(Blue Basin falls at the left in the background, a smaller pool inthe foreground)
Hiking trails are so numerous and beautiful here in Trinidad and Tobago that there are whole societies and clubs as well as a large lucrative industry surrounded on them. The thing is it is seen as more of a fitness hobby than anything else and people think that it requires a certain level of fitness. That is somewhat true but there are hikes that are so short here that are not as well known as the others that don't require stamina and is great for the family without dangerous river crossings and deep pools. You get the benefit of being in nature as well a a very short hike while still getting an amazing attraction at the end (usually beautiful waterfalls and amazing gorges). This level of no compromise can be found at the shortest hike in Trinidad to the Blue Basin Waterfall, just only a 2 minute walk and you are there!
(The beginning of the trail)
Conventionally hikes are pure forest and wilderness, no paved pathways. They are quite hard for first time hikers and usually require hike masters or guides. In our case here, the whole way is beautifully yet crudely paved making it easy to leisurely walk and just focus on the therapeutic aspects of nature. At this point already you can hear the roar of the stream that is lower down after the waterfall.
As you can see, the paved way does not at all take away from the forest vibes of the area and allowed us to take in the sights and sounds of the area as well as the to appreciate the smell. I was so glad to not have to worry about where I was stepping or if I would loose footing or balance at any point. At this area in the walk, there is a stream to the right of us all the way up until the waterfall. The roaring of rushing water as well as the sight of it through the trees was so relaxing and amazing.
(The trail with the stream at the right)
We tried to climb down to access the stream just for fun, the waters were so cool and felt so crisp. We could not wait to take a dip in the larger pool under the waterfall! It felt so magical like some sort of fairy tale forest. There was so much to see and take in!
(The stream when we climbed down the side of the trail)
Lower down the trail we came across some steps that was just before mini waterfall. I turned around to look back the way we came and saw an amazing composition with the steps and the stream as well as a huge tree that grew in the middle of it! The sunlight filtered through the canopy of leaves above and made it even more magical than it was previously! Nothing could be more perfect!
(The shot with the steps and the mentioned tree in the background)
The mini waterfall was more of a babbling brook of sorts with seemingly perfectly placed rocks. It did say it was so much to take in all at once, as this was at the left of the trail. The sound that emanated from it was so soothing and tranquil. It would be the ideal place to sit and meditate for a while! There were also little fishes within the pool as well as tadpoles, it was so cool.
The mini waterfall/ babbling brook, on the left side of trail)
All of this was just a few minutes of leisurely strolling. No we could hear a larger roar of a waterfall just around a corner of sorts in the forest trail. The excitement built up as we rounded the corner and beheld the beautiful Blue Basin waterfall. Its waters flowed from above a forest ledge and poured gracefully into a blue turquoise basin of pristine and clear water below (hence the name I guess).
The rain had just started to drizzle as we got into our swimming clothes and the force and volume of the waterfall increased dramatically! We dove into the cool waters which were actually more cold than we expected. Nothing like a rejuvenating dip in fresh pristine water to make you feel alive! When I tell you, these are the experiences that we rave when were sitting at a desk doing work. You can see how clear the water was by the photos alone!
Swimming closer to the waterfall, you could feel the force of nature, it was so surreal. This was because forceful gusts of wind induced by the falling stream hit your body adding to the sensory amusement of the experience. It made you feel so alive! Now it was somewhat dangerous as the water had no salt and it was not easy to keep afloat (it is easier to float in salt water). Also this coupled with the fact that the pool was actually extremely deep without seeming so made it somewhat of a risk so we made sure to keep an eye on each other just incase.
Just because the length and difficulty of the hike was significantly less than that of others, it did not retract from the worthiness and spectacular beauty that the Blue Basin had to offer. As one of my colleagues said, you don't have to almost die just to get to a waterfall, just enjoy the views and the vibes still get the rewards of a much more difficult hike!
