|
Trail 7 - Washington Park 24 k or 34 k |
 |
 |
 |
|
The
long (34 K) trail
|
The
short (24 K) trail
|
Bonaire has opened the spectacular
area of Washington/Slagbaai Park to cyclists. Washington Park, a haven
for mountain bikers, encompasses 13,500 acres and covers almost one fifth
of the island. There are two routes through the park, the shorter is 15
miles long (24K), the longer 21 miles (34K). Whichever you choose, you
will enjoy scenic vistas, beautiful beaches, trees filled with over 100
species of birds, and challenging terrain. You will also meet wild donkeys,
iguana and goats.
Washington Park, originally a plantation which exported goats, cattle, aloe, salt and charcoal products, has been a national park since 1969 with the area called Slagbaai added in 1979. Slagbaai so named due to its prior history as a slaughter house for cattle and goats for export, is more lush than the rest of the park. The out-buildings at Slagbaai were recently fully renovated.