2023 - Travels in the Eastern Caribbean, Year 12
Trinidad: January
Starting another full year in Trinidad. My first trip in January takes me to the Yerette Hummingbird Center and to the Caroni Swamp. A great day of photography.
Yerette, The Home of the Hummingbirds
It is in the lush Maracas Valley, which is nestled in the Northern Range of the island of Trinidad. Yerettê is a hummingbird attraction and provides an opportunity for visitors to get an in-depth experience of the magic of the smallest of birds up close and personal. Visitors experience hummingbirds in their hundreds, and often in their thousands, throughout the year. Up to fifteen of the eighteen species of hummingbirds found in Trinidad and Tobago visit Yerettê, most of which can be seen during a typical visit. Their website can be found at - Yerette We visited there in the early morning and were overwelmed with the number of hummingbirds and the presentations. We stayed long enough to have a grand lunch before venturing off to the Caroni Swamp.
The Caroni Swamp
The Caroni Swamp is located a short distance south of Port of Spain, but the enviroment could not be different. The Caroni Swamp is a vast mangrove forest adjoining the gulf of Paria. it is the largest mangrove forest on the island. The Caroni Swamp runs along the banks of the Caroni River and contains numerous channels, brackish and saline lagoons with intertidal mudflats. The Caroni Swamp also contains fresh water and saltwater marshes and is also known as a bird sanctuary. The central section of the acreage is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is a major home for one of Trinidad and Tobago's national birds, the scarlet ibis. Large flocks of Scarlet Ibis come in to roost in the mangrove islands in the swamp, every evening at sunset, turning the green islands red. If you are fortunate to visit the swamp at low tide many falmagos feed in the shallows.
Trinidad: February
Once again it was time for Carnival
Carnival 2023
Carnival events occur from just after Christmas until Ash Wednesday. The last week to ten days are the most exciting. The highlight of these events is the Tuesday parade in full costumes. Group sizes range from just a few players to bands of hundreds accomptied by several lories with music and services for the band members.
Trinidad: October
One of my favorite nature trips is the trip to the Caroni swamp. The trip usually leaves the dock late in the afternoon so as to view the Scarlet Ibis returning to roost for the night.
The Caroni Swamp
The Caroni Swamp is located a short distance south of Port of Spain, but the enviroment could not be different. The Caroni Swamp is a vast mangrove forest adjoining the gulf of Paria. it is the largest mangrove forest on the island. The Caroni Swamp runs along the banks of the Caroni River and contains numerous channels, brackish and saline lagoons with intertidal mudflats. The Caroni Swamp also contains fresh water and saltwater marshes and is also known as a bird sanctuary. The central section of the acreage is designated as a wildlife sanctuary and is a major home for one of Trinidad and Tobago's national birds, the scarlet ibis. Large flocks of Scarlet Ibis come in to roost in the mangrove islands in the swamp, every evening at sunset, turning the green islands red. If you are fortunate to visit the swamp at low tide many falmagos feed in the shallows.
Trinidad: October
Later in October Jesse organized his "Tast of Trini" tour.
Jesse's Taste of Trini
Jesse's Taste of Trini tour is one of the most popular tours amoung cruisers. He begins the tour in Chaguaramas early in the morning. He heads east stopping a roadside food stands serving typical Trini street food. At first we are treated to the many breakfast options. One of my favorate is Saheena. As he approaches the East coast of Trinidad it is time for lunch. Rotis are usually on the menu. He then heads south along the east coast, stopping for some excellent fresh watermelons. The return trip follows the central mountains and includes many Indian treats.
