Page 9 - HOH

Saturday 3 december 2022 locAl
A10

Today Is Going To Be A Good Day

Here’s why: Aruba Today tower. Since September
collected some things to 2016 you can climb the
do BEYOND the beach. Yes, top. In 2015 Stichting Monu-
we know. Aruba, located mentenfonds started the
15 miles north of Venezu- restoration of the Califor-
ela in the warm waters of nia Lighthouse. The project
the southern Caribbean, is finished in September 2016
home to beautiful white- and the Lighthouse is now
sand beaches, 82-degree open for visitors to enjoy
days, and thus ideal for the the beautiful view from the
perfect beach day. But we top. The construction of the
are also blessed with some California Lighthouse start-
of the warmest people in ed in 1915. The name ‘Cali-
the world and our island is fornia’ came from a vessel
19.6 miles long and 6 miles of the West India Company
across, with a total area of and Pacific Steamship Co.
70 square miles. Bit more called ‘California’ that
to discover than the white shipwrecked in the area in
stretch on the coastline we 1891. Therefore they came
say. Let’s mention some of up with the idea of build-
these hidden gems. ing a lighthouse that could
indicate the island’s east-
Nature Calls ern tip to ships with its light.
The Arikok National park is more information, visit the www.arubalighthouse.com
worth the ride. We love the website www.arubanation- will give you more informa-
hikes that are guided by alpark.org tion.
the park’s rangers whose
job is to maintain trails and Philip's Animal Garden Kayak in the Mangroves
protect natural resources. To stay with the animals, Mangel Halto at Savaneta
The flora and fauna are let’s hop to an amazing is definitely a place not to
beautiful and the histori- place. Something different miss out on. The beauti-
cal sites tell you about the to do, an experience that ful beach with the natu-
island’s indigenous roots. is to be enjoyed by peo- ral mangroves is simply a
The guided tours are even ple of all ages. Welcome beauty, but if you are into
free of charge. If you are to Philip’s Animal Garden. a more active way to enjoy
not up to walking, you can We are not talking about the nature: take a kayak.
drive through the park, one a zoo here, this is actually While you are doing some
way or another this park is a sanctuary for all types workout -as it might get a
a great place to spend an of creatures, from horses building all the cages from more information: www. little windy and rough-, you
entire day. Cruising through to peacocks, kangaroos scratch, designing all struc- philipsanimalgarden.com. will see the island from a
the landscape you end up to turtles, monkeys, goats, tures and welding them different perspective. You
at some of the most stun- and many, many more dif- with his own bare hands. His The Lighthouse can even make a stop to
ning beaches like Dos Pla- ferent species. The place goal is to upgrade the facil- No, you would not think do some snorkeling at the
ya or Daimara Beach. In To- was founded in 2009 and ities to a world-class animal of this as a hidden gem. reef. Its fun, it’s healthy and
tal the park consists of 7907 it is the only organization shelter with veterinary care The California Lighthouse for sure something else.
acres protected nature rescuing and rehabilitat- and round-the-clock staffs. is actually one of the most There are several compa-
with a richness of animals ing exotic animals in Aru- With the input from the Aru- known highlights in Aruba nies that offer kayak tours,
living in it. The Aruban whip- ba, which has resulted in ban community and visitors and many repeated guests we had good experience
tail lizard (cododo), Aruban an amazing collection of they provide the best care most probably took the ride with The Shack Kayak Tours
cat eye snake (santanero) these animals. They pro- for these animals. Please uphill already. But, there is Aruba, find them on Face-
and endangered rattle vide a suitable living envi- check out their website for a significant change to this book. q
snake (cascabel) are just ronment for all the rescued
some of them, you can also animals. Up until now the
admire these close in the owner, Philip, has built this
park’s Visitors’ Center. For shelter with his own efforts;