2 December Chocolate, nutmeg and cloud forests..

..and more rain today as we continue our Around Grenada in 7 Days on a bike adventure.

Today we focused on being tourists. Yesterday was for Jackster, today is for Jacqui Jackster.

The west coast road dips and sways through the villages and towns often with rock cliffs on our right and occasionally on new tarmac. We found that once we're cleared St Georges traffic became sparse and we could enjoy the ride though going past the garbage dump was somewhat odoriferous.

The fishing town of Gouyave used to have a food market specialising in fish every Friday night. You used to be able to tour the nutmeg factory. Fish Friday is suspended but I was able to press my nose to the door of the nutmeg processing plant and smell the perfume.

Jouvay chocolate

harbours of St George

The Jouvay chocolate factory shop further up the road was open for tastings and purchases. This one is a cooperative allowing growers to participate in the profits. After tasting we had to shelter for half an hour as the rain came down.

riding through the forest

We took the slow scenic route home cutting across the island on a road that took us up into the cloud forest – more rain and nowhere to hide so we had an impromptu shower. We saw very few cars, few people and the smells coming from the forest were heavenly.

We'd miscalculated on the abundance of petrol stations and the last twenty miles were on fumes – struggling up the hills and free-wheeling down the other side hoping not to have to get off and push. We made it before the tank ran dry.

Last call of the afternoon was a ride up to Forts Frederick and Matthew sited on the ridge above St Georges with magnificent views over the prison to the twin harbours below.

view from 360 degree restaurant

Fort St Matthew