I went (Bob decided he didn't want to go) to some lovely waterfalls about three hours away from where we live. Two missionaries and another missionary couple went. We had a fun time and it was a beautiful hike in to a wonderful place - three layers of falls with pools to swim and play in at each one. But, being with the young missionaries, we didn't go in the water! It was fun anyway. I did try swinging on a vine out over the creek – but held on with both feet and hands – didn’t want to end up on the rocks or in the water.
At the top and bottom waterfalls, both of which emptied into fairly large pools, bamboo rafts were available to rent. Someone had rigged ropes across the pools so you could pull the raft along and go under the falls. At the first waterfall, the ropes were rigged so that you could pull the raft into a cave. Then everyone on the raft had to lie down flat and you could slide the raft – with people on it – under a huge rock, coming out behind the water fall. From there, you could pull on another rope and work your way through the waterfall and back across the pool. We watched one group do this over and over.
Little food places and restrooms were available, although most groups hiking in brought food and water. At the beginning of the trail, we saw a large sign regulating the wages and services of the porters – men who sat beneath the sign waiting for people who want their stuff carried up to the falls. We took snacks and water in our backpacks and stopped on the way home to eat the picnic lunch Sister Graham and I had prepared. The elders especially seemed to enjoy it.
