Walk On The Wildside

 

Lushan Country Life Heritage Site

 

A truly refreshing St Lucian experience

Walking takes on a whole new meaning when strolling through the forest, garden and herbal trails of St Lucia’s newest heritage site, Lushan Country Life The 7-acre property of the newly opened walking tour, located in the northeastern quarter of Castries, boasts a range of features unknown to the normal escapade. A fresh fishpond filled with blooming lilies, bee observatory, traditional Amerindian hut, hammock house and a local medicinal garden filled with remedies for all sicknesses are among the treasures awaiting discovery. The heritage site is actually the home of Mr and Mrs Anthony, who raised all of their six children on the property. The kids, now all grown-up tell a tale of vine swinging, bird catching, fruit picking and adventuring as their pastimes. The family has now made it possible for visitors to experience what for them is everyday living.

The track starts at the well-supplied gift shop. Walking sticks are provided for extra support and so too are a selection of the islands most adept tour guides. Their knowledge on the various plants and uses comes so naturally.Welcoming is the smell of fresh country air and the sound of chirping birds as the tour commences. The green, lush and overwhelmingly abundant forest trail starts with a stop at the Caye Paye or Amerindian hut. The hut demonstrates the living cultures of the island’s earliest ancestors. Able to house a family of 9 to 12 persons, the hut is equipped with stools made from tree trunks and even a kitchen, made fireproof with a plastered blend of cow dung, mud, straw and water.

According to the tour guide, Licia, 13 species of mango can be found on the site. Also found are bay leaf trees, with the leaf well known for its seasoning attributes. Savonnette, another large tree, was used in ancient times for washing clothes and even brushing teeth. Cocoa plants, an actual vanilla vine, cassava roots and Chinese fan palm are a few of the spectacular sights along the path. Then, there is the story of the live boa that runs loose throughout the trails—no, not really! That’s just a bit of tour guide humor. There actually is a boa, but it’s caged for observation. Since the tour is either 45 or 90 minutes, several shaded nesting spots are scattered over the property. Old aged style St Lucian living is demonstrated by the tour guides tearing apart of a coconut husk. The trail bears a wide range of fruits from the Nonie fruit, locally used for blood cleansing, to the five fingers or star fruit to lemons, grapefruits, guavas, golden apples and oranges, all of which are served at a surprise taste testing stop. The experience on this trail has proven to be truly humbling. Over 27 species of birds from the tiny Antillean Crested Hummingbird to the majestic Broad Winged Hawk flit overhead and among the 143 plant species. The tour captivates and excites the inner adventurer in anyone. Even the trees whisper to you, literally. (451-6091)