Bonaire - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 161

On the first Saturday of each month, dozens of stands are set up along the
streets for Marshe Rincón , Market Day. If you're not busy elsewhere,
stop to browse the displays of fresh fruit, crafts, homemade foods, and
plants.
Then follow the large road signs to Boca Onima off the eastern coastal
road. This small water inlet is lined with cliffs carved by the crashing sea.
A trail leads to ancient Indian inscriptions under the coral overhangs.
Nearby, spring water pours into the recently opened Fontein Cave and
feeds three freshwater pools, where you can take a cool dip. Fruit trees and
tropical plants make this a shady oasis for a picnic or nap. Fontein has
irregular hours, so call ahead to be sure you can get in.

790-5363.
Take Kaya Onima back north until it curves inland and becomes Kaya
Rincón, which will take you back to Rincón. From town you can pick up
Kaya Paramira heading toward Dos Pos (Two Wells). This is an area of
lush vegetation with large fruit trees and farmland.
At the tower windmill , you can stop and read about the well and its his-
torical importance. In 1898, a stone edge was built around the open well to
make it more convenient for residents to draw water into tin cans. In 1940,
the windmill and reservoir were constructed, and in 1949, two water dis-
tribution systems were installed, with water for Rincón coming from Dos
Pos to Subida di Para Mira, where it was piped into village homes.

TIP: If you have time before leaving the Rincón
area, stop at Alta Mira Unjo , a small park with a
hilltop overlook that provides striking vistas of the
island and distant sea. It's up a signed, shell-lined
dirt road on the west side of town.

Kaminda Goto (the road to Goto) follows the shores of Lake Goto
(Gotomeer) and offers superb views. Gotomeer is on the southwest border
of the national park and is an ideal place to watch flocks of flamingos as
they feed. Although most nest in Pekelmeer, some nest at Goto, and you
have a good chance of a close-up view, if you sit quietly and wait. Benches
at the paved and bricked Salina Grandé lookout provide an excellent
place to rest and observe.
Tiny Falcon Island , in the middle of the lake, has been farmed by a
Rincón family for several generations. As you walk or drive around the
lake (walking is better), look for unusual geological structures and evi-
dence of ancient Indian settlements. (Three archeological sites are located
near the water.) Large iguanas roam the area and sun themselves on
rocks. Various birds nest and feed in the trees, and you may spot one of the
rare Bonaire loras. Only about 300 of the wild parrots survive on the
island, even though they are a protected species.
To get back to Kralendijk, turn south when you reach the west-coast road
near the BOPEC Oil Terminal.