Where in the World are the Carrolls?

January 09, 2024

Sea Date January 7, 2024

Scarborough, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago

What a fabulous day. I had arranged a private tour for five of us with Island Girls Tours with David Rajpaulsingh. If you are coming to Tobago, he is the man to know. He runs an air b and b, owns a tour company, plays in a steel band and writes books.

He met us right outside the terminal and bought us some delicious doubles - classic street food of the island. It was 2 tortilla-like products filled with a spicy, gooey mixture. It was followed by fresh coconut milk drunk right out of the coconut - my favorite drink. Then off to explore the island.

Started off hiking to Argyl Falls - a rocky and wet walk through the rain forest. I was the only one who hopped in the pool. Isn't that the reward for hiking to a waterfall. That was followed by another hike to a waterfall. Again, slippery rocks encountered. There I didn't so much hop into the pool but rather slip and slide head first under the pool. Ah well, I am a water girl. Luckily, no injuries.

Then off to Main Ridge Forest Reserve, the oldest public nature park in the world, established in 1776. It is a bird lover's paradise. We ate lunch at Aunt Shurl's hummingbird hideaway. Food- chicken, fish, rice and beans, a Tobago version of mac and cheese, cucumber salad, and an amazing nutmeg ice cream all accompanied by a homemade fruit drink. Except for the chicken, fish and rice everything we were served was grown in her garden and handmade.

But the food was secondary. The hummingbirds and the view were the stars of the show. We were given sugar water to feed the hummingbirds. At lunch, we put it on the tables in front of us and the hummingbirds continued to fly in for refreshment throughout our meal.

Next stop Englishman Bay and Castara Bay for swimming with stingrays and snorkeling. Poor snorkeling - fabulous beaches. The surf was rough and there was a 2 to 3 foot drop off at the surf break. Getting in i could navigate but when getting out, I got caught by the wave as I was trying to step up that 2 foot ledge. I was rolled back and forth by those waves for way too long. But no drowning - finally popped myself out. Next a little history at Fort George, Throughout the day we drank water, beers, and rum punch from David's coolers. A great start to 2024 touring. I am still stiff and hurting from my various mishaps but nothing serious!