NTITT’s “Hikers Digest”
Good morning/afternoon/evening fellow hikers. Well, as you all know me, always looking for innovative ways in doing virtually anything in the enhancement of hiking, both on the field and in the administrative aspect with regards to relaying as much information to you and to as many people as possible. Now, during the past few months, my hikers have been receiving emails, the “NEWSLETTER” from me regarding my activities, upcoming hikes and reviews about past hikes….well, here’s letting you know that as from today, my brand new weekly publication named above will replace the Newsletter and here’s also hoping that you all find my new publication informative.
Review of last week.
Saturday 26th November, NTITT had its hike to Mt. Tamana evening bat experience in the very quiet village of Guaico Tamana. My group of (17) hikers comprising a mixture of locals and the majority, expatriates attended and despite the weather being superb throughout the day, due to the rains the days before, the trail was rather muddy and very damp, but my hikers were all prepared and ventured up the hill in good spirits. Some of the hikers remained by the cave opening rather than going to the top while the others came with me because of the promise of astounding views from the summit and despite the top being terribly overgrown with tall grass, the views were not disappointing whatsoever as the views of the Central Plains, and the Northern Range were as usual “majestic” and was appreciated by all. We eventually joined the others at the cave opening which by then was infested with hundreds of bats flying out of the cave into the darkening skies. The trip was certainly a great experience that was enjoyed by one and all….if not, the great majority who attended. Now, what makes Mt. Tamana Hill a great experience is that it is reputed that in this here cave is the home of the “Second largest colony of combination of insect and fruit eating bats in the world”, as stated by the experts mainly from Scotland who frequent Trinidad annually and always visit this very cave to do their checks on the population.
We eventually reached back by our vehicles just before 7pm in very good spirits and after changing into fresh clothes for there were a few falls coming back downhill, we all drove as a convoy and headed back to our respective homes all safely.
Upcoming hike(s) this week.
This coming Saturday 03rd December 2011, NTITT will be embarking on a beautiful walk in the Western Peninsula (Chaguaramas) where we will be taking a leisure walk up the popular and historical “Morne Catherine”. We will first park our vehicles at Chaguaramas Golf Course Car Park and from there; a maxi-taxi will transport us to the start of the walk. The Morne Catherine walk is a six mile private road walk up a constant gently graded hill all the way to the summit to one of the many radar stations. We will take a side trail back downhill which will eventually lead us back to the Chaguaramas Golf Course….a genuine hike through the woods, but all the way downhill until we come to clusters of bamboo indicating that we are only minutes away to our vehicles. Refreshments will be served at the end of our expedition
General Information.
Interested persons for Saturday’s hike will have to log onto the website www.naturetrektnt.com and under “Events”, get onto the date on the calendar “03/12/2011” and register for this hike/walk. Remember, in order for me to maintain true professionalism on all hikes/walks/tours, I must go this way and I would really appreciate if you can make the time to head to the bank stated on the website to make the deposit and please, keep the receipt to produce on the day of the hike/walk/tour. If you cannot make it to the bank whatsoever, contact me and we’ll see what we can do to personally get in touch where payments can be made by hand and a receipt will be given upon payment.
Effective 01/01/2012, there will be a new pricing structure on all hikes/walks/tours. The reason for this is simply because:
· NTITT is the only registered hiking company in Trinidad and Tobago that does hikes extensively; and Emile is a registered “Tour Operator” in the business.
· NTITT also provides “Public Liability Insurance”, where every hiker is covered under this insurance plan. Emile Serrette of NTITT is the only registered hiker in Trinidad that is a fully certified “WILDERNESS FIRST AIDER”; a specialized intense course in dealing with serious situations in the wilderness.
· After hikes/walks/tours, drinks (juices and waters) will be provided and pending on the type of hikes that will be embarked; a snack will also be provided…you will be notified in advance.
NTITT will also be embarking on a “Membership” drive that will be bought to your attention before the coming of the New Year. This proposed “Membership” drive will enable you to pay less for hikes/walks/tours and other benefits that will be stated once again before the coming New Year.
Emile Serrette (NTITT)