Into the mountains – and waterfalls

Saturday, April 4, 2026

We ventured into the heart of the island woth Mike showing off his skill navigating these right windy and steep roads.  Often there was only room for one car to pass and he was abel to maneuver through it all – including parked cars in the road, cars trying to pass in his lane, and then sometimes a driver would just stop – often to talk to their friend. We are hoping we can decipher the honking language by the time we leave – is two quick honks a good sign?

Our original overly ambitious plan was to catch three waterfalls and a lake.  After our second waterfall included slipping down a cliff holding onto bamboo, we decided we were had enjoyed our jungle adventure enough and didn’t a pool sound really good right now?

We were trying to understand what these trail planners were thinking.  Of course there were no switch backs, but some steps were so high they reminded me of one of those crossfit challenges where you have to jump onto a tall box – and then do it again. Then there is the deep clay (?) soil that holds in any precipitation and it is just a slippery slide down the hillside.  We have no idea how people do this during the rainy season.

But, the waterfalls were wonderful!  (some cognitive dissonance at play here?) and I was determined to swim in and under each one, rather refreshing especially after the difficult hike.

Along the way we stopped in at a crater lake (not THAT one), but it was fun to see some of the geology of how these islands were made – and like Hawaii, they are still being made.  One of the best viewpoints allowed us to look down into the jungle valley with the vines, palm trees, and all sorts of layers of green just oozing out of the hills.

We turned around as the afternoon was coming to a close then had a quick trip back over the mountain pass and down these narrow roads.  We got back in record time – we are thinking Mike maybe is getting too comfortable and really is starting to drive like the locals

After trying, unsuccesfully, to clean our shoes from the deep red mud we just left them outside, hopped in the pool to cool off and then enjoyed another red sunset over the harbor.  We finished the day with colorful cocktails and dinner in the harbor. 

Tomorrow we are snorkeling at the underwater sculpture park and then will hit the beaches.  First the moutains and now the beaches – sounds like a solid plan.