The Infamous Hike

It is funny having a bunch of blogging friends here, because we all do something together and one by one everyone's blog tells the story (Sarah's Blog, Sara's Blog, Stephanie's Blog and Cat's Blog) . I am typically last, so sometimes I feel like a broken record telling the event. So, if you have already read someone else's blog, this is nothing new, just my own journaling of the events.

Anyways, every Wednesday morning both of my kiddos go to the Grand Anse Play Group (aka The Gap). This is the one time during the week when I have zero responsibility and with no family around for baby-sitting, this is a much needed break. This past Wednesday we decided to tackle the Concord Falls hike, so ten girls and two cars headed North on our adventure.

The morning was beautiful and the hike took us through lush green and back and forth across a stream. It was really nice to be in nature and just be able to enjoy it instead of worrying about one of my kids (as this is not a kid friendly hike, it would have been incredibly stressful with children). 

We ended up at a different waterfall than we had planned, but it was in a serene little cove and the perfect place for a swim.

As we were swimming, it began to rain harder and harder. After a little while, we decided we better head back. This is where it got a little more exciting and eventually more scary. We traced our steps back down a washed-away trail and through rushing rivers that had once been streams. At one point, when trying to cross a part of the stream, the current proved to be too strong and Cat got caught up in it. We all clung to her, but she slipped and started down the stream when Kelsey jumped in and save her. We formed a human chain and pulled them back to shore. We then devised a swing system where I would stand father up the stream and and swing girls across to Sara. This worked for a few girls, but then the current got so strong, I no longer felt conformable with my footing. This is when two of the girls who were already across ran and got help from some local guides. Luckily they knew we would be having trouble and they were already on their way. The three men helped the rest of us cross and then forged a new trail with machetes through the jungle to get us back safely. It was an exciting experience and I am so grateful that we were all able to make it back in one piece.

*A special thanks Sara and Stephanie who were brave enough to bring their cameras and catch the action.