Early wake up again due to usual suspects. I don’t mind, it’s another sunny day and I am on holidays. I felt energetic, an active day was on the cards. There are a few options. Hiking up ‘Lion Mountain’ and/or cycling north east , towards ‘Troux d’aux douce’, hole of sweet water! That sounds inviting, best combine the two. After a seat and brakes adjustment, I set off again with the mountain bike and cycled north east along the ocean shores. It is a busy and the only road up north from Mahebourg.

‘Lion Mountain’ is easily spotted over the Mahebourg Bay. Eventually I found the exit track towards the mountain of the main road. I followed the track right through cane fields.

I hid my bike within the cane fields and and followed the hiking trail towards the Forrest edge. I hiked up some steep slippery sections as one expected, passing through native forest and banana trees.

The view from the top was fantastic, showing the clear ocean shores and the protective reef around this part of the island. Wow. It was calm and tranquil with just a slight breeze blowing. Perfect conditions. I chilled for a while, before descending down again.

I recovered my bike and cycled on further north, passing evermore fishing villages. It was a bit of déjà vu passing through each one off them. I arrived at ‘grande river south east waterfall’, so named after the river.

I hiked to the bottom of the river as it looked calm and a good place to chill. The waters were chilly, but a refreshing change from the hot sun. I thought I was alone and hiked along the river edge. On the other side of the river, a hunting party hung up a wild boar and butchered it. Intestines were dropped to the floor, good meat was cut off. I regretted my earlier dip in these waters straight away. Strange for me, not for locals it seems. A bit further down, a few women were doing their laundry in the very same river. Definitely no drinking water then. Not the tranquil waters I thought of.

I went on to my destination, ‘Trou d’aux douce’. As hard as I tried, I couldn’t find any stimulating things to do or to see. Not quite as developed as the west coast with resorts and restaurants, but not far off. Everything is catered for overseas tourism. Coffee and cake was the best part of this village. Getting a bit bored, I decided to cycle back south, same way I came. The pollution along the way was insane. For a rich tourist island, this will not do for the future.

Together with Veronique, we drove to the zoological gardens in the evening, Casela’s nature park. Not to see animals this time, but a concert was held there, first time in the zoo’s history. The ‘Mauritian Pink Floyd Tribute Band’ invited for a night under the stars to remember. And that it was. The stage was set on a hill, overlooking the bay west.

The audience wasn’t large in numbers, but heard throughout the concert. All musicians were incredible talented and passionate about Pink Floyd music.

A truly amazing atmosphere. Through intermission, Veronique found a way to the backstage by coincidence.

The musicians were happy enough for a chat. It was the first time this band combined to play officially together. Awesome effort. Watching the second half from almost behind the scenes, was an experience as well.

No one asked to see our backstage passes, as I was walking around with my OM-D camera. They probably presumed that I was part of the paparazzi pack. I didn’t mind.

What a fantastic night all together. The location, the music of one of my top favourite rock band, played almost as good as the original. The audience, and of course being there with my good friend Veronique.