Grenada

Arrived Georgetown the capital of Grenada at 7am. It is made up of 3 islands, Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique with a population around 115,000. They are part of the Windward Islands group. Grenada is known as the “Island of Spices” due to it´s growing and export of nutmeg & mace. It gained independence from the UK on Feb 7th 1974. These are volcanic islands with mountains and lush, green vegetation. A mixture of sun and cloud today with temperatures around 32C. Out on tour at 7:30am with a small group of 12. Boarded our bus and met our guide and driver Nick. Headed out through the busy streets of Georgetown. Traffic congestion is a major problem here. Slowly made our way inland, climbing into the mountains on narrow, winding, uneven roads with drop offs to the side. Around 8:20 we arrived at the small entrance to Annandale Waterfall & Forest Park. Walked the narrow path down past the trees, plants and vegetation to reach the waterfall. This has a 30ft drop into a rocky pool with a viewing area. There is also a forest walk which we did not have time to explore. Back on the road we continued up the mountain until reaching the highest point on the island at 1910ft. Just past this we entered the Grand Etang National Park & Forest Reserve around 9am. Here we found an information center and walking paths on top of the mountain. Views across the surrounding countryside and over to the crater lake which was formed by volcanic activity. 45 minutes to view the park before reboarding our bus for the descent. Travelled down, then across the island heading east. Eventually arrived at the Laura Herb and Spice Garden around 10:30am. Here we had a guided tour by Charlene. We were able to smell and taste the various spice and herb bushes and trees growing here. These included cacao, coffee, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, pepper, vanilla, allspice, jack fruit etc. Departed around 11:15am and headed back towards Georgetown. Stopped for views over the city before descending back to the terminal by 11:45am.