Gone but Not Forgotten

Over 90 million years ago, lava oozed through cracks, out of the earth’s crust to create rock groupings in what is now Aruba. There are three main groupings which include igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. The cooling and hardening of the magma formed the igneous rocks whereas pressure and heat created metamorphic rock from that which previously existed. The sedimentary group came to be as a result of deposits of other rocks. The newest of the rock found in Aruba is limestone. Aruba’s Natural Bridge was comprised of limestone which had been shaped over centuries by the surf and wind. Thousands of years of pounding waves, rushing water and rain created what could be considered a once in a lifetime sight to see.

Aruba’s Natural Bridge was a wonder of nature. The coral limestone bowed to create an impressive span of the sea below it. At 100 feet long and 25 feet high, it was one of the largest of its kind in the world. This sight, next to the Andicuri bay was one of the most popular attractions in Aruba. Thousands of tourists have had their picture taken in foreground of this amazing sight. Businesses in the area thrived form the steady stream of visitors needing food and drink and souvenirs.

It all ended on September 2, 2005 when Aruba’s Natural Bridge collapsed into the sea below. After centuries of standing proudly, it was sadly and unexpectedly gone forever. Immediately after the collapse, rumors began to circulate. Some believed someone had deliberately sabotaged the bridge, others focused on the unusual hurricane that had glanced off the island the year before. None of the rumors were ever substantiated. It is believed that the bridge simply succumbed to centuries of pounding. The same surf and wind that created it had ultimately destroyed it.

Although Aruba’s Natural Bridge, the one everyone thought of when they heard the term, is now gone, many smaller ones still exist. At the same site is baby bridge as well as one at Warirui Beach near the ruins of the gold mine at Bushiribana. If you go further south, to Black Stone Beach, you can see even more. Perhaps the most famous after the lost one is the one at Seroe Colorado at Arikok Park. The location of this one is wonderful. After seeing it, you can cool off by taking a relaxing dip in the famous Baby Beach. To learn more about the Aruban sights of interest, visit www.go2aruba.net.