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In this week’s ‘Memories of Casa de Campo’ post Carol recalls the charming walk from Altos de Chavon to the sea, along paths and past sights little explored in Casa de Campo.
We can speak without voice to the trees and the clouds and the waves of the sea. Without words they respond through the rustling of leaves and the moving of clouds and the murmuring of the sea. ~ Paul Tillich
Twenty years or so ago when I lived in Altos de Chavon, we often walked along the hidden unpaved roads from Altos de Chavon down to Punta Minitas and on to the beach where the Chavon river enters the sea.
The Road from Altos
It was a long walk, but an interesting one. From the heights of Chavon down to the mouth of the river one passes through all kinds of mini-landscapes: forests, plains, and coastal.
Clara — Walking to Minitas
The path from Altos that we followed ended near a guard’s post. Sometimes the guard asked us if we had brought him any cigarettes.
I used to tell him cigarettes were bad for his health, but he paid no attention.
Guard Post at the Minitas to Altos Road
From the end of the Punta Minitas road there was a little path that went down to Chavon beach.
Daisy on the path to Chavon Beach
We always paused to admire the thatched-roof villa hidden away at the east end of Calle Punta Minitas.
Villa on Calle Punta Minitas
At the other end of the Chavon beach was the Chavon River, and across the river you could see the village of Boca Chavon.
Village of Boca Chavon – a house on the point
There were always many things going on across the river. People fished from the rocks on the point, and walked along the river path to the landing where boats would take them to the other side.
People walking along the river path in Boca Chavon village
Fishermen in small boats were everywhere at this meeting point of river and sea.
Boats at Boca Chavon
The fishermen discarded extra fish on the sand at the point. Daisy loved this part of the walk because she liked to eat the little fish.
Daisy on Chavon beach point with fish
In this photo, beyond the fisherman throwing the net, there is a view of a popular restaurant where people from Casa de Campo sometimes had dinner.
