Be an Explorer.. not a Tourist .. Exploring Tucker Valley Part 2

        Exploring Tucker Valley-Part 2

After walking back down the tracking station/bamboo cathedral road we drove on a little further and stopped at the rather intriguing Mount St. Pleasant village.

Entering Mt. Pleasant Village

It’s something of a misnomer as all that’s left of this once thriving settlement is the ruin of St. Chad’s Church and a few haphazard gravestones. During the colonial era, Mount St. Pleasant was part of the Tucker Estate which grew citrus, cocoa and coffee. The village housed the estate workers and their families. Today, little evidence remains of their lives and times. The most striking thing left behind is the rather grand tomb of Amelia Tripp which looks rather out of place in its surroundings. Amelia was the daughter of estate owner, William Tucker,and the wife of Edgar Tripp, the man who installed the first electricity generating plant in Trinidad. She died in 1879 at the age of 23. It is said that her ghost roams the roadway through the Tucker Valley.

The Tomb of Amelia Tripp

The ruins of St. Chad’s Church

Back on the coast road, we continued west through Chaguaramas itself towards the north-western tip of Trinidad. Don't  expect much of a town further down guys, its more of a series of disused buildings and a ramshackle collection of houses and small shops. We carried on past several ship-building yards and marinas until we could go no further. The extreme tip of the island is a military zone and inaccessible to Joe Public. We turned round and went in search of a restaurant for lunch. There are several recommended restaurants along this coast road, all of them located within boat yards, catering to both ‘yachties’ in the marinas and local business people. You have to pass through security to access them.

Zanzibar by the Sea Restaurant

The view as we were having lunch

I chose Zanzibar by the Sea, as iv'e heard countless people bragging about the restaurant. It is located in Peake’s yacht marina. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor tables. We chose to sit outside on the deck so that we could enjoy the views of the bay. We had a very pleasant,if expensive, lunch. The portions were huge and, for the first time in my life, I found myself asking for a container to take my peppercorn salmon salad home in. I wasn’t the only one. Plastic boxes were being given out at every table! Much as I hate the use of plastic, I hate to waste food, too! I can report that my meal tasted just as good the following day – and the container is still being used to store bits and pieces!

So guys, my thoughts are that Tucker Valley is a nature lover’s paradise along with a large variety of birds, beach, waterfall, golf course there are numerous hiking trails to explore. To appreciate the place one should be aware of its history and the struggle made by our ancestors. Definitely worth a visit if your either a local or visiting our wonderful island! 

Be Safe Guys........

Jerald.....