Any Travels

Montserrat, a lush green and mountainous island of approximately 39 square miles, lies in the Eastern Caribbean chain of islands, some 27 miles southwest of Antigua. Known fondly as the Emerald Isle of the Caribbean, this pear shaped island - 12 miles long and 7 miles wide (and now expanding, due to the volcanic activity in the south of the island!) - is situated 1,150 miles north of the equator. It can be located on the map at approximately 16? 45' North and 62? 10' West. The island rises in a series of dramatic mountain slopes to the high point of over 3,000 feet at the Soufriere Hills in the Exclusion Zone. The islands of Redonda, St Kitts & Nevis in the west and north respectively, Guadeloupe to the south and Antigua to the northeast can be seen from the various points on the island.

Montserrat known as the emerald jewel of the Caribbean, mountaineous Montserrat shot to notereity in July 1995 when the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted causing widespread devastation to part of this previously serene island.

This caused many islanders to evacuate the island for safer shores. An exclusion zone around the volcano was set up which still restricts travel to the south end of the island.

In typical fashion, the islanders are actively pursuing massive rebuilding developments, including infrastructure and commercial facilities. A number of lodgings and restaurants are now open for business in the safe zone.

Conditions permitting, visitors may enjoy Montserrat's breathtaking scenery and unspoiled, unpolluted coral and volcanic delights.

Due to the volcanic activity which has ravaged the island since 1995 there has been a drop in the population from 10,639 (1991 Census) to 4,482 (2001 Census).

Montserrat is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory. Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State. Political parties are active on the island, which is governed by a legislature elected by popular vote. A Chief Minister serves with an appointed cabinet of ministers. A resident Governor represents the British crown. John A. Osborne is the present Chief Minister.

Most religious denominations are represented on Montserrat. Roman Catholic, Anglican, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal, Methodist, Baptist, Jehovah's Witness, Wesleyan Holiness and Church of God of Prophecy. Each denomination holds its own scheduled services regularly. For the locations and times of most worship services, please contact the Montserrat Christian Council Tel: (664) 491-4864.

Places to go:

Trail to "The Cot"
On this hike you can explore some of the heritage of Montserrat on a visit to the site of an old banana plantation, which is nestled among the ruins of a family cottage several hundred feet above sea level. A hike through the lush vegetation affords breathtaking views of the surrounding villages including some of the unsafe zone. The trail ascends by an unsurfaced track, to the ruins of "The Cot", the one time summer cottage of the influential Sturge family. It is possible to carry on up the same track onto higher ground (about 1000m ) where the view of the coast is described as "superior".

Centre Hills Trail
The Centre Hills is situated more or less in the centre of the island, between the Soufriere Hills in the south and the Silver Hills in the north and is renowned for its biological diversity, rich habitats and vegetation. The trail begins at Mars Hill and winds its way through pristine forest and along scenic vistas to Cassava Ghaut in upper Woodlands.

The moist, rain forest and riparian vegetation encountered along the way are home to many species of wildlife. Most of the thirty-four species of resident land birds and large numbers of migrant songbirds make this area their home. Worthy of special mention are the threatened Montserrat Oriole the national bird, the rare Forest Thrush, the shy and rare Bridled Quail Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, Trembler and the Purple Throated Carib. Montserrat therefore provides a tropical birdwatcher?s paradise for the enthusiast to be delighted with.

Many amphibians and reptiles are also found here. The regionally endemic Mountain Chicken and the tree frog are among the amphibians you can see along with reptiles such as the Galliwasp, Anole and Ground Lizard as well as the Dwarf Gecko and Iguana.

Runway Ghaut
Perfect for a relaxing afternoon, which involves a family picnic or a cool stroll, Runaway Ghaut provides a vibrant natural attraction that is difficult not to return to again and again. In fact, legend has it that should a visitor leaving Montserrat drink from the cool, spring water that flows to the drinking fountain to the far side of the parking area; he or she is guaranteed to be continually drawn to Montserrat repeatedly within his lifetime.

Should you explore the mini-trail, which enters the lush vegetation of the ghaut, you will find picnic tables placed in a remarkable setting. After eating lunch, you can take a short walk for a stretch, continuing along the five-minute trail which circles the ghaut and enjoy the finest sounds of nature: cascading mini-waterfalls and birds, along with a cooling breeze.

Silver Hills Trail
The Silver Hills is situated at the northern tip of Montserrat and is one of the island?s oldest volcanic centres. This defunct volcano has been heavily dissected, faulted and eroded and presents a very diverse appearance. Dry forest, altered by years of grazing and arable farming, is the dominant forest type. The hike begins at Drummonds, winds its way through dry forest and open fields over the Silver Hills and returns to Drummonds. Breathtaking views of land, sea and coastline abound. Many land birds and shore birds are found in the area including the Red-billed Tropicbird, the mangrove Cuckoo and the Pearly-eyed Thrasher. Pelican point on the eastern coast represents the only breeding colony of magnificent Frigate Birds on the island. The Silver Hills give an indication of how newly deposited volcanic deposits in the south will probably appear with the passage of millions of years.

Trail From Little Bay to Rendezvous Bay
Rendezvous Bay is something very special in Montserrat. The bay retains a completely natural and untouched quality as the only white sand beach on the island with excellent swimming, snorkeling and diving in the most pristine underwater area on the island. This trail is one with a difference therefore, as it offers a combination of both a black and a white sand beach experience. The walk follows a very steep mountain trail (but offers a good physical workout) with a refreshing swim or dive afterwards when you reach the beach. The options for the return trip involve either walking back over the bluff or taking a boat ride back to the starting point at Little Bay. This can be arranged with any of the boat ride operators on island. The trail is rewarding to climb but is often difficult to negotiate so it is advisable that you consult one of our knowledgeable Forest Rangers before making the trip.

Beaches
In Montserrat, the beaches are remarkable in appearance in comparison to other islands as they all, except one, Rendezvous Bay, have glistening, black sand as a feature resulting from the volcanic nature of the island. They are some of the most secluded and unspoilt beaches in the world. For swimming and sunbathing they provide the most calming and leisurely experience available, all without harassment and removed from the population of resorts and other commercial activity. Woodlands Beach, Lime Kiln Bay, Little Bay and the tiny Bunkum Bay (perfect for romantic evenings!) are among some of the island?s notable beaches to visit. The beaches also provide incomparable surroundings for diving and other water sports. Go kayaking or sports fishing or take an unhurried boat ride to view the coastal areas of the island, while observing the Maritime Exclusion Zone, including devastated Plymouth and surrounding villages.

Celebrations:

St Patrick's Day
The first European settlers in Montserrat were Irish, and so St. Patrick's Day is still celebrated here for the commemoration of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. March 17 is also notable in Montserrat as the day on which the island?s slaves staged a revolt and marched on Government House. Celebrations take place throughout the island, highlighted by performances and musical concerts such as the Many Happy Returns II gala, staged at Geralds Park in 1999. There is calypso, soca and iron band music along with masquerades creating a generally festive spirit. The Irish influence comes to the fore not only in musical similarities, but also in the wearing of green and the use of the shamrock as an emblem. St Patrick?s Day Program 2004

Queen's Birthday
This is the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II, normally celebrated on the second Saturday in June, in Montserrat, as it is in Britain. From 7:30 in the morning, locals (and visitors) start gathering in the park for the parade of all uniformed bodies on the island. His Excellency the Governor, who is the Queen?s representative on the island, takes the salute as the various uniformed groups march past. During the parade the British ?Union Jack? flag as well as the personal flag of Her Majesty The Queen, the ?Royal Standard?, are both raised and lowered with ceremony.

August Monday
A day of festive celebration to commemorate the emancipation of the slaves, following the abolition of slavery by the British in 1834. The entire weekend is filled with picnics and barbecues on the beach, local fetes and sporting competitions. The Saturday before the August Monday, the morning starts off with the Cudjoe Head Day celebrations, which opens with a big breakfast and continues late into the night. On the Monday, the St. Peter?s Anglican Bazaar takes place at the village rectory grounds, and is generally one of the highlights of the weekend, an attraction for the entire family.

Christmas Festival Celebrations
This is the time of year set aside, not only for reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, but also for carnivalesque merrymaking and a general atmosphere of goodwill. Families abroad reunite with loved ones at home to enjoy the festivities, which generally begin around mid-December and continues into the New Year. There are several shows and musicals such as calypso shows and religious concerts, the highlight of the festival being the Calypso King Competition. Costume and T-shirt bands come out for jump-ups in the street and masquerades, string, and iron bands entertain the revelers. It all climaxes on New Year?s Eve when there are festivities, parties and family gatherings galore throughout the island, culminating at the stroke of midnight when many folk attend their respective churches to ring in the New Year. Everybody celebrates throughout the entire season and there is lots of goat water to enjoy!

Warning

Since the mid-nineties, the Soufriere Hills volcano has caused most of southern Montserrat to be evacuated, and the mountain continues to be active. The risk it posed seemed to have decreased since a major dome collapse that occurred in mid-2003; however, on 3 March 2004, ash and lava spewed from the volcano again. The Day-Time Entry Zone has been opened between certain hours, but road conditions are bad.

Lennie Sellers
mqeunoau7zwir3ep mtxzg lwgoka http://vojozlf.com mmgzn ekpww http://caoaoazm.com lkprgnw udniuck http://mbnqioklqcp.com ixqerus pkxff http://npgklwncu.com