Puerto Chacabuco, Chile. Excursion: Northern Patagonia & Coyhaique City

The tour group had a nice scenic drive from port to Simpson River National Reserve, with snow-capped mountains & waterfalls in the distance; rivers and valleys.

At Simpson Reserve Visitor’s Centre we had time to find out more about the reserve.  Unfortunately the information was in Spanish but Patricia, our guide, was able to give us an overview of it.  We had time to stretch our legs and take a walk along the river.  It was pretty, and very peaceful.

Our next stop was at Coyhaique to visit the village square and handicraft market.  The square was pretty with its fountains and trees – it had a park-like feel to it, more so with many families out and about relaxing.  A few handicraft shops were open but most places were closed because of today being a Sunday.

Lunch at Fogon Restaurant was buffet-style with a nice selection of empanadas, fruit and liquids.  Over and above the soft drinks wine and Pisco Sour went down a treat for the guests.

Scenic drive back to port with brief photo stop (from bus window) to see Cascade of the Virgin which was a pretty waterfall.

As always, it has been good to get out and about.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Simpson River National Reserve

 

 

Cascade of the Virgin

Coyhaique 

Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe. Excursion: Carbet Falls & Hike.

It was a rather big group that went to Carbet Falls  today. We had a nice slow walk along a wide(ish) stone footpath with time to admire plants, flowers and scenery.  The falls, although in the distance, were beautiful.  We couldn't do all 3 cascades but walked to the second one, which is the most accessible one, easy to reach.

We also visited Jardin de Beauvallon which is privately owned. The lovely gardens were well maintained and looked after. The owners and guides took us around the gardens, pointing out the varieties of trees, plants, flowers and fruit.  It was very pleasant.

PHOTOGRAPHS

Carbet Falls

Jardin de Beauvallon 

Ferns growing in the stubs of the fronds on the tree trunk

 

A busy bee collecting pollen and nectar

Bridgetown, Barbados. Excursion: Harison's Caves

I had a lovely afternoon on a tour to Harrison’s Caves. They were beautiful inside with the different formations and underground streams and waterfalls, Unfortunately photographs I took don't do them justice.

We went in a small open air tram through passages. Once or twice we stopped and were allowed to get off to explore our surroundings in two of the big caverns. We weren't allowed to go very far. But what we saw was beautiful in its own right.

Photographs

Bridgetown  harbour

Harrison's Caves