Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Caribbean Islands
Reload this Page >

To Blanchisseuse Bay. A Beautiful Afternoon Drive

To Blanchisseuse Bay. A Beautiful Afternoon Drive

Old Mar 27th, 2013, 09:49 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
To Blanchisseuse Bay. A Beautiful Afternoon Drive

Just outside of Port Of Spain while navigating narrow winding roads through a few small but busy island communities, the landscape soon transforms into magnificent tropical lush green beauty.

I am on an afternoon drive on the North Coast Highway headed for Blanchisseuse Bay where I hope to do some kayaking. The surrounding landscape is amazing. On one side of the road are mountains and hills covered with all shades and shapes of greens, the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea on the other.

Approaching Maracas Bay I spot a gentleman on the side of the road collecting something that peeks my interest. He is making trips back and forth to his car with clear plastic containers.

I am told, “You see there is no one living above”. Now I understand why he is doing what he is doing and I accept his offer to partake although I do not have a plastic container.

With cupped hands, I drink cool refreshing mountain spring water straight from the source with the help of a tank and a PVC pipe.

Next it's a stop for “Trini Treats” and another spectacular view of Maracas Bay. For US$1, a bright pink coconut candy is just the way I like and remember it from my childhood. So good, so nice, grated coconut and lots of sugar. Yeah, I feel good.

Continuing the drive provides more striking views as from a seaside cliff I stop to breathe the fresh ocean air and listen to the sounds of crashing waves below me. It is times like this that I can truly appreciate the beauty of nature and having the freedom to enjoy it.

Through more quaint communities and along roads that have seen better days, I eventually arrive at Blanchisseuse Bay. Stopping along the road an elderly gentleman walking the street smiles at me and extends his hand through my car window. We exchange pleasantries and I tell him about my plans to go kayaking while visiting here. He tells me I need to go back up the street to the first white house and ask for Eric Blackman, “He's the one that rents kayaks”.

I find Eric but he is painting and preparing for the upcoming Easter weekend which is a very busy time here. I miss the chance to go kayaking but I do not mind and just head to the beach area where I pay US$1 for parking.

On a weekday afternoon the beach is practically deserted. It seems that this beach with a continuous flow of crashing waves is more for surfing and relaxing than it is for swimming. During certain times of the year Blanchisseuse Bay is also a popular turtle nesting area.

Although the beach has non-stop wave action and surf, the area to the right side seems safe enough to enter the water. Standing in waist high water on a relatively smooth ocean floor, it is fun to be trashed around by the pounding waves.

Across from where I stand is a fresh water river where kayaking can be done. This river flows into the ocean via an interesting stream. Leaving the crashing salt water waves I walk across a sand barrier between the ocean and the river. Finding the right spot I take a seat in the clear river water but hold on as it streams rapidly to its salt kin. It is a natural process to free myself of the oceans salty residue.
What does a “Leepee”, “Gootee”, red snapper and lobster all have in common?

They are all fresh on a metal ring and are hanging around the waist of a local fisherman. He has just speared them a few hundred yards of the beach. Although I think the lobsters are pretty big I am told they are small compared to the others that are caught here. It is hard for me to imagine a 20-30lb lobster.

For the drive back to Port Of Spain I take the road less traveled (by most tourist, anyway) and return via Arima. Maybe not for most but definitely rewarding for the scenery and as my college aged son and his friends would say “The XP”.


Video: http://youtu.be/kGN1ySzw7pM
DMBTraveler is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2013, 01:39 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,765
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
thanks for sharing. not many ppl from fodors go to t&t so interesting to get some info. loved your video
virginia is offline  
Old Mar 27th, 2013, 02:02 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 110
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for sharing...I'd love to visit Tobago one day. Unfortunately it's not that easy to get to for me!
dontcallmecass is offline  
Old Mar 28th, 2013, 08:55 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I don't think it's realistic to be a tourist driving in Trinidad -- I will get flak for this no doubt but kidnapping is a real danger.
jecrow is offline  
Old Mar 29th, 2013, 05:05 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm not sure about being a tourist in Trinidad either; Tobago is my limit.
Odin is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2013, 05:47 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I guess anything is a possibility anywhere. There is always some form of risk or danger to manage when you travel and I do not think anyone should get flak for pointing out the dangers in traveling to some countries.

However, I drove around Trinidad including "off the beaten path" and had no problems or hint of problems.

I may take a different approach to traveling to such destinations than others as I do so with little fear of negative outcomes. For me, it is about finding your travel comfort zone and staying in it.

While I was there heard a lot of nice things about Tobago and it definitely seems like a nice place to visit. It is cheap enough to get there, only US$50RT by air from POS
DMBTraveler is offline  
Old Oct 7th, 2015, 12:50 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So happy you were able to visit Blanchisseuse- it is one of the more unspoiled areas and the scenery is breathtaking.

As a trini, I have to say that crime is a reality, however it's more gang war fare than random acts of violence. There are areas where I wouldn't venture into even if I had the whole of the secret service escorting me; but it's like any other country- be smart, be aware.

DMBTraveler: if you enjoyed that drive, then you would enjoy Tobago.
leekb is offline  
Old Oct 7th, 2015, 08:33 PM
  #8  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 4,080
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
leekb,

We enjoyed the trip and have always wanted to go back to visit Tobago.. Now you have inspired me
DMBTraveler is offline  
Old Oct 9th, 2015, 03:30 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
DBMTraveler: I am always saddened that beautiful Tobago somehow seems a bit neglected by tourists. gorgeous beaches, many that seems almost untouched, lush scenery, good food and definitely good rum.

However, it lacks the popular all-inclusive packages- those that are available really aren't worth it. Also the hotels are, in my opinion, somewhat over-priced. there are many beautiful properties available for rent perched on hills with spectacular views of the sea.

I look forward to a trip report from you sometime in the future ��
leekb is offline  
Old Nov 6th, 2016, 05:45 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
So happy to read your wonderful road trip up the North Coast. should you ever decide to visit again you can check out this rental link.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/14416057

Would love to have you or friends visit

Take care and thanks again for that well written journey
Kimsha
Jaguarwoman is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bosboy73
Australia & the Pacific
5
Aug 6th, 2012 04:19 PM
firstlake
Australia & the Pacific
23
Jul 7th, 2012 04:33 PM
socialworker
United States
5
Jun 13th, 2011 12:28 PM
Jed
Africa & the Middle East
11
Feb 25th, 2007 03:34 PM
missjoice
Canada
5
Aug 8th, 2004 04:10 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -