star Valley

Actually, we left Star Valley earlier than intended to get back to Happy Trails to be with a good friend that was terminally ill.  We made it back two 2 days before he went to be with the Lord. It was hard, but we were able to say goodbye to Carl and be with Juanita during this time.  We’ll miss him in our lives. 

At Happy Trails, everything was great. Pickleball and more pickleball and planning tournaments.  For Thanksgiving, I decided to cook a full Thanksgiving meal and invited some new  and some old friends to join us.  In total there were 12 of us eating and playing cards.  I,  of course, didn’t get the camera out. On and we played pickleball before the meal to make room for the food.

Our next adventure was a trip to Grenada the 2nd week of December.  The flight was long but the island was worth it.  Didn’t get in until 9:30 pm but we had a cab waiting and the resort was only 5 or 6 miles away.  Our first day there was on Sunday, Dec. 7th.  Gorgeous day, so we spent time at the resort and kayaking on the small bay outside our balcony.   And planning the things to see and do the next week.

 

 

 

 

 

One Monday, we rented a jeep well a Toyota really. We had a list of waterfalls to see.  The island is called the Spice Island, but is also known for it’s numerous waterfalls.  We managed 2 this day and a trip to the Chocolate Factory.

The first falls we went to was Mt. Carmel Falls.  After a 45 minute hike in the mud .

 

  

 

 

 

We wore our swim suits under our clothes in order to really enjoy the water falls and the pools.

 

 

   On the way to the next falls, we stopped at the Chocolate Factory and visited Sulfur Springs.  It was labeled on the map as a Hot Springs, but it wasn’t hot.  It was an experience.  We got there and the woman in charge decided to give me an example of how to really enjoy the springs.

  

 

 

 

 

Even gave me some sand to take home.

After that, it was the Seven Sisters Falls. There are actually 7 separate falls.  We only when to one, but did see the one below it. Hard to find the trail head and when we did, we met a French couple.  We had to change into our hiking boots, so by the time we got there, this couple was in the water.  This was a longer hike and muddier than the first.  Of course, the gentleman was really French and didn’t realize this was an English island.  It didn’t bother us that he was nude, but the college kids down at the below falls started coming up so he decided to leave.  The island of Grenada has St. George University which is mostly a medical school.

      

 

 

 

 

By now it’s started to rain and we have to get back to the resort by dark.  I didn’t mention that this was a British Commonwealth before it’s independence, so they drive on the opposite side of the road and it’s like driving on a one lane street that goes both ways. Wish we had placed the Go Pro on the front fender or light to see the full effect.  Winding narrow roads on the sides of the mountains with people stopping and parking on the side. It was harrowing.

The next day, we wanted to go to the other side of the island and see some more waterfalls.  Before the falls, we made it to the Nutmeg Factory.  The nutmeg has three parts, the fruit is used for jellies and jams, the mace around the nut is a spice in itself and then the nut that is opened and ground and used as a spice. Here’s one that we actually picked on one of our hikes.

After the factory, we when to Concord Falls.  This one you could actually drive to, but we got a guide there, Elvis, no less, and he took us to FountainBleu Falls.  This was at least an hour with numerous water crossing and mud. I did slip at least once and our boots would never be the same. But it was the most beautiful yet.  Our guide explained the different plants and picked the nutmeg off the tree as we journeyed though the plantation to the falls.

   Harvesting the bananas.

   

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

After the hike back out, we visited the falls there on the road, Concord Falls.  It was great, but nothing like Fountain Bleu Falls.

 

 

  Next we headed to the last Falls that was easily accessible. Annadale Falls.  This is the one that all the tours from the Cruise Ships take you to.  It’s beautiful, but commercial.  Vendors, etc. There is very high unemployment in Grenada and tourism is the major industry.  Farming is next. The roads are lousy, but the scenery is fantastic.  Here’s some shots just out of the car while driving to Annadale Falls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

Here’s Annadale Falls and the surrounding area. Bob had a monkey on his back.

  and so did I.

    

    It’s late now, because all the places we’ve been to do not have signs or instructions as how to get there and you have to back track in order to find.  Bob even learned how to ask for directions.  The people were great and would help you even before you asked.  I guess they saw the questions on your face.

 

On Wednesday, we took a catamaran snorkel tour.  They have built an underwater sculpture park 5 years ago to rebuild the reef that was destroyed by hurricanes.  The day was not the best for pictures and the sculptures are 20 or 30 feet down, but we did get one that was ok and some partials.

   The man at the desk was the clearest we could get, but the circle of friends was the most impressive. Picture not complete, but you can see how the sea is changing the sculpture.

  

 

 

 

  On Thursday, we decided to take it easy and just go to the Grand Anse Beach.  It is rated as #5 of the top 10 beaches.  I personally don’t know why.  We’ve seen a lot better beaches.  It was pretty and the sand was very fine, so fine it doesn’t stick to you. 

   

 

 

 

 

 

On Friday, we stayed at the resort and did kayaking and snorkeling in the same area we had on Sunday.  Last Sunday, my underwater camera was not charged up so we didn’t get any pictures.  We head out Friday, expecting the same conditions and fish, but as things go, the water was rough and we couldn’t beach the kayaks for the snorkeling in the area by the big rocks.  So just kayaking and lounging around the pool.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday, back to Happy Trails leaving another adventure behind.

The next couple of weeks are getting ready for Christmas and the New Year.  Back into the grove of pickleball and tournaments. 

For Christmas we had a different group of friend.  I didn’t want to plan anything big and only cooked a ham.  So with 8 of us, eating and playing cards, we had a great time.   No plans for New Year’s.  Just going to hang out and enjoy.  See you next year.