Climbing out of the taxi I am reminded of why it is called rainforest. Any sort of waterproof coat is a waste of time. If the rain does not get through from the outside you will be drenched in sweat from the inside. I have settled for shorts and T-shirt, my camera bag protected by a bin liner I carry for just that purpose. The feeling of being soaked through by warm rain is actually quite refreshing, a bit like hiking under a shower.
Our destination is Trafalgar Falls, a pair of waterfalls noted as an easy hike from the road by guidebooks. The path is well marked and winds along the valley side to a wooden observation platform cantilevered out through the trees. Stepping out I can see the falls at the head of the valley, “father” on the left and “mother” on the right. Very nice, but I am wondering a bit why we need a local guide.
The path continues and gets steeper. Rather than ascending we are descending to the floor of the valley. The way forward is a scramble among jumbled boulders at the side of the streamway. Our guide immediately proves his worth by picking out the easiest route and avoiding unstable rocks.
A few minutes climb and we are resting by the pool at the base of the waterfall. I have brought my bathers for a swim, but don't know why I bothered to change, my clothes are already soaked. I also brought a mask and camera housing with me to experiment with some unusual shots, swimming out beneath the waterfall and looking upward.
Below me catfish and other river fish dart about the pool. Given an opportunity to return it could make an interesting underwater photographic project.