Friday was quite an adventure as El Capitano decided we all needed a day off and head for the waterfalls. We met our favourite rickshaw guy Juan No. 7 at the dock at 9:00 a.m. It was about an hour’s drive up into the mountains. We saw some incredible scenery! Especially beautiful were all the huge coconut palm plantations throughout the hillsides. The four of us and our bags were quite a load, and in a couple of spots where the mountain road was really steep, we had to get out and walk, as the poor motoconcho sounded like it was going to blow a gasket! We took a lot of pictures, to give you an idea of what the countryside is like here.
We arrived at our destination, which turned out to be a restaurant/gift shop, where you rent horses, to take you through the mountains, and then to the falls. We had no idea, we assumed the rickshaw would take us directly to the falls. We browsed through the gift shop, where Greg bought me a beautiful Amber and Larimal necklace, with a bracelet and earrings to match. These are both local gemstones, a very nice keepsake of the Dominican Republic, as well as a beautiful gift for the galley wench from El Capitano! The guy of course sold Greg some cigars, and made a deal for the horses to take us to the falls and back for $40 U.S. While in the gift shop, Greg and I tried a local treat called “mama juana”. You drink a wee bit in a shot glass, it is pretty strong and supposed to be very “potent”, in an aphrodisiac way. It is in a large glass jug stuffed with 25 different leaves and herbs. Then they add two fingers of honey, two fingers of red wine, and fill the jug with rum. It was delicious!
We made our way to the horses and climbed on. We were escorted by a local, his two daughters and young son. This was the boys’ first time being on a horse, and for Greg and I, many years since we had rode. I was a little nervous, and then when I saw the narrow, rock strewn mountain path we were to travel on, my nervousness progressed to a near panic. Up and down we went, all the while I prayed fervently for God to deliver us safely. We crossed a stream and dismounted our horses. Then we had to pay another $50 pesos each and walked down a steep path to the falls. The falls were incredible, 150 feet high. They fell into a large pool with clay rocks around. The water was cool and very refreshing, to say the least. The boys and I had a great time swimming, and we even managed to swim underneath an overhang to be behind the falls, too cool! There were alot of tourists there, most with wristbands from the all inclusive resort in Samana, most likely. It was pretty crowded, and nowhere to sit. We swam awhile and then decided to head back and have lunch. The trip back was much more relaxing and enjoyable, as we knew what to expect. I think Greg was a cowboy in a former lifetime because I couldn’t get over how relaxed and natural he looks in the saddle! Brett fell off his horse on the way back, he just kind of slid off with the saddle, fortunately right onto a high grassy area. He was not hurt at all, and the girls were holding their sides laughing at him, I guess it was quite comical. Greg and I were up ahead so couldn’t see what happened, but Dylan filled us in, and I guess it was quite something to see... these little girls trying to get Brett’s big foot out of the stirrup, he is lying there cursing and swearing... and everyone is laughing. Wish I’d been there to take a picture. At least he was fine and not hurt, but as he said, trust him to be the one to fall off the horse!
Back at the restaurant, we had a fantastic lunch of fish, chicken, rice, salad, etc., and lots of cold drinks. Fully sated, we headed back to Samana, and the boat, to have a good night’s sleep.
We are now at Hotel Bahia View, checking the weather and it looks like we have a window to leave tonight. We just have to get a few supplies, pick up our laundry and get back to the boat to get ready. We will leave around 5:00 tonight, hug the coastline heading south, and then cross the Mona passage Sunday. The wind and weather looks really good. We will continue on to Ponce, where we should arrive sometime late Monday or Tuesday. We will email from there as soon as we can. We have had a great time in the DR but are eager to move on.
Lots of love from the Dutch Dreamers
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