Armchair Field Trip to Grenada: Carib's Leap

One of the most stunning sights we've seen in Grenada has been Carib's Leap, a cliff at the northern point that can leave a visitor speechless -- and not just because it's a beautiful view:

It is said that the ancient Carib aboriginals had settled in vast numbers in Grenada before Columbus discovered the island. The Caribs practiced a largely sustainable livelihood of fishing, hunting, and farming until the English disturbed them in 1609 and the French in 1638. A French colony was established in 1650 through the trade of simple knives, hatchets, glass beads, and brandy for the Chief. A year later hostility erupted from the Caribs and the French were given orders to eradicate the aboriginals. After bloody struggles the remaining Caribs were driven to the north of the island; 40 or more Caribs jumped to their deaths off Leaper's Hill rather than surrender to the French. It is rumored that some Caribs survived the fall and swam to safety.

It seems sadly appropriate that at the top of the hill, there's now a cemetary.