Along the east cost

It was raining heavily in the morning, but our host Christoff assured us that it would be fine weather if we went a little north. His view was that it is impossible to predict the weather here as the various parts of the island could have vastly different weather on the same day.

Somewhat apprehensively we drove north and within 20 Kms the weather changed. We decided therefore to do the 3 hr walk around Le Grand Etang. Etang means small lake, so Grang Etang means large small lake...go figure!

The lake is at 530 m and surrounded by cliffs rising about 500m. It is quite a spectacular backdrop and supports a range of endemic plant life.

This is the initial view of the lake.

We have never seen so many frogs. They are everywhere and you have to be careful not to tread on them as you walk on the trail around the lake. There were 2 distinct types to the layman.

Also the bird life was plentiful and seemed quite un afraid. The most plentiful were the tec tec, or stonechats, both male (first) and female.

We also saw the a Reunion harrier, the only bird of prey on the island.

The flora was quite varied also, quite lush and colourful in places with many endemic species.

The big feature however were the falls at the head of the valley

The northern shore was more open, but still lovely walking

After the walk it was a visit to the Vanilla Cooperative at Bras Panon. A 1 1/2 hour tour getting full insights into vanilla production on the island. 

From growing and artificially pollinating...

To harvesting, quick boiling to stop maturation, to hot fermenting, drying, cool fermentation, sorting, and packing. A very long labour intensive process.

After a quick bite it was off to the spectacular Tanamaka Valley.

Also came across a golden orb spider, pretty fearsome looking and not quite the same as we see in Australia.

Then it was back to Matilona guesthouse for another awesome dinner prepared by Christoff and his team.