We docked at the cargo pier in Port of Spain as the cruise
ship terminal berth was occupied by a transport ship that was unloading. During our stop, we took on fuel from a
barge; nothing like the smell of petrol in the morning. Today was very busy for the ship’s staff as
we will be at sea for three days, then enter the Amazon for the next week. All supply replenishment had to be complete
before we leave port.
Our tour today was to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary. The bus ride was uneventful, what was
surprising as we left the port was that, other than the palm trees, we could
have been in a large city almost anywhere – high-rise buildings and congested
traffic, especially the traffic on the opposite side of the highway. Our driver said it was normal morning rush
hour traffic, with an almost 10 mile backup to get into the city.
After a short drive – against the rush-hour traffic – we went
by rice fields that stretched as far as we could see, then entered the Caroni
Bird Sanctuary in Port of Spain. Our
tour group quickly boarded an open boat that held the entire group, seating 4-5
persons on each bench. The driver/guide
provided a quick introduction, then we started the trip (no safety briefing or life
jackets). It was a bit disconcerting at
first, as we were heading into the sanctuary with thick trees and vegetation on
one side, we could hear and see flashes of traffic on the other. After a few minutes, we turned directly into
the waterway leading into the mangroves.
While looking for birds, which were elusive at first, the
guide stopped to point out a tree boa in a tree directly overhead! We all passed under the low hanging branch,
but none of us tourists had noticed. Great
picture opportunity, but all were glad to move on before it awoke from its
slumber and asked to hitch a ride (not likely since this snake is nocturnal). Not much further down the channel our driver spotted
what he called an anteater sleeping in a tree (our post tour research leads us
to believe it was really a Southern Tamandua).
We also passed numerous huge termite nests. We eventually found the birds – it was challenging
to get up-close pictures as they were quick, alerted by the boat engine . . . probably
used to “ducking” tourists. (However,
every picture posted so far has been wildlife in their natural habitat.)
During the two hours we were in the sanctuary, there were a
number of brief rainstorms. These did
not interfere with the tour or picture taking and we dried out quickly. The guide was prepared for these “pop” showers
with a large tarp that was played out from the back of the boat by handing the
leading edge to row in front of you. We were
in the very first row, so we were the last to be covered by the tarp. It would stop raining and the tarp was retreated
one row at a time. Then rain would start
again and the tarp would start it travels to the front again. I would have enjoyed seeing a video taken
from the shore as this was taking place!
Back on the ship, we took advantage of the daily afternoon
tea. With a different theme each day,
today was featuring all things “choux” which refers to the type of dough used
for eclairs, cream puffs, etc. Satisfied
my sweet tooth (Mary)! Then on to Trivia
where our six man team took second place (again)! We are quickly gathering points for playing trivia
and other various games (called participation events). At the end of the cruise they can be redeemed
for Regent “bling”, we have our eye on a new t-shirt.
Link to Trinidad photos:
Wonderful pictures of the wildlife!
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