Red Rock Trip

We had to meet in front of the north gate of "by the shacks" at 9am for our hike to Red Rock. I really wasn't sure what we had signed up for except that Cami was going and taking her 5 kids so it would be kid friendly and we'd know someone we were with...   

The bus first took us to this look out point in Calibishie (the town's name). 

 By the road there was a man with a spread of fresh fruits. Coconuts, grapefruits and bananas. This was our first time watching someone cut a coconut with a machete. I was SO excited! 

How cool is this?!?!?

After we drank the coconut water he broke it open for us to eat the insides. 

We got a banana for Emma to enjoy back on the bus. She loved it!

As we drove we saw these fisherman out on the water. 

We also saw this contraption that is used for catching fish. Fish swim in but can't swim out. 

Not sure why this vehicle is like this. Perhaps it's getting fixed...

We got out of the bus and walked through the trees to get to Red Rock.

This man's name is Lester. He was SO good with the kids. He had them all pretending to be airplanes following him in a line to this point where he told them to sit and wait for their parents to come take pictures of them. 

It was gorgeous!! We kept getting hit with the salty mist. Soon I could hardly see out of my sunglasses. 

 Mark took these photo sphere pictures that show you more of our surroundings out on the rock. Each of the 3 shown below are a few different pictures stitched together. 

 I'm sure it was said but I didn't hear who made this doorway. It was between rocks down some steep narrow steps. Those who wanted to climbed down to take a look inside. Once a few adults got down there the kids were eager to join. I stayed up with sleeping Emma baby. 

After Red Rock we headed to the "chocolate factory".

 Kari is holding a cool pod full of seeds that is fun to shake. 

Here's that factory! The chocolate is cooking in there. 

This is where the cocoa beans sit to dry before they are cooked. 

From what I understand it's just this man and his wife that make the chocolate. I could be wrong though. They have nice chocolate bars with wrappers and they can be purchased at the grocery store. I don't know the whole process they do here. Most importantly I got to TASTE what they do here!! He let us sample lots of flavors. There was dark and milk chocolate, mint, spice (which I believe was cinnamon, nutmeg and perhaps something else) ginger (which was crunchy) and the one I found most interesting was pepper. The pepper is a little red pepper called a bird pepper. The idea of pepper in chocolate did not sound appealing to me but I'm being adventurous here and I gave it a try. I actually really liked it. The heat of it was comparable to a cinnamon bear and it was smooth. It was a very fun stop I didn't know we were going to make. Their yard or garden area was also very well kept and beautiful.  

Next stop? Lunch!! We went to a place called Poz. I wouldn't be sad to go there for an overnight get away (if that was ever possible! Ha!) They have beautiful rooms with a king size bed and bathroom. The rooms are up high overlooking... beauty!! 

Look at how inviting this pool is!! Mark was relaxing poolside. Rest while you can Mr. Wannabeadoctor. 

I climbed up the stairs as if going to one of the suites to show you coconuts in a tree!

This man was breaking rocks open to make a cool looking rock wall. I thought we took a picture of it but I guess not... It looked cool.

For lunch we had hamburgers, mahi mahi fish, coleslaw and fries. Pretty tasty stuff!! 

Our driver Marcus and "Mok" when they say Mark the letter r kind of disappears. 

Our first trip on the island was amazing and exciting!!! Loved it!!!!