Of course you have to get out and enjoy Grenada. You jump in one of the many privately owned, efficient and fantastically frequent maxi taxis that have different routes around the island, designated by a number on the front screen.

We were heading to Mt Carmel Waterfalls, which we read about in a book called “Ready to get wet? Our top 10 hikes of the Caribbean” written by Mike from zero to cruising and available on their web site zerotocruising . We had to jump the No 1 van from Prickly Bay to St George and then the Number 2 towards Grenville.

These guys beep at you to let you know they are coming, a hand waves out the window to see if you want to jump aboard as they scream by and if you blink they screech to a halt and back up a block to load you in. Sometimes the conductor jumps out of the van and stands in the middle of the road with arms outstretched not understanding why you are walking and not jumping aboard. A quick wave and they are off. If you do take up the offer you squeeze into a spot in the taxi seated for 15ish and you are on your way with loud dance and reggae tunes to help the driver and you enjoy the trip. If you pay a little extra EC$ you can even get door to door service.

At one point on our trip to Grenville there were 18 of us in the van. Amazing to watch the dynamics of moving people around to accomodate each passenger and ensure you get everyone in. When you want out you tap on the side of the van or push a button and before you know it you screech to a halt, you are out and they are ready to fill your spot. Awesome.

About 1.5 hours later we arrived at the stop for Mt Carmel waterfalls.

It was a pretty easy 15 minute hike along a dirt trail to the waterfall. Akeem also joined us along the track explaining a little about the area. It was quite refreshing standing under the falls and having a quick shower.

We then wandered back along the track and took another path to Basse Falls where the local kids were sliding down the rocks into the pool at the bottom. The kids made it look like fun but their ripped shorts showed what the rocks can do and I don’t think it would be a gentle massage on your skin! 

We swam in the pool and enjoyed lunch before getting back in a van to head back home to get ready to go out for Fish Fry-day with Shademan.