Veronika Wild

  In the Stoodley Arboretum, apparently I stumbled onto the extensive Mountain Bike network in this area quite by accident. I was looking for the Redwater Creek Falls and found myself at a parking area in the Stoodley Arboretum, about 6 km down the Sheffield Road. Not that I had any idea that I was already in the Arboretum. Having read of its ornamental pond, I was expecting something like the Tasmanian   Arboretum   -a 66ha of landscaped Botanic Garden near Devonport with walkways, picnic grounds and even a kiosk. This didn’t seem to have any of these, but it did have some unusual trees.  Just call me Shredder  A sign pointing to the right of the Carpark said “Redwater Creek” so I assumed the waterfall must be somewhere down there. In no time I came upon a trail which led downhill and what an amazing track it was! It plunged first right and then left, with great mounds of dirt piled up or gouged out on its sides as it zigzagged down the hill. Thinking it wa...

  Mogotes, the strange limestone hills of Vinales Vinales, about three hours west of Havana, was another bright spot, not the least because of the multitude of small colourful houses. Apart from being delightfully green, what makes this region special are the mogotes the strange 'pincushion' hills, which have remained after underground rivers have caused softer rocks to collapse. Rivers still run within these hills and have produced a number of caves which have served various purposes over the years - as a hide -out for rebels and runaway slaves, but now as restaurants and tourist attractions.  As I left Trinidad, eagles soared and thunder heads were gathering again. Along the road campesinos were cutting grass by hand, putting it into bags and loading it onto small heavily laden horses. Hitchhikers tried in vain to obtain lifts by waving money or offering cakes, cheeses and plucked chickens. I felt really guilty driving by in the comfort of an airconditioned bus that ...