This time a hike starting at the Visitors center in Parke Arikok.
The hike had a length of 7.6km, which is very acceptable for me, but it appeared to be a extremely difficult hike. Not because the hike went to 130m height twice with in between these to peaks a descent to sea level, but because the second dry river bed consisted of large boulders. En there was water in the normally dry river bed.
In one location it took me half an hour to find a safe climb to the higher laying part of the riverbed. An extra problem was that that part of the route was blocked by bees nests and that could find stable footing with my shoes with insufficient profile. I came almost to the decision to go back, but in the end I found a safe alternative.
But depsite the degree of difficulty a very beautiful route with nice views and interesting boulders. In Curaçao these kind of dry river beds are always overgrown by trees and bushes. But here in Aruba most of these riverbeds have hardly vegetation. Maybe the fast-flowing water quickly washes away the vegetation.
So I enjoyed this hike. And it appears that I have to study the geological history of Aruba, because the rocks are really different from the rocks in Curaçao.
A route that I only recommend for hikers with a good physical condition, extensive experience and good footwear.
In blue the track of my hike (clockwise)
The first rooi (dry river bed) is rather small
Beautiful views; view towards the seaRooi_Cacho_20221104_006.jpg
Rooi_Cacho_20221104_006
Light colored rocks and behind these beautiful rocks
Nice rock formation close to the sea
The route also runs along a bay with black sand
End point at the sea of the second rooi, which turns out to be kilometers long
Upstream through the rooi
At some places you need to climb
Fallen tree in the rooi; underneath you can pass
Substantial elevation change in the roi
Here it became really difficult
Straight ahead under the rocks is a bee's nest
Finally I succeeded; there is a lot of water in the rooi
