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CRUISING TO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS:
THE BATHS, VIRGIN GORDA page one |
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One of the must-see attractions of the Caribbean, The Baths on Virgin Gorda present a multi-faceted experience. You get to experience a magnificent natural wonder and have some time at a pretty beach (or two). There is also some hiking through some unspoiled wilderness thrown in.
The Baths are a unique rock formation by the edge of the sea. Scientists say that around 120 million years ago, this area was covered by volcanic rock. Then 50 million years later, volcanic magma was injected into this formation. Because the magma did not reach the surface it cooled into granite. Over time, the softer volcanic rock eroded away leaving the granite. Faulting and the uplifting of this area out of the sea caused the granite to crack into blocks. Wind and sea then sculpted the blocks into the rounded boulders that we see today.
No one really seems to know why this area is called the Baths. Some say it is because the pirates who were the first European inhabitants of the island came here to take baths Or it could be because its great boulders are bathed by the sea.
The Baths are a unique rock formation by the edge of the sea. Scientists say that around 120 million years ago, this area was covered by volcanic rock. Then 50 million years later, volcanic magma was injected into this formation. Because the magma did not reach the surface it cooled into granite. Over time, the softer volcanic rock eroded away leaving the granite. Faulting and the uplifting of this area out of the sea caused the granite to crack into blocks. Wind and sea then sculpted the blocks into the rounded boulders that we see today.
No one really seems to know why this area is called the Baths. Some say it is because the pirates who were the first European inhabitants of the island came here to take baths Or it could be because its great boulders are bathed by the sea.
The CavesThe centerpiece of the Baths is a great pile of boulders, lapped by the sea, known as the Caves. It is not a cave in the conventional sense. Instead, think in terms of some great giant collecting a number of interesting rocks and dumping them into a haphazard pile on a beach. While the rocks touch each other, there are often spaces between them. The spaces enable visitors to explore the interior of the pile.
Some of the spaces are quite large. Indeed, the first space that you come to is somewhat reminiscent of a cathedral with the sides of the chamber extending upwards toward the sky. It is lit by a couple of openings in the pile. Knee-deep water covers part of the floor, dark blue by the entrance extending out to a turquoise where the chamber connects to the sea. Subtle earth colors run through the rock walls. The Baths also has some very small places. Indeed, unless you are a skilled limbo dancer, the easiest way to navigate the entrance is on your hands and knees. It is not a place for those who suffer from claustrophobia. Along the same lines, a sign near the entrance informs visitors that the trail is short but challenging. You have to walk through water, go over rocks, climb ladders and squeeze through tight openings. In addition, the trail can be slippery so water shoes or sneakers are advisable. Still, the Baths is worth the effort. There is a beauty and spirituality to the place. |
Above: The entrance to the Caves.
Below: Scenes from inside the Caves. |
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Cruise destination - Tortola, British Virgin Islands - The Baths on Virgin Gorda - page 1