Right this way to the Wild Spirit Waterfall Trail.
After a previous day of soft steady rain I braved out in the cool morning air onto the Waterfall Trail at Wild Spirit Backpackers Lodge.
I walked slowly with purpose so as not to slip on the moist trail yet reveled in the drops of water that clung to the dense growth.
So many little things to distract me on the way.
I’d been told to go past the first small waterfall.
But of course I lingered there for quite a while taking photos and enjoying the sound of the water.
Plus just ahead was a rather treacherous looking bridge with only a tiny string to hold on to. I always think about hurting myself while out hiking alone and wonder when someone would miss me and come looking. But I braved across with the utmost of caution.
I have to say the little pool looked inviting for a quick dip if the sun had been overhead to warm me afterwards.
Yet I wandered on and suddenly the big waterfall was ahead. Falling 262 feet (80 m) over rocky walls surrounded by lush rainforest, I sat lost in time taking in the magical energy.
Then suddenly it dawned on me that I couldn’t lollygag here all day as I was going with other guests on an outing to Monkeyland so had to return across that bridge and up the trail.
And somehow I missed the sign and ended up following the creek pushing my way through the forest.
I didn’t go far before realizing my mistake and was about to turn around when the little people set me straight.
I was almost back to the Lodge and hurrying a bit when one foot rolled into a hole and off the trail going down on my bum. I sat for several seconds to make sure all body parts worked and happily didn’t even twist an ankle, which I am prone to do. Most important I saved the camera and took a photo to document my low view. Of course this 30 minute walk took me nearly two hours, but what else is new.
When I return, as I must, I will spend an afternoon at the waterfalls and swim, and soak in the sun surrounded by this magical forest.
