Saturday 4 friends and I set out on an adventure with limited directions to get to a river and swimming hole below some taino ruins. Take a guagua to Moa than another in the direction of Los Pinos but ask if the driving knows where Dona Micha lives. Knock three times on the door than go around back and the mango tree with cast a shadow towards a wire cage and inside will be a chicken that when let loose will show you the trail head. Ok it wasn’t that bizarre, but we felt like we were on a treasure hunt.
We showed up at the house of a woman who is friends with the director of our program. She did not know we were coming but insisted that she make us lunch and let her sons show us the way up the hike. The house had an incredible view of a lush green valley. It was absolutely breath taking. We sat outside in rocking chairs talking as we gazed at the beautiful view. This family owns a casaba factory. Casaba is made from yuka, a potato like root. It is one of those things that don’t necessarily taste good but once you start eating it you just can’t stop. We got a tour of the factory, and ate plenty of casaba before lunch even started. Everything turned out just as perfectly as possible. We got a ride in the back of someone’s pick up to the trail head, walked up for about 30 min along a stream/in the stream. We ended up at this series of really deep swimming holes connected by a stream of waterfalls. The backdrop was a tropical rain forest fitted with cacti and palm trees, and a huge rock carved face. Well to be honest the face was a bit of a stretch. I guess half of it fell off at some point.
It was such a perfect day. I wish that hiking was easier to do. I defiantly miss that. I was so glad that we actually found one. And swimming is always wonderful here. It was raining when we got there actually but the water still felt amazing. It was one of those days that you have to appreciate God’s beauty. I felt so blessed by so many different things, the area, the company, hospitality, and how everything just fell into line. Very refreshing. I need to keep worshiping Him for this.
Next weekend is a 4day weekend. As of now the plan is to climb Pico Duarte, the tallest peak in the caribbean. I guess it takes a couple of days but backpacking it sort of unheard of here. It sounds like we have to go with a tour guide and will likely have mules carry our stuff up. So not really backpacking but I hope it will be rewarding just the same.
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