Descending into the Valley of Desolation

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Photo by Gayla Trail All Rights Reserved

I took this panoramic photo in Dominica as we were just beginning our descent down into the Valley of Desolation, the most incredible place I have ever been in my entire life. Worth all of the pain it brought my body.

Three hours into the hike and I was kicking myself for forgetting to bring death metal to play as our soundtrack.

It’s hard to tell by looking at this photo, but a great many of the plants here are bromeliads. I realize after the fact (with no chance to recheck) that what looks like grass covering the sides of the path might be some kind of grass-like bromeliad. I saw something similar in St. Lucia a few weeks later and it was identified as a bromeliad. All I know is that it was very useful as something to grab onto for leverage.

Gayla Trail
Gayla is a writer, photographer, and former graphic designer with a background in the Fine Arts, cultural criticism, and ecology. She is the author, photographer, and designer of best-selling books on gardening, cooking, and preserving.

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7 thoughts on “Descending into the Valley of Desolation”

  2. I’ve lived in Dominica for 20 yrs out of my 22 yrs on earth and I’ve never been there. It’s called Valley of Desolation because not many things grow there compared to the rest of what the Island has to offer

  3. Nisha: Yes, as you round the bend descending down the mountain into the valley there is a very stark change in the plantlife. But what’s amazing is just how much is growing, even next to bubbling vents and hot rivlettes.

    You must try to do the hike! It’s not easy, but absolutely worth it. I didn’t want to leave.

  4. Thanks for bringing me here today – perfect timing – seriously – I needed that! … here’s my takeaway “descent down into the Valley of Desolation, the most incredible place I have ever been in my entire life. Worth all of the pain…”

  6. Yes Gayla,

    I will plan to do that. We might move back next year. Yeahhh!!! Cant wait to be there again.. I dont mind the hikes..I love em! I was pregnant with my first son and my nausea was just coming in and I hiked to the top of Morne Trois Pitons and back.. Amazing!!! Did you try it?

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