October 28th

Yesterday awoke, readied and breakfast at 830. We had three kinds of bread (small baguette, croissants, and chocolate filled croissant-type); Marie's homemade jams; pineapple rings; and coffee/hot chocolate. Out and about. we decided to go first to the black sand beach before it got hotter.

We were the only ones on the beach when we arrived. We dipped ours toes in, and enjoy. so I don't think I have mentioned, around Reunion there are not, as in N-O, any allowed ocean activities!!! This means no swimming, surfering, snorkeling, or diving (unless in a cage). And this is all because of sharks – they chomp on people. The Island (or French Govt.) stopped commercial fishing, so the sharks stay year round now due to abundance of fish. (Unfortunately, this also means fresh fish is hard to find on the island to eat!) This is all amazing to Jeff and I – an island surrounded by ocean, that you can basically only look at! Anyway, more people came to the beach, and our feet had dried enough so we left.

Now we drove up to the Grand Coude. It is quite a drive up, up, up! This is the only area where French grow, harvest tea, but it is also supposed to be fantastic views. Sadly, 'Todd luck' the area is shrouded, as in completely socked in, with clouds! 🙁 We did get out and do a little hike, but the further we went – way less visibility. Supposedly we are trekking along a precipice, but couldn't really tell. We did see lots of pretty purple flowers; some birds – including a harrier, and the beautiful cardinal/fody. We also saw a small hedgehog! I almost stepped on it!!! the hedgehog is not a native animal, but was neat to see – it skittered into some sugar cane along the trail. We did not make it to the end, as no point when you can't see the views and weather looked to be turning to rain. I think we reached around 1200 meters (3937 feet) – most of which was driving to get to our 20 minute hike! Arrived back to our car and competed a little loop, driving that took us up to 1262 meters (4140 feet). And we hit rain on the way down. Anyway, headed back to our place, but first we stopped for lunch at a Halal Kebab place. They had lamb!!! We ordered one lamb kebab sandwich and frites, and a shaved lamb plate. Both where huge, but we enjoyed and positively stuffed ourselves!! Arrived back at our place and waddled up to our room. Siesta time, baby!!!

Finished day with a light picnic supper on the terrace of our room. Bed by 2130.

Today, we readied, same breakfast – except fruit was watermelon wedge! Packed and left, saying goodbye to Xavier, Marie, their two dogs and three puppies, and their turtle! (People like pet turtles here – Questions???). We did buy some homemade coffee rum they made.

We attempted to redo our hike up at the Grand Coude, and we did have a bit better of views and a further hike… but it clouded up again and really looked like rain. So we opted to head back. We never saw the Tea Plantation opened.
Now we went to Grand Bassin, after we found a rotisserie chicken tent on the side of the road. (We stopped and got a whole chicken for lunch, only ate 1/2). Arrived at The Grand Bassin parking where it was full on rain. So we did not get out and ate in our car, Pogo.

Yesterday and today have pretty much been fails for the views but we managed to see some different flora/fauna. So we headed onto our next place, a Booking.com place. We are in La Plaine-des-Palmistes. We were a bit early for check in so we went to Tourist Info place and they actually had a National Parks exhibit area. It was interesting, and spent our hour waiting time there (because it is still raining).

At three, we checked into our huge 4 bedroom place – all to ourselves!! It is located over a little, but very busy butcher/convenience store (people running store own the apartment), and has a balcony with an excellent view. Anyway, unloaded and settled in. Will be here two nights also.

Supper will be leftover chicken, and maybe cucumber, bread, and wine. Plus a very nice looking lemon tart!