desmoines airport ing because of the way they soar straight out of the Caribbean. It s possible to hike Gros Piton, th

The Eastern Nature Trail is a 5.6km/3.5m track built by the National Trust to encourage exploration of the Praslin Protected Landscape, located south of the east-coast village of Dennery. You must have a guide (EC$60/US$22 per group for up to 15 people) and pay an entrance desmoines airport fee of EC$10/US$4 per person. The winding trail follows the coastline and cuts through wild grasslands high above the Atlantic. Bring binoculars to watch the magnificent frigates, herons, and other birds that soar above the landscape, and have your camera desmoines airport ready to capture panoramic vistas of the close-by satellite islands. If you choose not to hike the entire trail, you can leave the group at exit points designated at the end of each mile. Add on to your tour by hiking the Fr gate Island Nature Reserve trail (see Short & Easy, above), which begins near the end of the Eastern Nature Trail, or taking the optional canoe trip out to Praslin Island. Tours run daily from August through April 9am to 5pm. Contact the National Trust to join a group or book a private guide, 758-452-5005.

East of Calibishie, the road turns southward and there s a striking change in the scenery. The road runs inland for a while, then emerges at dazzling Londonderry Bay where palm trees grow out of rocky cliffs that drop down to gleaming black sand beaches on the rolling Atlantic. Melville Hall, the island s main airport, and the town of Marigot are nearby.

ing because of the way they soar straight out of the Caribbean. It s possible to hike Gros Piton, the shorter desmoines airport but wider mountain, but you must have permission from the Forestry Department ( 758-450-2078 or 758-450-2231) and be accompanied by an authorized guide. It s a tough hike up steep ascents and through thick vegetation, so only experienced hikers in good condition should consider it.

Butterfly Boutique, Papillote Wilderness Retreat, Trafalgar Falls Road, about five miles north of Roseau, 767-448-2287, www.papillote. dm. You expect originality and quality in this nature setting, and Butterfly desmoines airport Boutique won t disappoint. There s a fine variety of art and crafts created by Dominican artists, including lovely mahogany sculptures by Louis Desire. Other choices include distinctive jewelry, magnificent quilts, and superb beauty products.