St. Lucia - Home of the Hippos

March 19, 2017

A rainy morning to set off for St. Lucia. This wetlands sanctuary is a protected area for many types of birds and hippos. We took a river cruise to see the pods of hippos up close. These territorial animals have killed many humans. The ones in this river are used to the boats, but if you fell in you would not survive. They can run on the bottom of the river at a speed of 20km/hour. Pods of hippos stay together in one section of the river. They will stay clear of other areas of the river which belong to other pods. We were lucky to see a few open their mouths and expose their enormous bottom teeth. Hippos typically stay in the water during the day, but will wander to shore at night to feed. Hence the well signed streets and campground at St. Lucia.

These animals are massive. Short legs, but powerful jaws and huge bodies. The size of the footprints we saw in the mud was intimidating.

This lazy croc was lounging by the shore. Hippos and crocs seem to be a compatible combination.

This water monitor was hard to spot. Lucky someone on the boat had a good eye.

We found internet at a restaurant and drank coffee and milkshakes to be able to reconnect with home. We decided we liked the Bushlands camp too much and wanted to head back for the night. No need to worry about hippos in the campground!

We were warned about elephants that roam here. They are not used to people and need a wide berth.

This sign was outside the campground. I don't think the handrails would be our biggest concern!

Sleeping in a tent does not seem like a good idea in this neighborhood.

These are the largest avocados I have ever seen. We bought a bag, but will have to wait for them to ripen. One will be a meal.