Rio de aqua dulce va para la playa. "Sweet water that goes to the beach." Dominicans call fresh water sweet water. In this picture a fresh water river is flowing along side the ocean. What a great picture!!!

A fresh water lagoon next to the sea has a beautifully painted boat. This is the type of boat Dominican Fishermen use to enter the sea and catch their daily keep.

A great shot from beneath the palms looking toward the sea. If you look closely you can see the horizon on the left side of the picture. What a beautiful day to enjoy the landscape.

Rich green fields cover this mountain side. It is hard to tell that this particular landscape is part of the Dominican Republic. It could easily be located in just about any Western US state.

Yes, that is cactus! Most people do not know that the Dominican Republic is also home to a desert. The south western side of the country has a very large desert. There are stretches of landscape that could easily be mistaken for parts of Africa.

Dominican Republic or southern Africa was what I thought when I saw this area. Yes, it is in the Dominican Republic. Most people have no idea that there is a huge arid part of the country.

On the way from Santo Domingo to Santiago you will pass these fields. They are the rice fields of the Dominican Republic. I understand these fields look very similar to rice fields in the pacific rim. I cant say first hand but this swampy looking area is home to some beautiful land cultivated by rice farmers.

Red and white flowers partially block the view over this green field. In the background you can see the mountains of the Dominican Republic.

A look down from the mountains to the sea. Here you can see the view from one of the rest stops on the way from Santo Domingo to Haiti. It is an amazing view of the ocean. If you look in the distance you can see the land on the other side of the bay. What a breath taking view.

If you ever venture to the far side of Lago Enriquillo you will see this spot. It is wide open with small bushes, but very dry.

On the Northern side of Lago Enriquillo the lake has raised far enough to over take land that used to be farm land. In this picture you can see where the salt water has over taken a field where just a few years ago cattle were raised.

The side of Lago Enriquillo where the mountain is. These beautiful cactus are right in front of the Taino carvings you can see on the other page. This lake has crocodiles so do not let the beautiful water trick you. It is not safe to swim in this lake.

On the south side of the island there are places where the mountains rise almost directly out of the sea. In this picture you can see the mountains in the background and the beautiful winter flowers in the foreground.

The silver lining of the clouds.

Looking down off of the mountains to the sea. This picture is taken just sound of Barahona on the way to Bajia de los aguilas. When the clouds are such that they black the sun, yet let it show through you are sure to have great pictures!

Palm Trees close to the sea.

A fishing boat waiting for nightfall. This boat is ready to go at first light.

Increable!

Platanos. This picture shows the different stages of a platain plantation. On the right you can see the newest trees. To the left you can see the mature trees. Plantain trees only grow one bunch of platanos. Once they have produced their fruit they have to be cut down and a new tree replanted.

Another fresh water river headed toward the sea. You can see the ocean far in the background.

In the center of the country there are many areas that make their entire income from growing vegetables. In this picture you can see egg plant bushes.

A picture overlooking fields in La Vega.

Sugar cane has been one of the largest exports of the Dominican Republic for many years. This picture shows sugar cane fields just outside of San Cristobal, which is close to the capital.