Feb 02, 2005 07:00 PMVisit to Robinson Crusoe Island
In February 2005 I visited Robinson Crusoe Island located 400 miles of the coast of Chile. It is the island that castaway Alexander Selkirk was stranded in the early 1700s and his story became the basis for Daniel Defoe's novel Robinson Crusoe. The Government of Chile renamed the island in recogntion of this famous story and to promote tourism. We sailed by cruise ship from Valparaiso and after a day at sea arrived early the following morning at Cumberland Bay. There is a picturesque view of both sides of the island from Selkirk's lookout. It is a bit of a hike but well worth it. Over 60% of the islands plant life is endemic and we also saw the endemic picaflor and other colorful hummingbirds. There is a small museum on the island and the fishing village makes for good photography too.
