Gwendominica

Back in Canada, where summertime sure is fine. But recent memories of sweet Dominica will linger until I return to make new ones. Meanwhile, there's more to share, such as the scenery up the Indian River. It's such a magical, mystical, historical place. I love to return there, again and again.

Life is a beach - even on Dominica! You might be surprised, as the rainforest is usually the headliner on the Nature Island. This pristine beach is well cared for and there is a small entrance fee ($5 usd) to enjoy the facilities. It's the perfect place to wile away a day after all your other adventures here.
Sincere thanks to my hosts, John and Michele Walker of Pointe Dubique B + B for taking me there for an idyllic island lime. (Note: they've recently retired, and I was their last guest!)

Morning has broken on Dominica. One more sleep, and off to Canada I go. On time for Summer Solstice.Back to Dominica just after Winter Solstice, if all goes according to plan. I'll miss the Nature Island dearly, but look forward to the next adventures here. BTW, Happy Father's Day to all who assume paternal roles.

A rainy day at last. Not a damper on my Staycation, as rain is badly needed in the northern and western regions of Dominica. It's been extremely hot for days. It's a relaxation morning at for me. I'm content with my beautifully appointed room with a seaview, a huge breakfast and helpful staff. And Lulu of lead one chill sunset yoga class by the pool last evening. Irie!
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The end of the day is only one of the many charms of Sunset Bay. . .

It's called Sunset Bay for good reason - the perfect place to relax and unwind before or after travel. If you like seaside, this is the place to be on Dominica!

It's the perfect place to relax and unwind before or after travel and is called Sunset Bay for good reason. There is additional seaside beauty to found there too. If you like it hot and dry, with the Caribbean Sea by your side, then this is the place for you!

Shifting Seasons

Scattered showers
carried by brisk breezes
Flowers refreshed
Vibrant and prolific
amidst shimmering greens
after months of drought,
Outstanding
in dull morning light.
Another time of renewal:
Shifting thoughts
Changing priorities
Preparations
for possibilities
and realities
Moving forward
Continued growth
Realignment and rebirth
Anticipation and acceptance,
for what is to be,
Will Be.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

The Giraudel-Eggleston Flower Growers Group presented beautiful flowers and arrangements for all to enjoy at this year's Flower Show. It also marked their 50th anniversary!

I've selected a few photos from my visit to the site today. You will note clear skies. As the sun was high in the sky, I did have to use a filter to provide enhanced clarity.

Here are a few of my favourites. I hope you'll enjoy them!

On Dominica, in the village of Giraudel:

50 Years and Still Blooming!💐 ✨

🌸This weekend, from May 27th–30th, 2023, is the Giraudel-Eggleston Flower Show and Market Fair!🌸

Spread the word, invite your friends and family!✨

Let's make this a weekend to remember!🤍
🇩🇲

Rain Fall!

Rain fall!
Pummelling, pelting
Pounding down,
Horizontal
in the wind.

Introducing
The Rainy Season
on this rainforest island
Where all creatures
sometimes scurry for shelter.

Even hummingbirds
Cower
on the covered clothesline
Reluctant to leave
Despite imminent darkness.

Meanwhile,
Torrents intensify
Rivers and gutters
Overflowing,
Drenching the parched ground.

Watering the land
After weeks
of drought,
fires, dust
and scarcity.

Extremes in the weather
Typical these days
Preparing for possibilities
Praying for calm
Going with the flow.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

Of a Dove

A Ground Dove
perched on a utility line
overlooking the valley
Mountainous surroundings
Blue sky above
Its repetitive coo,
two eighth notes
followed by three quarters
in strict four-four time.
No variation in tempo
or tune,
Except an occasional rest
between phrases,
Until the sun climbs higher
and it abruptly disappears
into the forest
Until the sun sinks lower
and it suddenly returns
to Repeat
Its Rhythmical
Melodious
Performance:
Patterns
and Pleasures
that Resonate
with my Soul.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

On Mother’s Day

What does a Nurturer do
but help us along the way.
Someone who is there for us;
to celebrate our successes
and console us in troubled times.
Looking out for our best interests,
whether we believe it –
or not.
Caring for other beings:
animals or plants.
Teaching and guiding,
setting an example too.
A Father, Auntie, Granny, Guardian or Friend
might also fulfill this role,
depending on circumstances.
Whoever you are,
we thank you for your love
on Mother’s Day.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

Doubtless

When doubts get in the way
Of a cloudless day
It’s best to be distracted
Throw those cares away
Take time off to play
Cherish this month of May:
Celebrate from its beginning,
Focus
on renewal
and growth,
fresh starts,
Mothers
and other nurturers,
the anticipation of summer
and care-free days
or at least a better tomorrow.
Faith
is the key,
add in hope
and positive energy.
You know what to do,
You’ve got this,
and doubtless,
You must believe it too.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

Another spectacular day has come to a close on the incomparable Nature Island. Good night!

Snow on the mountain! Just kidding, of course. At least for now. Who knows what the future holds, with climate change intensifying and accelerating. Actually, it's been extremely hot in Dominica. But May is normally like that on the Nature Island. I am thankful to be up on the slopes of Morne Anglais, at 2,000 feet. Here, it is a few degrees cooler than at sea level. Refreshing breezes and abundant foliage create a temperate environment. I'm definitely happy that there is no snow to be found - even in these beautiful mountains!

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May the fourth be with these lovely girls!

For the Girls, with Love

Who would have thought
That three rust-coloured, dust-covered friends
Would adopt me
as their mother hen
Welcoming me to the family
By pecking at my feet
Piercing tender skin
Submitting to pats on backs
(Not what they were expecting)!
Following me to my favourite tree
Hopping up steep steps
In search of me
Sneaking through barricades
Like naughty children
When my head is turned,
Gifting me big brown eggs
With daily regularity
Amusing me endlessly
Provoking hilarity
Clucking contentedly
When day is done
Adding joy to my serenity.

Copyright © 2022 by Gwenith M Whitford

Dominica’s Mighty Mountains*

Mountains all around
Standing strong
Rooted to the earth
Unmoveable
Unshakeable
Fire deep within
Potentially explosive
Chance of eruption
Ancient and invincible
Sometimes hike-able
along marked trails,
provided adventurers
have determination,
physical fitness,
mental stamina
and sturdy footwear.
From a distance,
across hills
and valleys,
the peaks
and slopes
of Dominica’s massifs
may appear
altered
or obscured
from view
by low-lying clouds,
storms, landslides
or changing seasons.
Presently outstanding
steadfast and solid
majestic and mighty
quiet and inactive:
at least until tomorrow.
Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford
*Dominica has nine (potentially) active volcanoes. For further information, consult: uwi.seismic.com

Seaside in the City

Seated in the restaurant
by the Bayfront
where history
meets the sea
old stone fort
solidly constructed
in an earlier century
with modern additions:
a fusion of
vastly different times.
Surf is pounding
two storeys below.
Alongside the pier
almost right beside me,
a cruise ship idles
exhaust pouring
from its stacks,
as passengers disembark
and gaze around expectantly
admiring local trinkets
sold in seaside shacks
while waiting for
a tour bus to take them
to behold a rainforest fantasy:
a thousand shades of green.
Meanwhile, raindrops patter
on the water,
overpowering
ship’s engine sounds.
I turn my head
and can see all the way
to the southern tip of the island
where the promontory
of singular Scotts Head
features prominently
from my seaside seat
in the city.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

Mountain Majesty

Diablotin* is smiling today.
Now that’s a good sign.
I’ve been waiting
a while
to see her face
and all its imperfections,
overshadowed
by verdant beauty.
From a distance,
across ridges and valleys
I note shape,
structure
and surface,
standing tall
above all:
at 4747, the pride
of Dominica
scarred by storms,
leaving barren spaces,
surrounded
by resilient canopy
and cloud forest
that has been renewed
for centuries.
In the bright morning light
cloud cover removed,
She is our Majesty:
a Dominican monument,
for true.

*Morne Diablotin(Dee-A-blo-Tin) is Dominica’s highest peak, at 4,747 feet (1,447 meters) above sea level.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

This piece describes my Toronto to Dominica travel experience earlier this month (April 2023). It may be of particular interest to Canadians traveling to Dominica and/or those requiring special assistance. Long read alert!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1751325108603203&id=100011771914747&mibextid=Nif5oz

From Dominica, the Nature Island:

Nature Island Night Show*

The harsh metallic glare
of a steamy afternoon
suddenly fades
as the sun drops in to the sea.

In its place
cool blues, fiery oranges and bold reds
are followed by
silvery silhouettes and passing shadows.

This shimmering curtain
in the shade of dusk
quickly falls
at fifteen degrees north,
and is upstaged
by peeps, croaks and hoots
from nocturnal creatures
whose time has come
as they are part of the night show
with its breathtaking backdrop
of celestial orbs, sparkling stars
and a captivating moon
that invite spectators
to abandon cares
and cherish every moment
while savouring the splendor
of a Nature Island night.

Published in Montage Domnik: New Stories and Poems from Dominica by Waitukubuli Writers. River Ridge Press, 2021.

*Dedicated to the late Dr. Alwin A. Bully, Member of WW and Cultural Icon Extraordinaire.

Dominica, My Love

Verdant mountain peaks
Silhouette the skyline
Shrouded by passing showers
And low-lying clouds.

I breathe deeply
And inhale ancient energies
That emit vibrations
Resonant in my soul.

This welcome presence
Wipes away my gloom
With colourful offerings,
Resembling a painter’s palette.

Flowers and fruit trees
In close proximity:
Purest forms of beauty
That surround me with Serenity.

This little-known secret,
Revealed only to those who seek it
When they sense they need it:
This Eden on earth.

Copyright © 2023 Gwenith M Whitford

East coast vibes. Farewell to Nova Scotia. Thanks for your hospitality. I had such a good time. I'll be back.

East coast vibes. Farewell to Nova Scotia. Thanks for your hospitality. I had such a good time. I'll be back.

A beautiful place to be: Nova Scotia, rain or shine, excepting hurricanes! . . .

The best breakfast in Halifax is found at on Quinpool Road! Thanks to for the recommendation. I've had plenty of fabulous meals in Halifax. I think it's time to move east, and return to my roots!

More pix from Fiona's hit on Halifax and the vibes the day after. Not as bad as other places, for true. Posting this by lantern light, using data on my phone that I recharged at a pub with a generator. Sound familiar, Dominica peeps?

Halifax Nova Scotia a day after Hurricane Fiona. Cleaning up on a spectacular day in this beautiful east coast port. Thankful to be here. Wonderful people and positive vibes. Fabulous food is found in pubs with generators. The power is off but life goes on.

Gwendominica is now on WhatsApp.

In my mind, it is not only the flower gardens that are enchanted on Dominica. An early morning walk along a deserted mountain road presents mystical scenes around every corner. After perusing these photos, wouldn't you agree? . .

"Dominica is a garden," as evidenced at the Enchanted Garden flower show this weekend. Here are a few photos for some floral appreciation. However, it's better to be there to take in the natural beauty in an up close and personal manner. The stunning surroundings certainly worked their magic on me. . # flowergardens

An early morning walk through the village of Giraudel became an opportunity for a sneak peek at this weekend's Enchanted Garden Flower Show. Thanks to Shirley Alexander, Coordinator of this grand event (pictured here) for her kind invitation to take a little tour in advance. If you're on-island, I hope you will find your way to the Flower Basket of Dominica,where the beautiful gardens will surely work their magic on you.

May Day Reflection
At times, the view is clear and unimpeded
Or outlined in silhouette, casting shadows.
Occasionally, it's enshrouded by low cloud:
eerie and foreboding.
Eventually, a rainbow will appear
Lifting spirits and inspiring hope
That one day soon,
Perhaps tomorrow
We can live in peace and harmony
With all who inhabit the planet.
Copyright (c) 2022 by Gwenith M. Whitford
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