Angel Falls, Gasparee this weekend

The walk up the steep concrete road leads to a WASA pump, where a trail on the right ascends to the crest. The track passes through estate cocoa land, which, before the construction of the North Coast Road was a popular route to transport agricultural produce from Maracas and Las Cuevas. At the top of the watershed there is a landmark Iron Cross where a hermit woman named Sister Beatrice once lived. Several trails lead to various destinations, and the Las Cuevas Valley is visible in the distance. From the crest, the trail descends north-easterly and then diverts to the right along a hidden pathway to the entrance to the falls. From the waterfall, a downhill walk ends at Zorro Trace on the North Coast Road, where the maxi taxi will be waiting to pick up hikers for the return trip.

The Gasparee Cave is situated at Point Baleine on the northwestern end of Gaspar Grande Island. What makes the cave, so appealing is the unique translucent blue pond, which has a depth of ten to 20 feet. Seawater emerges into the cave through an underground source to form a natural clear water pool.

The island’s geological features consist of sedimentary rocks of limestone formed under the sea from a composition of coral, oolites, seashells and other marine creatures. The cave originated from water deposits of carbon dioxide, which dissolved the limestone into crystals of calcium carbonate. Over time, the accumulations of crystals created stalagmites, which extend upward from the cave floor, and stalactites, which extend downward from the roof.

The Chaguaramas Development Authority (CDA) manages the cave and conducts daily tours to the island. Its tour guides will be part of this Sunday’s tour of the cave. After the tour, the group will sail to Monas Island to spend the day relaxing at Biscayen Bay.

Assembly for Angel Falls: 7 am Corner of Abercromby Street and Eastern Main Road, St Joseph (next to St Joseph mosque) Rating : 5 (moderately challenging) Note: Return by maxi taxi Assembly for Gasparee Cave: 7 am at KFC car park, West Mall.

Depart by 7.45 am to Salt Factory Road.

Boat return from Monas Island begins: 2 pm.

What to bring: one bottle of water, two drinks, a hat for sunshade, sandwiches, snacks, medication, etc.

Rating: 2 easy For more info visit www.islandhikers.com