Cave Pool and Gold Ruins - 14 Jan 2024 Part 4

At this point I am getting hungry, so glad we packed snacks. Also, a little sunburned, even with SPF50. But the tour goes on.

Onward to the Cave Pool. I was so excited for this. We were told we could jump off the ledge into the pool. That's why I signed the waiver, not for the potential back and neck injuries from the ride.

This is the view we roll up to. The water is just unbelievable.

Time to go to the cave. It's easy just climb down this ladder. It's the only one so you have to wait your turn. Nothing intimidating about this. I wish I would have gotten a picture of what it looked like going down. The ladder wasn't the issue. It was just a rock that you had to get on and maneuver over other rocks.

We successfully made it down. Now to just follow the path (?) to the cave. Yes, I was being very, very careful.

Looking down to the pool we are jumping into. It is gorgeous. Doesn't look that deep though. Our instructions were: it's about 8 feet deep, so jump and pull your legs up. Then swim over to that flatish rock and climb out.

Ok here goes......

As dumb as this sounds, I was not prepared for salt water, which kills my eyes. The current was strong and pushed you around. So, I am blind and getting nowhere fast. I finally reach the flattish rock like I was told. Not the easiest to get out but I did it. It was really fun. I had to do it again. Only this time a family had decided to treat the flat rock like a beach. I couldn't get my fat butt out of the water, so the mom had to help me. She didn't speak English, but we were both laughing.

Back over the rock path and up the ladder, this time dripping wet. Onward to the next stop. The road is getting much better. Still dirt and rock but much smoother.

Welcome to the Bushiribana Gold Mills Ruins.

there's no gold and never was. But it's pretty and a great location for pictures.

You are free to explore inside. But since that's looks like snake territory I wasn't going too far.

Interesting fact, Aruba has a couple rattle type snakes. The demand for sand in construction has led to a Boa Constrictor problem. They imported the sand full of boa eggs. Now they have grown big enough to eat a puppy. There is a lack of rodents and birds now.

The windows were built to give the illusion of cannons so pirates wouldn't be tempted to take the gold.

Is this not just the perfect Instagram spot?

The current occupant. Below is his/her view.

Please see part 5 for the next stops.

Here's the route so far.