We drive along the West Coast to Portsmouth the island's
second largest town, where we take a rowboat trip up the famous Indian
River, so called after the Carib Indians who lived up river and regularly
used it as a route to the sea. The verdant vegetation along the banks
of the river is dominated by the intricately buttressed Mang tree {Pterocarpus
Officinalis}. Watch out for herons, kingfishers and iguanas. The rowboats
go to an area where the river narrows and visitors can take a walk or
go to the bush bar for a drink.
The river trip takes 1 - 1 1/2 hours
Next we visit the Cabrits National Park which is an 18th century garrison,
which is now waging war against the army of time. The garrison was abandoned
as a military post in 1854 and has gradually been taken over by the forest.
In 1982 some partial restorations were carried out on Fort Shirley the
main fort of the garrison. Ruins of some of the batteries and the Commandant's
House are still standing and are very interesting to visit.
This tour lasts for 5-6 hours
Cost 1-4 persons inclusive of the rowboat trip upon request with extra
for each additional person.
