Last Thursday we drove the 400 bends back to the coast from Cilaos, and as might be expected met a bus on a hairpin bend. We drove east along the coast to checkout the lava flows. The last major eruption of Piton de la Fournaise had been 18 months before in May 2007, when the lava had crossed the highway and increased the area of Reunion by 47 Ha. The road has been repaired, but the lava is still steaming/ smoking and there were notices warning against walking on it.
We retraced our steps and turned inland towards the Plaine des Cafres and the town of Bourg Murat where we stayed. It is surrounded by undulating country where cattle graze. It just does not look like a tropical island!
On Friday morning we set off towards the volcano, Piton de la Fournaise and soon left the grassy plain behind and came first to a cryptomeria forest and then onto stony plains. After climbing higher we descended onto the Martian landscape of the Plaine des Sables. From the Pas de Bellecombe there is a view over the outer crater with several small scoria cones
On Saturday, for a change there was no mist and we could see the Plaine des Palmistes, but not many palms as apparently they have been eaten in Palm Heart Salads!
Our Saturday stop was in Hell Bourg in the Cirque de Salazie, As you can imagine, the narrow steep streets make parking difficult, but there are spectacular views and lovely gardens.
Sunday was our last day on Reunion and we meandered back along the coast to St Denis, the capital. Sunday was a good day to visit as parking was easy and we walked around and inspected the colonial buildings.
This will be the last post for sometime, as I am still planning our next excursion. I hope you have enjoyed reading my Blog as much as I have enjoyed writing it.
Looking down to the coast from the Cilaos road.
Fruit of the pandanus palm
2007 lava flow.
Already plants are recolonising the 2005 lava flow.
2004 lava flow and the plants are feet high.
Plaine des Cafres
Cattle grazing near Bourg Murat
Just a bit further along the road and the scenery has changed dramatically as we get nearer to the volcano.
Hairpin bends as the road descends to the Plaine des Sables
Walking along thr rim of the outer crater of Piton de la Fournaise.
This scoria cone from about 1753 is known as Formica Leo
Vallee de les Rivieres de les Remparts
Forest of Bebour et Belouve. Note the giant tree ferns called fanjans
Wild fuschias in the Forest of Bebour et Belouve
Folio House, a lovely old Creole house in Hell Bourg. It is surrounded by a lush chaotic garden with all sorts of plants.
Anthurium in the garden at Folio house.
Patchwork in Folio House.
A Hindu temple at St Andre. I particularly liked the Dodos on the gateposts.
Niagara Falls at Ste Suzanne
The former Hotel de Ville (Town Hall) in St Denis.
Classy street lamps in St Denis
Bourbon is the beer of Reunion, but it has appropriated from Mauritius the Dodo for its ads.
An inviting bar on the beach at St Denis.
Sunday barbeque on the beach Reunion style.
Roland Garros Airport is tucked in between the mountains and the sea.
Some beautiful shots here Kate, good stuff! Have enjoyed following your blog and hope there'll be more to come eventually. Cheers, Barb Waters
ReplyDeleteThat blue sky is to die for, the buildings remind me of the architecture in New Orleans.
ReplyDeleteCheers Jenni S
Often the blue sky was obscured by mists. It was an incentive to get up early!
ReplyDeleteKate
It has been very interesting reading about your travels, great photos too. Where is your next trip going to be?
ReplyDeleteJenny from NZ
What can I say but, "Wow"?
ReplyDelete