Parking Signs Farm
Parking Signs Farm
A Glimpse at Aruba's Arikok Park
Of Aruba's many activities, a tour of Arikok Park may be the most unique. From sand dunes and cacti within the park's desert interior to the limestone cliffs and hidden coves on the Caribbean shore, Arikok Park offers as much ecological diversity as any place you'll ever visit. Unique historic sites within the park's boundaries shed light on Aruba's agricultural and mining past. Arikok Park is also home to numerous unique species, supported by the microclimates of the park's geography. Several types of snakes, lizards and birds native to the park are found nowhere else on earth. With nearly 20% of the island devoted to this one-of-a-kind preserve, nature lovers won't be disappointed by this Caribbean treasure.
Arikok Park is simple to explore as the trails are well marked and informative signs and displays are placed along many routes. For a little extra direction, the park office offers a very detailed guidebook worth your investment if you plan to spend much time here. Try to arrive early in the morning, as the birds and animals are most active just after sunrise. It is also recommended that you pack food, water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.
Our first stop inside the park's boundaries is the farm known as Cunucu Arikok, an attraction recalling Aruba's agricultural history. Walking paths wind through natural vegetation and wildlife - land formerly used to grow beans, corn and peanuts. The adobe farmhouse has rarely-seen cactus roof beams, while cacti hedges still stand guard for the farmland. Additionally, several fine examples of Amerindian drawing exist on the rocks above the farm.
The Prins Plantation was the site of a coconut farm until the 1960s. Walking through the trails of the Prins Plantation, one will come upon a captivating ocean cove and plenty of wildlife. For a bit of history on Aruba's aloe cultivation, visit the Masiduri, a unique garden complex featuring a wealth of eucalyptus trees and informative exhibits on the aloe industry. Miralamar, an abandoned group of gold mines and trenches, is another interesting location to explore.
Nearing the coastline, the vegetation and landscape change dramatically. On the beaches of the rocky northern coast, where the sea meets imposing limestone formations, you will see crabs darting across pristine stretches of sand and giant birds floating above the water. The beach of Boca Prins is a popular site to watch the hatching of baby sea turtles, while Fuente possesses the cinematic grandeur of crashing waves. For picnics and sunbathing, Dos Playa is the best option inside Arikok Park, though swimming is usually too dangerous. Here you will also find the only eating establishment inside the park, serving excellent local cuisine and fresh seafood.
Hiding on the coast northwest of Dos Playa, the Natural Pool - known to locals as Cura di Tortuga - is sheltered from the waves of the Caribbean by rock formations. It is believed that the pool once held sea turtles waiting to be sold ('tortuga' means turtle in the indigenous Papiamento language). Today, the pool serves as an exotic swimming hole for those lucky enough to discover it.
Just a short walk from Boca Prins lays the Fontein Cave, the most visited cave of Aruba's northern coast. The walls of this cave are covered in Amerindian drawings and markings of early European colonizers. For your inner spelunker, the bizarrely-shaped stalagmites and stalactites are sure to impress. Just south of the Fontein Cave is the Hofi Fontein, or Fountain Garden, site of the only freshwater spring on Aruba's northern coast. The site also features a charming museum with plant and animal displays, always staffed by friendly park rangers.
With two large chambers opening to the Caribbean sky, the Quadirikiri Cave allows visitors to explore its cavern without flashlights. Local myth has a strange explanation for the cave's ceiling: it is said that the fiery daughter of a prominent Indian chief became trapped in the cave with her scorned suitor. In death, the spirits of the young couple burst through the top of the cave to heaven.
Also located on Aruba's northern coast, the Baranca Sunu Cave, also known as the Tunnel of Love for its heart-shaped opening, is rumored to have been popular hiding place for pirates and their treasures. Though the stories haven't been validated, the cave certainly possesses an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. When you leave the caves and Arikok Park, consider following the coastal road to San Nicolas, a charming town with plenty of new activities for you and your family.
About the Author
Information on raspberry seeds can be found at the Raspberry Facts site.
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8 Ways Not to Get Eaten by a Crocodile in the Nt Waterways
Want to see crocodiles in their natural habitat, but do not want to get eaten? Saltwater crocodiles are the world's largest reptile. An average length and weight of the males is five metres(15 feet)and 450 kilos. Females are smaller, about three metres in length and weigh up to 150 kilos. For tips on staying safe from crocodiles, read further.
1. KEEP OUT OF THE WATER.
Staying away from the waterways, lagoons, billabongs and creeks is the best way to ensure that you will never get eaten by a saltwater crocodile. However, this is not really the answer that people want to hear. But if you are in crocodile country stay at least five metres away from the water. Although on land they can produce a sudden burst of speed to catch unwary prey. You will not get away.
2. TAKE HEED OF THE 'BEWARE OF CROCODILE' SIGNS
The National Park Rangers have placed these signs up where there are known crocodile sightings. If there is no sign at a waterhole, it does not mean that there will not be a crocodile. These animals can travel long distances overland and along waterways, especially during the wet season. They can, and sometimes do, move hundreds of kilometres upstream in freshwater to spend their whole lives in freshwater lagoons, waterholes and swamps.
3. TALK TO THE LOCALS
The locals have insight and knowledge of the crocodile habits in the areas. These people are the ones who have seen crocodiles in their local area and have a good idea of their sizes. Unfortunately, some of the locals have become blasé about the 'safe' swimming holes, and a few have come to grief.
There has been no culling of crocodiles in the Northern Territory areas since 1971. Saltwater crocodiles are coming into fresh waterways in the wet seasons, often travelling long distances overland, where they have never been before when these adults were children.
4. FISH IN A BIGGER BOAT
Go out fishing in a boat bigger than any known large sized crocodile in the area. Crocodiles have attacked small fishing boats and can easily overturn them, with the fisherman in it.
5. FISH WITH AN EXPERIENCED TOUR OPERATOR
Preferably go out fishing with an experienced fishing charter captain. There are always fishing charters available and these boats are large and safe.
6. NEVER TORMENT OR TEASE A CROCODILE
It is extremely dangerous to throw sticks or stones at a crocodile. This will make them angry enough to come after you. The crocodile may look like it is sunning itself quietly on the riverbank, and to be asleep. However, when it moves, it will be surprisingly fast. Keep well away from it.
7. NEVER KEEP VISITING THE SAME SPOT
Crocodiles are a creature of habit and will watch to see if you are, too. They will watch you for a few days or more, biding their time to attack. Camping by the waterside is inviting danger. They have been known to drag a man out of a tent during the night.
8. NEVER LET YOUR DOG SWIM IN THE WATER
Always keep your dog out of the water as crocodiles are quick to move in for the kill. The dog's barking on the riverbank will attract crocodiles very fast. Dogs have as little chance of escape as people do against a hungry or territorial crocodile.
If you abide by these suggestions, and always use commonsense, your holiday visit to Darwin or any other coastal parts of the Northern Territory in Australia will be quite safe and very enjoyable. There are several really good water leisure centres for safe swimming and excellent crocodile farms and parks to view crocodiles.
About the Author
Patricia Lilly holds a Diploma of Hospitality and has worked in the tourism industry for many years. Patricia is travelling around Australia, and as she is now in the Northern Territory, can pass her knowledge of this area on to you. Make a safe and secure holiday booking with Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia. All bookings and information are Free!
thanks for this informative article, this information was really useful.