This morning we took a walk from Shete through Rooi Fluit to the coast at Boca Keto and then back via a high hill.
The starting point of the walk is 'in the middle of nowhere'; a street/place, which is indicated as Shete; few houses and narrow streets. Parking at the start of the trail is therefore not easy. I was on my own, so there was only 1 car to park, but even that is not easy.
Then onto the trail. It has been made very impenetrable for buggies, but that also means a considerable obstacle for a hiker. In the first ten meters I almost fell twice because of loose stones on a steeply raised obstacle, but after that it got better.
After a while you will end up in the rooi. And that rooi is exactly what I expect from a rooi, nice and rough and with big boulders. Not easy to walk, but very nice to do. Just adjust your pace and pay attention to where you put your feet. And look ahead to find the easiest route.
There is still some water in the rooi and that attracts wasps. So also be careful where you put your feet so as not to disturb the wasps, because that could lead to an attack and you definitely do not want that.
The rooi becomes more and more beautiful as it approaches the sea, because the walls on both sides become higher and higher. I enjoyed it!
Arriving at the sea you have to go through a stretch of sand, in which I sank deeply. Here too the bay is divided into two parts by a large rock tableau, like at Dos Playa. But this bay is called Boca Keto (means quiet beach). Actually the sea was not calm at all.
Then the route leaves the coast behind and goes inland. First you pass a number of dunes with vegetation on them, which helps to hold the sand.
Then you have to pay close attention to how the path continues. I initially walked the wrong way, but then I quickly get a warning from my walking app that I am off the route. That was easy to correct.
The route back is less fun than the first part. One option is to go back through the rooi again. I didn't do that, but I followed the route as it was in my app. That means a long piece of gradual uphill until you arrive from sea level again at about 140 meters. A long and tiring climb. However, there are beautiful rock formations along the way and a beautiful view at the top.
All in all a trip that is definitely worth it. Something to keep in mind is that I had no mobile internet or phone connection for a large part of the route. This means that you cannot call emergency services in case of emergency.
The route I walked (counterclockwise)
One of the characteristic Divi Divi trees along the route
Strange rocks in the dry river bed
This rock is comparable to Diabase on Curacao
Rock formations next to the dry river bed
Lots of boulders in the dry river bed
The dry river bed is getting more and more beautiful
Looking back at the rooi
The sea is in sight
The coast with Boca Keto
Boca Keto is not as calm as its name suggests
Dunes at Boca Keto
Looking back from the path on the hill
The highest point on the way back
