Barbados Sunset View Traditional Geocache

From this view point one can see the exact place where the first settlers from England landed in Barbados in 1625 which is named Settlers Beach. The name Holetown comes from the small lagoon close to the sea (the Hole) that is formed by the convergence of several gullies bringing rain water from higher St Thomas plateaus to the sea. It is there also that the white herons will settle for the night on top of the mangrove trees, their flight at sunset making a beautiful contrast to the deep rusty colours of the clouds above the placid Caribbean Sea.

Also in view is the government complex of Holetown Police Station, Library, Licensing Authority and Post Office, and the outline of hotel and business buildings along the West Coast. The area immediate below the ridge was once the large plantation called Lascelles. The Great House with its green roof can be seen through the top of the trees. This historic house dates back to at least 1789 when Lord Lascelles, the great grandfather of Queen Victoria, married the mysterious 'Janet of Barbados' and lived with her there.

The field where the cache is to be found is bordered by two very important gully systems: the very deep and long Lacelles Gully and the Lancaster Gully. Gullies are essential natural areas within the island of Barbados. They cover more of the island than any other wild habitats and are natural watercourses and catchment areas. The gullies also act as a buffer and a barrier to keep the rainwater from washing away the soil to the sea and serve as a highway for the families of green monkeys to move across the island (for more on gullies in Barbados we recommend reading Gully Adventures – a Stream of Barbadian Life by Trevor A. Carmichael). The cache contains a log book, pencil, whistle 2X and a beautiful wood keyfinder. Make sure you park and approach from Upper Halcyon Heights.