I’m talking about a downpour.
During our trip in Honduras, there was a waterfall we wanted to hike to. Unbelievable Falls is double drop waterfall that’s 100 feet high. In order to reach it, you have to enter the Pico Bonito National Park, one of Central America’s most unspoiled jungles. There was a problem though. Not only was the hike a difficult one, but it rained the first two days of our trip. This hike involved walking along narrow, rocky cliffs. The rain made the rocks slippery. We spoke to two families who ventured on the hike and the majority of the people fell down and hurt themselves. One showed me a bruise on his back. It looked nasty.
I am not a graceful person. Falling down is normal for me. You would think I’d be used to it by now. But I’m not. I’ve mastered falling, not landing. The good news was that everyone who went on the hike, even those who fell down, said it was worth it. We scheduled our guide for the end of the week.
Our destination
The morning finally arrived and we met our guide bright and early. It was just the three of us. Before reaching the difficult part of the trek we walked over a flat surface. I was enjoying the views and the ease of the walk. Birds were singing and I could rustling in the bushes. I was hoping to spy a monkey.
THUD! The guide and the better half turned around to see that I had fallen flat on my face. I wish I could say there was an obstruction that tripped me. Nope. I was on a flat walking path. No excuses. The better half and guide looked at me, then at each other, and shrugged. They didn’t bother to help me up. Still not sure how I feel about that. Yes I was embarrassed, but a little common courtesy would have been nice. I have a sneaky suspicion that they were trying to hide the fact that they were laughing. Later that day I said my foot got tangled in some vines. Psst! That didn’t happen, but don’t tell anyone
I popped off the ground and brushed myself off. There was a big stain on my right knee.
To give you an idea. I didn’t take photos during the difficult park of the hike since I was holding on for dear life.
Finally we made it to the tricky part of the hike. This was the first time I had a guide point out where I should place my hands and feet. The entire way I did not take a step until I was told to. It was terrifying and exhilarating. Now I don’t remember how long the hike took. It couldn’t have been that long, since I remember chowing down on lunch at a normal time. My best guess would be 4-5 hours. A perfect half day excursion, but you do get an early start.
We lucked out. It didn’t rain the two days before our hike so the rocks weren’t as slippery. Still difficult little buggers to walk on so I can’t imagine what they were like when wet. I’m happy to report I didn’t fall down, well except for that one time. But that could happen to anyone.
You can see the double falls.
Upon arrival at the waterfall we stripped down to our swimsuits for a dip in the pool. The journey back didn’t seem as strenuous, maybe since my fear had subsided by them. More than likely it was because I was starving and couldn’t wait for lunch. Our resort served the best enchiladas. And of course, a victory cocktail was in order! So if you want me to join you on a hike that’s difficult, bribe me with good food and drinks. That works every time.
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You were brave!!!! And you are not alone: there we are, masters in falling…..Landing is another question…Even going down a mountain…I remember once: I was able to climb a very difficult one, following the black way (I did not know what it was the black colour!)…The problem was going back down: I was praying the whole way…I was praying as I had never done…And, of course, more than half of the way I was not on my legs, but on my bu…..(.I think if you are near the floor your chances of falling dawn are lower!)
I can relate. I remember heading down a mountain in Utah. I didn’t hike down, but skidded down on my butt the entire way. Had to throw my pants out, but no matter how hard I tried, I could not stay on my feet. The snow didn’t help. I had the same philosophy, if I’m on my butt, it won’t hurt as much. Except for the bruises from the rocks that the snow hid. Not my best excursion.
🙂
I think you fell down because you wanted to see some monkey business and got distracted. (smile) What we will do to get a perfect photograph. Those falls are beautiful.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
yes, it’s the monkey’s fault. A monkey pushed me down!
The double waterfall photo is gorgeous!! I think that should be framed and up on a wall. And no, I am absolutely not still laughing about your fall :). You and I sound very much alike LOL!
Seriously, flat on my face. I was like a board falling down–didn’t have time to try and break the fall at all. Loved the waterfall and you can’t believe how lush and green the place is until you go.
Still laughing……but just remember, I’m laughing with you not at you!! 🙂
Oh I’m sure. Tell me, would you have helped me off the ground? Or would you be too busy laughing?
I am a very honest person, so I will tell you that I would have made sure you didn’t seriously hurt yourself and then I would have laughed my head off and finally helped you up :).
Only hurt my ego and ruined a pair of pants. Still have the pants though, but you can see a hint of the accident. Now I can say when people ask about it, “Oh that, I got that in a jungle in Honduras.”
Ok, I must admit that is totally cool to be able to say that :). Now I must get off WordPress before I’m late for work. Unfortunately, even though it’s as cold as it is, my car still started, so I have to go to the office. Yuck!!
Have a good day at work and drive safe. I hope the roads aren’t icy. And when I say that about my pants I never ever mention how I fell down.
Oh no dear… I can’t imagine. Photographs are so nice. Thank you, love, nia
It seems the journey was worth the embarrassment.
I’m used to embarrassing myself–it just happens.
Reason to find a cure at the pub.
What a great hike that was even if it had a bumpy start. I am so totally the klutz and I am sure I would have done far worse than you! The falls are awesome and I would have been right with you on making that hike!
Maybe we should wear pads. I think butt pad would help with most of my falls, and knees, elbows, wrists, forehead.
oh, how beautiful! i’m glad everything turned out so well, i’m enjoying imaging swimming here. nice! 🙂
It’s really hot and humid there so a swim was exactly what the doctor ordered. And to swim in such pristine water, that was a treat.
Well done to you – I am a fellow faller downer! When I first met Big Man I fell flat on my face right near the London Eye “Don´t worry”, I told him “I fall over all the time”. He still laughs about it as he says I have never said anything truer 😦
On one of our first dates the better half spilled a beer all over me. We still laugh about that one. Ah, first date jitters–they make for good stories later on. and be careful!
Your secret’s safe with me. 🙂 Just reading this gave me the heebie-jeebies. I’m not good with heights or slippery rocks. Beautiful pics, though!
I had myself freaked out before we started this hike. It ended up being a lot easier than I thought. Thank goodness we had a guide to talk us through the whole way.
I so wants to make it to is park as it is really near where I was volunteering in La Ceiba! But unfortunately I didn’t have time! It looks gorgeous!
I’m sorry to hear that. We didn’t have time to visit Roatan.
What did you think of Honduras? It was much more rough around the edges than Guatemala and seemed dirtier and poorer. I was only in La Ceiba but I didn’t feel very safe and never walked around after dark (6 pm) alone. In Guatemala, I felt much more at ease. I just loved being there but was surprised how much poorer Honduras was. What was your experience?
We stayed at a resort at the base of the National Park so didn’t experience much of the city life, except when we were out and about on excursions. I honestly don’t know how to compare the two since our experiences in Honduras and Guatemala were night and day. I had more time in Antigua in Guatemala and ran into some trouble when there was a political protest and the police were armed to the teeth. That was very intimidating. However, in Honduras, one time our driver was stopped by a man who I think was a cop with a very large gun–again, intimidating. Overall though, I found the people on the whole to be super sweet in both places. Loved the rainforest in Honduras and the volcanoes in Guatemala. How’s that for not answering your question at all.
I think you did a great job answering it! I agree, the people are amazing. It was just a little hard feeling unsafe especially as a solo woman traveler.
I haven’t traveled solo in any foreign countries, but I imagine it can be intimidating in some situations. We do our best to always stay aware, wherever we are. I wish you safe travels and many more wonderful adventures.
Thanks! 🙂
Sonds like a great day, otherwise! Glad you didn’t hurt yourself 😀
Thanks Madhu
I am glad you are okay. This happens to everyone. I have fallen a few times hiking and climbing. I love the double falls. Gorgeous!
I’m finding that many of my followers are just as accident prone–at least we can comfort each other and get a giggle.
Now that’s a real adventure. The sort that most people just watch on TV.
I’m glad that you were not seriously hurt. Your photo of the falls is impressive.
It is cool when we watch documentaries and we can say, “Hey, we’ve been there.” Obviously we can’t say this much, but when we do I feel proud.
I’m glad you made it back to tell us about it!
Ohhh but it was worth it. This is a sight worth suffering for. A little bit at least. 🙂
fortunately my fall didn’t hurt much. And now we laugh about it.
You know, the exactl same zhing happend to me in the Alps- one moment I wa standing, the next, flat on my face. No idea what happened. I didn’t trip. I hadn’t eaten enough, maybe I fainted. i was badly bruised because I fell down two meters.
Goodness Caroline I’m sorry to hear that. If we ever go hiking I’ll carry snacks for you so you won’t fall down. That can be some scary stuff. Not sure I’ve ever fainted. I’ve been knocked out and that’s an odd feeling. Hopefully you healed quickly. I haven’t hiked in the Alps yet. Do you suggest a certain place?
I’m not much of a hiker to be honest but there are some great views in the Alps. Unfortunately I couldn’t really advise. I did all my hiking in school.
Being knocked out is not great either.
How cool that you went hiking in the Alps in school. Not a bad way to spend a day. Yes, I don’t advise getting knocked out. A wicked headache. It happened during a soccer/football match. Waking up was an odd experience with all the mothers hovering about me and not knowing what happened.
Sounds like such an experience. I’m sure I would have fallen and stumpled my way along the hike. You could say I’m a bit of a klutz! 🙂
No worries, I would have helped you off the ground. We have to stick together!
Well told!
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