Voluntourism catches fever in Long Island

Five tourists, myself included, set out on a long weekend to explore Long Island after it was hit by a major hurricane. We don't just write about the Out Islands. We travel the Out Islands too. In Long Island we found many ways to get involved with the community and loads of adventure.

The Spirit of Harambee

Harambee is an East African (Swahili) call to action; it is a rallying cry for the community to pull together. This harambee voluntour combined travel with community service; we pulled together after a major hurricane hit the island. Gems of Paradise hotel was not deterred by the storm, and hosted our group in Clarence Town for the type of travel that has an extra special purpose.   

Voluntourism

We painted lunch benches at Mooresville Primary School in south Long Island and the exterior walls at Simms Primary School in the north, jobs which would have cost the cash strapped schools hundreds of dollars. Morrisville was the last school to open in Long Island after Hurricane Joaquin. Both schools suffered major water damage and lost electronics and other school supplies. The entire computer lab at Morrisville was wiped out. 

Sightseeing: Columbus Harbor and Turtle Creek

This is one of the best attractions in Long Island: Columbus Harbour and Turtle Creek. You can hike to the top of the hillside for a view of the harbor, the same one that Christopher Columbus arrived at when he made landfall in Long Island. At the peak stands a national monument to the indigenous people of The Bahamas who were wiped out by Columbus. The beaches that run alongside the creek are ideal for picknicing.

Sightseeing: Hamilton's Cave

Long Island native Mr. Leonard Cartwright is the man with all access to Hamilton's Cave, an exciting cave with cathedral-like ceilings and many inner layers. There is also a freshwater spring inside.

Sightseeing: Dean's Blue Hole

Yes the brave few did jump from the cliff at Dean's Blue Hole. This famous landmark gains its significance not just from its beauty, but also because it is the deepest ocean hole in the world. Imagine a giant sinkhole in the earth filled with saltwater. It is also unique because it is nestled in a shallow cove. You can enjoy the beach at Dean's Blue Hole, hang in the shallow waters or dare to swim over the shadowy depths of the blue hole. 

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