The Caribbean: A Cure for the Ho-Hum Hiker’s Blues (Part 1)
**The following article is part one of a two-part series. Part two, to be published March 17th, will offer hiking information on Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Saba, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Vincent, and St. John.
Have your hiking haunts become ho-hum? Are your typical trails becoming tired and tedious? Then it's time for a change of pace and scenery. The Caribbean is an explorer's Eden with everything from challenging treks up volcanic slopes to peaceful strolls amidst tropical rainforests. With a seemingly endless selection of destinations as well as a wide array of unique topography to suite all skill levels, the Caribbean is the perfect elixir for a case of the ho-hum hiker's blues.
Antigua
The rainforest of Antigua provides not only a breathtaking glimpse of nature and wildlife, but it offers a lesson in military history as well. With several of its trails culminating in military fortifications, Antigua is the history buff's dream.
Historical and Archaeological Society, P.O. Box 103, St. John's, Antigua, 462-1469
The Historical and Archaeological Society arranges free hikes on common trails such as the challenging climb up Monk's Hill to Fort George or the trek to Deep Bay's Fort Barrington.
Mac's Tracks, P.O. Box 107, St. John's, Antigua, 462-0132
Mac's Tracks offers laid-back, inexpensive explorations to Boggy Peak, Mount McNish, Monterose Hill, and just about anywhere that catches the eye.
Tropikelly Trails, P.O. W1922, St. John's, Antigua, (268) 461-0383
Offering a variety of tours to places such as Body Pond, Boggy Peak, and the Claremont Estate, Tropikelly Trails is a well-organized, fully insured operator providing affordable and entertaining hikes.
Aruba
For a true taste of the unusual, try cave hiking in Aruba. Fontein, Guadirikiri, and Huliba caves offer enormous chambers, snake-like tunnels, and the perfect change of pace. Independent cave exploration is free, and helmet and torch rental are available near most entrances.
For a less confined journey, Aruba's Arikok National Park also provides well-marked trails as well as unique scenic beauty, wonderful flora and fauna, and historic and culturally significant sights. Visit http://www.arubanationalparks.com for a myriad of details on this park and its further development.
Barbados
The Barbados National Trust (426-2421) organizes some of the island's best hikes. Their most popular jaunts include the 6 a.m. Sunday hike to the Scotland District, the Chalky Mountain climb, and various treks covering everything from cane fields to coastal shoreline. The old railroad track between Bathsheba and Bath is another easy favorite. Maps are available at the museum, the airport, and public buildings in Bridgetown, or contact the National Sports Council (436-6127) for further information.
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