SAVOUR LUSH INTERIOR OF
CUMANA, SANS SOUCI
On nature's trail
Heather Dawn Herrera
Trinidad Guardian
April 19, 1999
Page 33
The interior of Cumana, L'Anse Noire and Sans Souci holds much for those who want to visit somewhere 'less popular'. This area is 'less popular' not because of any negative reason but simply because it is more or less unknown to many.
In the past, there was a well-used access road between Cumana and Sans Souci.
This has deteriorated to the extent where vehicles can no longer use this route. Another direction can be taken, however, travelling between Cumana and L'Anse Noire. A four-wheeled drive vehicle is recommended because of the demanding driving skills along the way.
Many trails through the forests have been blazed, some leading to gardens, some short cuts to settlements, yet others to various sections of the Tompire river.
Those who wish to familiarize themselves with this area instead of traveling the regular Toco road can detour through Anglais road.
Cumana village extends some way inside until houses become few and far between finally giving way to forest.
Harris road is the most Northerly road en route. This road definitely requires a four-wheeled drive vehicle especially now with the ruts, mud and deep water pocketing the way.
Bamboo is the main type of vegetation on either side of the road, the Harris River making a deep indent in the terrain.
The one fall that the community of Cumana feels proud of spills below the contour of the road, a slim long ribbon of water that hits the rocks below.
It is an extremely precarious descent for those who are not accustomed to skating down steep bamboo-leaf strewn terrain. Take heart, for there is a lot more to come during your tour of this area.
Harris Road peters out into a non-maintained trail that passes through beautiful forest.
For those who are interested in bird watching, various species of birds have this area all to themselves. The quiet, undisturbed atmosphere represents home to hummers, finches, leks, bellbirds and sugarbirds.
Zagaya road, the left branch road offers more in the line of bathing fun. The Narangho road on the left goes on to cross a clear stream.
This stream flows into the Tompire lower down creating one of the largest bathing pools along the course of the main river.
It is here that a few nature lovers have found retreat with their families.
Travelling along the Zagaya road there are scenic views of the hills of inner Sans Souci, the Zagaya mountain standing prominently among lower hills of varying hues.
This is the route that promises an interesting hike through the forests of San Souci, the road going only as far as a four-wheeled drive vehicle can make it.
The rest on foot proves to be a simple and enjoyable trek. Remember, it is important that a highly recommended guide accompany your group through the high woods.
Self Help is a fairly good road, a cool drive through bright greens and gloomy greens, all of which make for interesting photography. There are travelers along this road so it is not as lonely as it seems.
Finally, emerging onto the 'other side' of the forest, Gran Fond road exposes you to views of the inner L'Anse Noire forested hills and the ocean beyond.
Your vehicle now travels past cultivated gardens and prepared land to the village of L'Anse Noire on the North coast.