DESTINATION Big Tree Trail (Arboles Grandes) 1 Photoset
2010-07-29 | | -
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| Hiking | 0.70 Miles |
165 AEG |
| | Hiking | 0.70 Miles | 1 Hour 30 Mns | | 0.47 mph |
| 165 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | After a nice climb to El Yunque Peak I decided it was time for a swim, and headed toward La Mina Falls. The trail was longer than I had anticipated, which is why I didn't bring my GPS and track it, something I later wished I had done.
I also wore flip flops as I was happy to get out of my hiking shoes after my 9 mile hike earlier. Unfortunately, this was a terrible decision, as the terrain was much steeper and wetter than I was anticipating. Ultimately, I ended up at the falls and arrived when nobody else was there, which was nice. Hiked up above the falls and took a short swim in the pool above before returning to the bottom to swim below the falls with a group of 8-10 people who had recently arrived.
I had to high-tail it out of there to make sure I was out of the forest before the gate closed at 6pm. A great end to a good day in the rainforest. I wish I had started the whole thing a bit earlier so I didn't feel rushed to leave. In retrospect, also would have really liked to hike up the La Mina trail along the river, but was already tired, didn't want to deal with an additional 500 feet of vertical, and time didn't allow anyway.
I'd say "next time" but who knows when I'll be back here again, so there's just a touch of regret. 
Hiking time includes swimming and return trip.
In addition to the photoset, there's a couple of videos you might want to check out:
Above the falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otvOrB9WxXI
Pool above falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F92mNhJdJ5Q
Below falls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KyLxOy2ATN8 |
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| I'm not sure what my spirit animal is, but I'm confident it has rabies. |
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