Subject: Reading material on natural history of Dominica

Hey there! Attached are several short websites about some of the possible field trips you can take while you are in Dominica. These will help you understand more about the natural history of the island. Go to the following websites:

This webpage tells a little bit about Morne Trois Pitons National Park. It is the only natural (i.e. not cultural) World Heritage site declared by the UN in the Caribbean. We will visit the site when we go to the Freshwater Lake, and other field trips are possible (e.g. Boiling Lake, see below).

This page has information on the natural history of Dominica, including wildlife.

This is an excellent look at what made Dominica--the geology and geologic processes of the island.

The Boiling Lake hike is a 14-mile roundtrip walk, but well worth the sacrifice (an all day event, obviously, but maybe it could be done on the free day open for fieldtrips).

The Boeri lake is near the Freshwater Lake, which we plan on visiting. Both lakes, like the Boiling Lake, are in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Mon, 2 Feb 2004 17:48:52

This is a long message about conditions at springfield. Print it out. I will answer any questions you have. Questions about Springfield can be sent to Mona George Dill at springfield2@cwdom.dm .

Money:
$1600 Program fee will cover airfare, 8 days Room and Board, RT airport taxi, Park pass, exit fee, and one van ride and day trip. Not sure if it will cover more than that.

Do bring travelers checks, or change money upon arrival. ATM machine in roseau can also get you cash. US currency is accepted everywhere, but I find EC (Eastern Caribbean currency) gets you a better deal almost always. Do bring enough extra (~$200) for personal expenditures. From airport to Springfield Guest House is a 1.5 hour, interesting drive across the island. Do not leave any cash laying around or in accessible location. Visitors have been robbed at the Guest House before. Keep your money on you or hidden. The island is generally a safe friendly place, but for poor people a wad of cash may be too tempting.

Springfield: Springfield is the old Archibold Field Station. This is a fancy hostel-type atmosphere, very green, scenic location in the forest. Not near the beach. Cabin rooms and bath are shared with 1-3 members of the same sex. Expect a bunk, you do not need to bring bedding. There are 2 cabins located uphill from springfield. You should bring a flashlight or headlamp if you have it, as there are no lights to get up to those cabins at night. Most have mini-kitchens w fridge.

Meals: Food at Springfield is so good it's famous. Fresh squeezed juice every morning. Buffet style and scheduled. In order to support the local economy, we will eat a meal of exclusively banana and plantain products 3 meals a day. Not really, but Mona is in full support of sustainable tourism practices by eating local. Lots of good stuff, no worries. Options for vegetarians. Beverages/coffee available. Little kitchenettes in cabins, but no grocery within walking distance. Small store up the hill a short walk.

Communications:

Springfield Plantation Guest House
P.O. Box 456
Roseau,
Commonwealth of Dominica
West Indies
Tel: 1-767-449-1401
Fax: 1-767-449-2160
E-mail: springfield2@cwdom.dm

There is one line going into Springfield, which is answered by Mona 24 hours. Emergency # therefore is 767-449-1401. Email may be available after 6 PM by using the springfield office. Please prepare your loved ones, and fellow email addicts, that you may be out of reach for several days at a time. Prepare for the unexpected, phone service can be irregular. 30 of us on one line in the evenings will be difficult to organize. There are internet cafes in town (20 minutes away), but there are only 3 computers, and I found these to be occupied everytime I went in.

There is now a wireless internet connection at Springfield! Bring your laptop and wireless card.

Making calls out: There is a pay phone where you can call out with a calling card. It accepts AT&T cards, but not MCI. Also, cards can be bought there for about 18$ US/40$EC. This should allow for about 2 calls to the states.

Utilities: Power is european (UK) style 220/50Hz AC. The adapters necessary are the same that work in the U.K. This is an outlet modification to a 3 prong (2 horizontal, 1 vertical) plug, as well as a change in amps. Look on the internet to figure it out.

What to wear: Weather is hot. It does rain frequently, but dries quickly. Very pleasant, actually. Light cottons and nylon materials work well, bring a sweater for cool nights. Unexpected thunder showers the norm. Wellies (kneehigh rain boots) are very uncool according to Mona. Mona suggested breathable rain jackets rather than the sticky poncho sort. Around Springfield, dress is casual, but if you have appointments in town to get data I would suggest appropriate town attire (slacks not jeans or shorts). Laundry is available, but only for items that are not delicate or requiring special treatment.

Footwear: Sandals and sports sandals are good, lots of walking on field trips. With exception of those of you who are intent on lots of hiking, boots are probably overkill. Boiling lake (day trip) is a 6 hour optional hike, rugged, should be done in something with ankle support.

Swimwear: Bring it. Many swimming holes to stop at on field trips, be prepared to jump in and cool off! Bring your own towel for this.

First-aid: Springfield has a kit, but put together a small packet for blisters or any minor irritations. It was recommended to me to buy some brand name Chigger-ex, a spray used to repel chiggers (little mites in the grass that bite like mosquitos), but I have never seen any chiggers except in Mexico. Something to stop itches is good. Bring plenty of sunscreen, and a hat. NOTIFY GARY OF MAJOR ALLERGIES AND HEALTH CONCERNS. Bring allergy medication, if you are allergic to stings, bring your injections.

Water: The land of 365 rivers! Dominicans often drink from waterfalls, clear streams, etc. You can too, at the risk of giardia. Just kidding. Bring a waterbottle, or save a plastic soda bottle to take hiking, bring iodine tablets, or wait until just before going home to try. Springfield tap water is fine for all to drink.

Materials: If you have a lightwieght portable tool kit you could bring it. Digital volt and ampmeters would be good. Electric adapters also useful. A small 12V-220AC inverter would be good.

Schedule: We will be pretty busy.You will not be bored. No need to bring lots of leisure books and badminton sets. Guitars and instruments welcome, however. Bring a travel alarm clock, handy to check your email at 2 AM.

Recreation: Options for recreation day include:

1. Boiling Lake Hiking (US20-40$/person depending on #pers.) (6 hour hike, rugged (hiking boots recommended)
2. Diving (1tank 40$US, 2tank 70$) (equipment addl 15$)
3. Snorkeling (10$US equip rental) 'drop off' and 'champagne' sites
4. Middleham or Sari Sari falls (1-1:30 hour hiking)
5. Syndicate nature trail (milder hiking)
6. Whale watching (sperm whales)

Departure: Taxi costs to return to the airport are covered by program fee. Again, 30$US out to Melville, Canefield is much closer. There is an airport departure tax of another 15-30$US, which must be paid as you check in. Cash only. Remind me about this so I will have enough cash.

Documentation: Ordinarily, except for citizens of "communist-bloc" countries, visas are issued upon arrival in Dominica. It is advisable to travel on a passport. I suggest you get one if you don't have one.

For US citizens, some starting information is below.

• a.. Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens may enter Dominica without a passport for tourist stays up to three months, but must carry an original document proving U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, photo identification, and a return/onward ticket. For further information concerning entry requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of the Commonwealth of Dominica, 3216 New Mexico Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20015, telephone (202) 364-6781, or the Consulate of the Commonwealth of Dominica in New York.
• b.. Embassy Location/Registration: The U.S. does not maintain an embassy in Dominica. U.S. citizens requiring assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown, Barbados; telephone (246) 436-4950. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located in the American Life Insurance Company (ALICO) Building, Cheapside, Bridgetown; telephone (246) 431-0225. Americans may register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Bridgetown and obtain updated information on travel and security in Dominica and in the region.
• c.. For US CITIZENS:
  • Proof of U.S. Citizenship Required, Tickets and Documents for return or onward travel, No visa required for stay up to three months, Vaccinations - None required.
  • Usually Acceptable Proofs of U.S. Citizenship: U.S. Passport - must be valid -or- Certified Copy of Birth Certificate plus Official Photo ID -or- Official U.S. Government Document verifying Citizenship

For further travel information, you can try Caribbean-search.com for information about Dominica, travel, recreation etc. Field trip transportation will be covered by the workshop, but there is a day or two where we have planned time to do independent recreation. In those cases, you will be responsible for carpooling/taxivan charges, dive/scuba charges etc. Admission to most other attractions is nominal, about 2$.

Mona at Springfield: P. O. Box 456, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica. Tel: (767) 449-1401/91224 Fax: (767) 449-2160
e-mail: springfield2@cwdom.dm

Let me know if you have any questions.

Warmly,
Gary