Brownsberg

Sunday we all had an excursion to Brownsberg.  This is an area about 100 km from Domberg where the boat is anchored -in the Brokopondo District – so we started off early to give ourselves a full day.
  The Park is 500 metres above sea level and occupies an area of 8400 h. which was obtained by STINASU on a long-term lease basis from the Suriname Government.  Established in 1969, STINASA is mandated to, as a semi-governmental organization, "stimulate, coordinate, and finance scientific exploration and exploitation of the Nature Reserves".

Howler Monkey or did it jump?

After the drive there ( making fine use of the 4-wheel drive we had coffee and watched Orange Howler Monkeys in the Canopy layer of the trees. The park has three major Vegetation types. The hydrophytic vegetation (typified by the Pina Palm) grows in creek valleys at the base of the mountain. The Mesophyphytic vegetation is found on the slopes and is characterized by the number of different tree species including the Groenheart, Ingipipa, Letterhout/Snakewood, Cedar and Purpleheart.
 We engaged the owner of the café in conversation and he told us of the animals he has seen and showed us a pickled snake as a visual aid.  We know to look out for Puma, anteater, various snakes and other animals.  We decided to hike to Irina Falls. There was a good track which has obviously seen quite a few hikers.  Thank goodness there was, I certainly would not have enjoyed walking through the Rainforest in it’s natural state.  We were stopped almost immediately by loud noises which turned out to be some Howler Monkeys chasing a Tapir away.  This all happened far too quickly for any photos.  Next was a terrific view point where we had a cool drink of water.  We continued on mostly downhill, stopping to look and listen frequently.  We arrived at the Falls and decided to cool off in the spray before our picnic lunch.
  The return journey was mostly uphill but even so quite pleasant.  When we arrived back at the reception area we had cool beers, fruit and Cassava crisps while we watched the wonderful vista afforded by the Brokopondo lake.  This piece of land has been flooded since 1965 ish, to provide water for the country.
Second visit after Christmas...

After a brief stop at Akaribo to check on the repairs to an engine we set on our second visit to Brownsberg.  This time Ottos' son Wicher is driving and all goes well until we reach the off road section which is far wetter than last time.  Even 4 wheels in low gear make difficult work of the mud and ruts in the ‘road’ eventually we arrive.  We have coffee and set off to Leon Falls and then after a picnic lunch hike on to Irene Falls again.  It seemed a faster walk than last time but just as tiring.

 After sundowners once again overlooking the lake we check into our overnight accommodation then eat at the restaurant on site.  This is a choice of local food ,  namely chicken, rice,  noodles salad and coleslaw.
  Next day we hike to Witit Creek this is 4 km mostly downhill which makes it moderately easy on the way out.  The trail is signposted at intervals showing distance and ribbons of orange  and yellow where the trail has been moved.  We arrive at picturesque pool complete with fish and have a swim before lunch.  The trek back is more arduous but not so bad as I had expected, we had a slight rain shower so have walked in real ’Rain Forest’ now.  We also saw a frog snake.

 Otto and Wicher managed to walk straight past it but Esther gasped and backed away until we called the two back to have a look and take pictures.  Yes, it is only small but we didn’t know how dangerous it might be until we got back.  I told everyone I thought that snakes are blind but have good hearing and taste.  We gave it plenty of space as we passed around it. After a quick shower ,beer and crisps we loaded up the jeep and set off for home.

Wicher

 

Briefly stopping to dump the luggage then out to the Squeezy In.  A Chinese restaurant where you have a steaming cauldron of stock one side spicy and the other not quite so. Then you have plates of beef, chicken, pork, fish, squid, prawns, vegetables, seaweed, mushrooms and noodles. Rather like a fondue you cook whatever you please to eat and finish with a wholesome soup.  We took in the Christmas lights around Paramaibo on the way home.