By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #578) on Sunday, October 7, 2007 - 11:45 am: |
Does anyone have any info on the condition of the "Karpata shortcut", that dirt road marked by a rock with a mountain bike symbol that eliminates the need for driving the long way around back to town? I know from previous experience that the "road" is pretty funky and was just wondering if it is passable at this time in a small Hilux truck.
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By Vann Evans (BonaireTalker - Post #27) on Sunday, October 7, 2007 - 1:06 pm: |
We were in Bonaire last week and traveled the road in question. It was rough but passable as normal. we met several other vehicles on the way.
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By Natalie S (BonaireTalker - Post #87) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 10:15 am: |
We drove it a couple of weeks ago and it seemed a lot easier than it was the previous trip. The dirt road to Nukove was a lot worse!
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By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #11) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 12:13 pm: |
I'm going down on the 20th again, and did not know the road existed. Could you please help me out and tell me where it is (between what dive sites), and where it comes out? How long of a trek it is before you come back out on the paved road?
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By Scott Phillips (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #582) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 1:40 pm: |
Here's the details to the best of my memory: at Karpata, you have choice of going right or left. Go right. In less than a mile, there will be a dirt road on the right that is (was?) marked with a rock that has a bicycle painted on it. Turn right on this road. It's a bit hairy, very bumpy, especially in a very steep uphill section but has always been passable. Make sure the tailgate of your truck is up and everything is secure so it doesn't go flying out. Stay straight on this road (do not bear left near the top) and it will take you out to the main coast road near Oil Slick Leap. It is an adventure but will save you quite a bit of time compared with the long way around.
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By Vann Evans (BonaireTalker - Post #28) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 2:10 pm: |
Just a quick note to add to Scott's excellent directions--the rock marking the road is RED.
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By Jeff Stine (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #146) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 8:41 pm: |
I was there a little over a year ago and the road was fine. They paved parts of the hills if I remember right. Saves a ton of time.
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By Meryl Virga (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4972) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 10:02 pm: |
Just went over it last week, rock is red...road is bumpy in alot of areas (more than usual) once you pass the strip of poured concrete...it gets better....Hope that helps..
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1136) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 10:06 pm: |
Last May the rock was gone, but just turn left the first chance you get and you will be ok...
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By Bas Noij (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #144) on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 - 11:16 pm: |
Works a lot better if you turn right :-)
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By Mrs. Tribs - BT Bon Meet Aug 08 (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #4999) on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 5:56 am: |
That's what I was thinking Bas.
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By Roger Burnham - Blennylips Bonaire (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #143) on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 8:02 am: |
When you take the Karpata shortcut, be sure to visit Bonaire's tallest tree.
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By Ron Gould (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1139) on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 8:36 am: |
My other LEFT!! Duha!
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By Tad Jones (BonaireTalker - Post #13) on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 - 8:51 am: |
Thanks guys!
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By Daphne T Felix (BonaireTalker - Post #31) on Sunday, October 14, 2007 - 10:49 am: |
I have been driving the dirt roads of Bonaire for years. They save time, even at the lower speeds, and get me closer to the other side of the island where there aren'r many divers. The climb-in can be a challenge but the diving is great, although not for the casual diver. (currents and waves).
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