November 25th – We’ve all gone to look for America



We packed our PBJs and lots of water and headed up the North Shore Road (Kaya Gob N. Debrot) and then across the island through Rincon and on to find our destination of the day.

The story goes that a portion of Bonaire was once owned by a pair of brothers who called the area America. Looking on your Bonaire map you’ll notice that several areas are named after countries, Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico, Angola, etc. The center of the America plantation was the headquarters or capitol of the plantation business, therefore it was called Washington and Slagbaai means plantation.



There are 2 routes through the park the yellow route (longer ~ 2.5 hours) and the green route (shorter ~ 1.5 hours). We did the short route previously and were encouraged by the ranger to take the longer route as it was more scenic. WARNING – the road is rough, it is really hot and is not for the windshield tourist (those who view everything from the car.) You’ll get a lot more out if it if you happen to have a natural interest in geology or wildlife. Also note that the times are if you never stop and get out of your car, which I like to do at every opportunity. The roads are marked well enough

We skipped the first 2 side roads so we would make some time and possibly get to Boka Slagbaai in time for a quick snorkel. Our first stop was Seru Grandi a double decker sandwich of geological history. Each was caused by dramatic changes in the ocean level and we’re probably once the shoreline of a much smaller Bonaire. You can also see this effect in the North Shore Road above. The tiny spec is me. Speaking of tiny specs, there were millions (I’m not exaggerating) of tiny shells that were strewn everywhere. Also you could see a number fossilized right in the ground. Next on the right was Suplado, the blow-hole, and what a wonderful sound it makes. My wife and I have been recording vacation audio narrations for her sisters in New Orleans and this is the kind of sound that really makes them interesting, a deep rich grumble followed by a wild whooshing sound that pops from under the rocks as it’s squeezed through the hole.

Next we see Seru Bentana “window” which is a beautiful landmark and near by Boka Koklishi are the ruins of what I think was an old lighthouse, but I’m not positive. At these ruins there are some of the most aggressive Iguana and Lizards on the Island and they took Emi by surprise. I think they’ve been fed before.




We’ve now traveled to Malmok and I thought the last ¼ mile was going to jar my teeth out. This is the most northern point on Bonaire. The ruins are from a lighthouse and a research center according to the park map. Boy the water is rough here; I can’t imagine swimming or snorkeling in some of the areas south of here, although people do and of course they dive here too.



Not surprising it gets calmer as you go down the western side until you reach Boka Slagbaai where we originally thought we would snorkel. However it was getting late, the water was warm, but we decided it would wait for another trip along with dozens of other spots we never stopped or ventured too in our day in the park.



I had to stop on the way home and get one more shot of one of the finer country clubs on the island.


I would like to humbly apologize for all the lizard carnage that I personally caused driving to and from the park. While I did make an significant effort, I’m sure not all made it home alive.

Note: Emi and I got our slides back today and unfortunately a couple of them were some very lovely pictures from some train yard. I’m hoping that we will some how get our missing underwater and day trip shots back, but I’m not holding my breath. Fortunately we take lots (obviously) of shots. This is one of the only problems either of us has experienced in photo processing in number of years.

Next thread, Bonaire Talkers Dinner!

Snork, and Emi....best one yet! Your pictures are lovely....we go to Bonaire twice a year and have never seen some of the above places! We went on the long road through the park our first trip...and decided (Steve decided!..windsheild tourist..love that one!) it was too bumpy.....can you imagine going on that road without a truck!...Can't wait for your next chapter....(sorry to hear about your pictures....train yard pictures?)

Well done, Snork....keep after the missing slides. Train yard photos...hmmmm, hopefully no one took them for "unfriendly" purposes. LOL. Wonderful narrations and pics. I am the same way with photos....until I have been to the same place at least five to ten times, I "live" or experience my trips thru the lens of my cameras....drives my other half nuts some times, but he is a sport and lugs all of the equipment around for me each trip. Thanks again. Carole (Shutterbug)

Thx Scott!
It's getting even better. We had almost the same experience in the Parc. Followed the same route, made almost the same stops (we did stop on the first side road though), also planned 2 snorkel at Boka Slagbaai and arrived 2 late 2 make it happen. I'm afraid we were also responsible 4 some roadkills
I will read the BT-Dinner-chapter now....

That Malmok shot is breathtaking, Scott.

Jake

Meryl, The train yard shots were somebody else’s vacation shots. It look like historic steam engines and cars, possibly from Europe, or at least by a European manufacture.

Carole, I’m extremely lucky that my other half is as big a photo nut as I am, however were on the opposite ends of the Canon vs. Nikon debate. (actually I’d dump my Canon outfit for Nikon any day, but I already have too much invested). As a matter of fact Emi took some of the shots on each of these reports.

Igor, It drove me crazy running over those guys, but at least I missed a few.

Jake, thanks, actually this was one of my favorite spots. I shot quite a few pictures there and I really liked several of them, truly a dramatic spot. I’m going to put a more extensive collection on my web site once I finish redoing what’s already up there (seriously neglected right now and way out of date), and the holidays are passed. I’ll be sure to post a link when I’m done in case you’re interested.

What an incredible job you are doing and all your pictures are simply gorgeous!!!!

Great report Scott. I agree with Meryl, it's the best one yet. The pictures are just breathtaking.

Scot,
The pictures you guys took are incredible. I'm really enjoying your report.
Ida

Scott
I haven,t been on that long track in a few years, but if I recall correctly "Seru Bentana",as its name implies is actually a window in the mountain. I think that I remember finding a spot where could look through a hole in the "mountain".
Does that ring a bell with anyone else?
Mickey

Scott
I haven,t been on that long track in a few years, but if I recall correctly "Seru Bentana",as its name implies is actually a window in the mountain. I think that I remember finding a spot where could look through a hole in the "mountain".
Does that ring a bell with anyone else?
Mickey

It sure does Mickey, and I erroneously omitted the shot. Coincidentally I had a shot through a window in the same section. I’ll post the missing picture when I get home tonight.

It actually gave me a good chuckle.

Here we go Mickey, and an extra one to boot.

This is "Seru Bentana"

Scott & Emi, Awesome shots and narration...you guys could be tour directors. Once again THANK YOU. Debbie