River Tubing on the Layou Dominica Like the Flow of Life

The gentle nudge into open waters reminds me of the birthing process.  I’m not sure if children choose to be born, but they are pushed out into this wild world without a paddle or a rubber tube. At least I had each of those on my river tubing adventure down the Layou River in Dominica.

At first, the rapids were gentle, and we were instructed to use our paddles to push ourselves off the riverbank edge or any rocks that we encountered. Like gentle parents, the guides floating along nearby carried by the same currents, gave us a sense of security. Their bright yellow shirts a beacon of safety.

The beginning was full of exhilaration and a vague kind of fear that comes from not knowing, but as I laid my head back and looked up into the canopy of trees towards the light filtering down, my body relaxed, and I embraced the elegance of the moment.

Lost like a child in the wonder of nature, and the energies offered to us by simple rainwater that has flowed for centuries down these mountains towards the Caribbean Sea, the magic of nature is inspiring. Rains created the river, bringing rich volcanic soil and tiny seeds from which forests have emerged. Nature’s workings are imperceptible to us much of the time, but the work goes on, just like our inner selves.

Changes within us are often imperceptible, we need silence to tap in and feel the shifts. We are often rewarded for listening to our inner core, tasting the beauty that comes from within the ache. Fear is not to be fooled with, but it gives enough of a grating so that we notice and then become aware of the tiny movements, the awakenings, that allow us to become, and flow into ourselves.

Midway through our journey the rapids engaged us. I kept watch for rocks protruding through the rushing water, easy to notice because curling waters are the revelation. Those who don’t pay attention may get tossed.  I noticed that too but was too far to lend a helping hand. Thankfully yellow shirt guy righted the little dingy tube that held a man who lost his sunglasses.

It felt like midlife, the rush, the crush, the loss, the bounty of beauty all mixed together in a cacophonous array of doings. And before I knew it, we were tossed into calmer waters, able again to navigate the currents with ease. A few got stuck in the swirl by the river’s edge, but playing bumper cars on the Layou River created echoes of laughter. The trees bowed to join in, parting at a widening to reveal azure skies with the sun overhead beaming its amusement.

Another swell of rapids and a fish jumped into a dingy, some mild screams of surprise and delight from both the fish and my daughter before it was released back into the river. The unexpected can devastate or delight depending on our attention to it.

And then for the last two kilometers the river had lost its swell and the water calmed almost to a standstill. Those imperceptible happenings continuing beneath the glassy surface. The guides towing us along towards the exit point. Just like old age, the helping hand needed to complete the journey, accepted with gratitude for the ride and all that was endured and enjoyed.

In safe hands, I closed my eyes, deeply inhaling the scent of the river and the forests alongside, that had entered my bones. The droplets glistening on my skin only a small clue to the joy that the Layou had filled me with. I knew this moment would stay with me. Here it still is, part of my soul.  Can you feel it too?

If You Go:

The Layou River is the longest river in Dominica, beginning inland and flowing westward to the Caribbean Sea.

Dominica is not to be confused with the Dominican Republic. These are two very distinct Caribbean countries.

Its capital city is Roseau and is quite busy, though the people are very friendly and helpful.

Dominica is known as the Nature Island for its lush rainforests, mountains, and many waterfalls and rivers.

It is a volcanic island with many active features including hot springs and sulphur vents.

Dominica is 750 square kilometers and is the northern most of the Windward Islands.

Pronounce it Dom-in-nee-kah to sound like a tourist who knows something.

For the River Tubing Adventure, you can book with Wacky Rollers. These are the yellow shirt guys. And they do a phenomenal job. There are many of them on the journey with you, ensuring your safety and a whole lot of fun. Find them here http://wackyrollers.com/tubing.htm

No phones or any loose items to be taken along on the adventure, for obvious reasons. So, sadly no images of the river tubing itself, just these ones I captured after.

And no, it is not at all treacherous. It is much like life, full of wonder, joy, some rocky moments, but all great fun! It all depends on your outlook.

Let me know if you go. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Now tell me, how has life been flowing for you lately? Hopefully you’re not in the rapids stage.