Dominica Study Abroad - Day 16

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Today was the day of the dreaded Boiling Lake hike. Clem took us as far as the road would permit, where we then had to get off of the bus and walk the rest of the way. We passed Titou Gorge, where a scene from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest was filmed, at the start of the trail.
In order to reach Boiling Lake, we had to climb Morne Nichols. This was by far the most rigorous hike I have ever been on. The trail was incredibly muddy and steep; the stair case leading the way seemed endless. At the top of Morne Nichols, we were rewarded with a gorgeous view, though we had to leave soon due to the threat of rain. Once past Morne Nichols, we had to cross two valleys of desolation. Though the valley wasn’t completely desolate, as the name suggests, there was very limited vegetation. The trail became very rock and an endemic bromeliad became the prevalent plant there. The small streams all over the valley were composed of different colors, ranging from white to red to black and they were all hot. Pockets of steam were also visible everywhere. Once we arrived at Boiling Lake, which was a truly magnificent lake, we had lunch and then made our way back. At the end of the trail, we were allowed to swim in Titou Gorge.

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Photos

Top of Morne Nichols
According to Clem, this was the windiest he's ever seen on this hike.

Valley of Desolation
Though really interesting, the smell of sulphur was far from pleasant. Rivers of different colored water were all over the place, which made it worth it.

Hot Spring
I wish I had decided to jump in, but on the way back from the hike, I was so exhausted, I didn't want to bother with going in.

Titou Gorge
Orlando Bloom swam here. Enough said.