Day 10 27th April


We may have thought that today was a day of rest at the beach and all but our driver has other plans.

He has teed up a visit to an area where the Boab tree and Spikey Forest  are in a conservation area that is near to where we are staying.
We have known about the Spikey Forest and were keen to see it and there is another huge park just off the highway but we didn’t have time to see it as we were driving through so this is a bit of a bonus.
There are many species of these strange looking plants and 95% of them are endemic to Madagascar. 
Most just look like really strange cacti.









The park is also home to the oldest Boab tree in Madagascar, well over 200 years old.
Stuart was happy to show his love for the grandma of all Boabs by climbing her.!



We also visited the Village de Torturs.
A rescue area for turtles that have been confiscated at airports as humans choose to smuggle them.
Apparently having turtles in your house fends of witch craft and their urine cures asthma……






Transport to these place was by Zebu cart, now normally I would not do this to the poor zebu but I was assured that they don’t normally transport tourists.
They are working Zebu and we were just another load!

Back home for a little bit and out for an afternoon on the water.
We had organised a spot of snorkelling but with the big waves and the winds it was all I could do to stay in the boat.
 I can’t say it was my favourite activity but then again I’ve never been in a sailing boat on the Indian Ocean before.





Sundowners tonight were on our verandah.
Absolutely stunning.







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