Lawrence (of Arabia) took us on a tour of the Indian River. It empties into Prince Rupert Bay, near the town of Portsmouth, Dominica. The river is so named because it was inhabited and used by the Carib Indians, and the Arawak Indians before that. Apparently the Caribs killed off the Arawaks when they arrived (and ate some of them, too).
The river is now a protected habitat. No outboard motors are allowed now, so Lawrence rowed our boat deep into the interior. Fishing is supposedly banned as well. Some years ago, enterprising fishermen employed dynamite to kill and harvest fish en-masse, nearly wiping out the stocks. Since the fishing ban was imposed, native fish populations have been recovering nicely, and we were able to spot large schools in the water.
Crabs are plentiful along the riverbank, and our own "Carol of the Jungle" leaped off the boat in hot pursuit of the tasty critters. She chased them down and dragged them from their holes, and eventually caught six.
The turnaround point in the tour is at a remote riverside pub, that has been in operation for generations, and currently manned by "Boo Boo" a descendant of the Carib Tribe. There are enclaves of Carib Indians along the Northeastern (Atlantic) side of the island, and they make and sell native craftwork. We bought two beautifully made baskets during our previous day's tour.
Teffany in the Jungle Pub - their specialty is Dynamite Punch, a tasty blend of rum and fruit juices.
The boat dock at the Jungle Pub
Carol with one of her quarry - Nice Crab!
Carol - Queen of the Jungle - in hot pursuit of Crabs
Entrance to the Indian river
Boo Boo - Our host and bartender at the Jungle Pub
While at the Jungle Pub, we played three hotly contested games of Dominos -
From left, Lawrence, Walt, Teffany, and Brian
Wild Hibiscus
Bird of Paradise
Mystery flower...
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