Guadeloupe
     
     Subject: Log 03/08/00
     Date: Sun, 12 Mar 2000 19:16:01 -0500
     
     From: W2LSI@cho.win-net.org
     To: rudys03@ibm.net
     
     
     The first thing we did today (Wednesday, March 8th) was to go back to the chute
     de Carbet to try an easier route that we were told about. Well, the easier route was
     to the second falls which was smaller and you couldn't swim there. Faith and I
     decided we had to see the falls we almost saw yesterday! We drove a little deeper
     into the rain forest to start our hike. We found the point we stopped the previous
     day and timed the additional hike. It took us about another 15 min. to get to the
     falls. It wasn't even more difficult! The problem was that we were at the top of the
     falls and needless to say, the pond and swimming is better at the bottom! It was
     almost straight down! It took us another 20 min. to climb down to the bottom AND
     it was more difficult! They were neat and the swim certainly was refreshing after
     our hike and climb. We took the obligatory pictures, I'll certainly send one to Jim,
     and rested for our climb and hike out. The return trip was quicker, but we had a
     light rain for most of the trip. Footing was getting treacherous as we exited the rain
     forest. One family had pulled leaves off of trees that were big enough for
     umbrellas. They looked funny, but they were dry!
     
     We had lunch at a small restaurant near the start of the hike and made our way back
     to the boat. Jon and Shawn were going to join us for yet another parade. It was the
     Black and White Parade that signified sorrow on Ash Wednesday and the start of
     Lent.
     
     At the last minute Shawn decided to rest and relax rather than join the crowds and
     walk around town for several hours. Faith, Jon and I drove into town to try and find
     a parking place near the center of activity where we might catch the parade. We
     found a spot just a few feet off of the main square. Faith suggested that we have
     something to eat in a small restaurant on the square. We sat down with a drink and
     some snacks. We heard the sounds of drums and singing coming towards us. We
     must have been in the staging area for the parade! Actually, we had front row seats
     to a show that was as exciting and entertaining as the previous day! We never got
     more than 100 ft. from our car and we had seats with nobody in front of us! We sat
     there for a few hours as the groups passed by in different costumes, but the same
     energy and excitement as before. The boys with whips were there and each group
     was organized the same as yesterday. There were rogue groups that came from all
     directions and another good time was had by all! There was one difference. A
     tractor was pulling a flatbed trailer that was filled by a band. There were speakers
     pointing forwards that could be heard for blocks and the back had no less than 12
     large PA speakers that made the world shake! The beat and energy was the same
     only MUCH louder. Behind this it seemed that every person on the island was
     following, singing and dancing. What a site! These groups were circling the town.
     The costumes were more simple. The colors were more subdued. Everything else
     was the same. 
     
     Carnival on Guadeloupe was a hit! Now it's back to the boat to catch up on
     maintenance and cleaning.