Realising that yes, most Dominicans know the best paths to navigate the rainforests around, say, Morne Diablotin volcanic peak, or the coastal forests of its far northern coast, Michael also recognised that it is different for visitors. They like signs, maps and a hint of where to stay or where to grab a fresh coconut juice en route. 185km and several years of negotiations with farmers, indigenous Kalinago tribal leaders and government departments later, in 2011, Michael’s dream of the Caribbean’s first long distance walking trail, spanning from Scott’s Head in the south to Cabrits National Park in the north, was completed. It was named the
Waitukubuli National Trail, named after the indigenous name for the island, which means ‘Tall is her body’, and it is now the only long-distance walking trail in the Caribbean.
There are 14 segments on the trail, each taking a day to complete. So, you can pick ‘n’ mix or take on a serious challenge and do the whole thing, with welcoming homestays along the way and local guides to make the journey easier and packed with stories. I imagine that the stories behind achieving this dream would fill a book as, according to Michael, “In terms of developing the physical Trail itself, there was the problem of getting support and buy-in from the (several) land owners along the route to allow for Right-Of Way along the Trail. But now, more than 5 years later, and having hiked the trail many times over, and met many great people, I am finally beginning to understand just why I was drawn away from the big city.”
