Most of the falls suggest you go with a local guide, because they require crossing rivers and some "bouldering." My young guide Nathan is demonstrating the "Tarzan vines" hanging from the trees.

The hike to Middleham Falls was about an hour each way through beautiful, lush rainforest. This is the second highest waterfall in Dominica, and highest "accessible" waterfall. (The actual highest has no access.)

It was so tall that I could not capture the entire waterfall in one frame...

The pool at the base of the spectacular Middleham Falls.

Nathan suggests we go "swim Ti Tou Gorge" to cool off from the hike...Okay, I say!

The entrance to the gorge is very shallow, but quickly drops off over my head.

The name TiTou Gorge means "little throat hole" in Creole. The water is very cold and swift, making photography quite a challenge! bv

One swims up the gorge toward the forceful waterfall, then floats back down with ease.

I decide to head to Champagne Beach for a little snorkeling and swimming on the clear blue sky day.

Parrot Fish

Champagne Beach is not a famous snorkeling spot for its fish life and coral, but rather for the underwater fumaroles from the volcano which give a bubbly effect.