Page 16 - ARUBA TODAY

A16 LOCAL
Tuesday 4 sepTember 2018

Today Is Going To Be A Good Day

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