We started down the narrow path that begin very near our room. Within 10 minutes though we found ourselves in the small yard of some run down cottages of locals. If I was in the US, I would never travel down a small unknown path in a part of an unknown city with dilapidating homes. But somehow, in Bali, where everyone is kind and helpful, it wasn't even a little scary. The person pointed us in the right direction of our proper path. So we continued further down the narrow dirt path. After about 20 minutes, we again found ourselves in the backyard of a small hut. We began walking back trying to find where the path might break. But as we turned the corner, we were met by a young man, lady, and girl walking toward us. They too were looking for the waterfall. The guy was from Germany and the lady and her daughter were from Switzerland. Together we marched forward, periodically coming to small breaks in the path, not knowing which route to take.
The path also became narrower and led upward with very steep drop-offs to our left. Although I tried not to look, my eyes couldn't help but unveil the drop-offs of about 100 feet in places. Meanwhile we continued to just move forward carefully placing one foot in front of the other. (The path was so narrow that we couldn't put both feet side by side.) We finally found our way, in the end guided by the sound of running water.
The waterfall was beautiful. A cool midst of water rose from the shallow pool as the falling water smashed into the earth. The cool midst felt wonderful. We stayed for about 15 minutes taking in the beauty. A few other people arrived. We met a couple from New Mexico with two young boys. They gave us instructions on how to get to the second fall.
So, with smiles on our faces, we began our walk to the second falls. A heavy rain started, which we just embraced - knowing we were headed to water anyway. In about 30 minutes we came to a small coffee shop, where the workers directed us to the falls. This path was better cleared and even was paved in places. There were even stairs that led to the base of the falls. I mean a lot of stairs, very steep stairs.
We reached the bottom greeted again by a spectacular view of water rushing down the falls. Knowing that the climb up the stairs would be rough, we equipped ourselves with some bamboo walking sticks that we snatched from the surrounding jungle. The stick was a big help in getting up steep stairs. We stopped at small building or restaurant sitting in the middle of the woods along these paths. We ordered some lemon grass tea and watched the waiter simply go cut the grass from in front of the restaurant.
Now that's fresh! It did taste great.
As we continued back on the path, we though it might be wise to take a different path, the normal path that most tourists take - which leads to the main road that leads to our hotel. We reached the main road but quickly realized it would be even more dangerous to walk. The narrow road was filled with cars squeezing past each other - leaving no room for pedestrians. And, unlike most tourists, we didn't have a driver or guide.
So, we decided to take the path that lead us there. There was only one problem: we weren't sure which one that was. There are no signs or arrows pointing the way. We came to a crossroad in the path. Tonya was sure that going right led us back. I was equally sure that going left would take us back, and that right would lead back to the falls. Tonya seemed insistent. I then too was questioning the look of some of the markings in the path, like the grass laying over the trail in one place. I didn't remember seeing it. But, the heavy rain and thick fog was making everything look a little different. And, so, with about a 1 hour before sunset and a solid 45 minute walk to get back, I was suddenly nervous that we may not know our way. I agreed that we could hike the other direction, if nothing else to prove that it led back to the falls. But along that path, luckily we met another couple (from Chicago) with a guide. He confirmed my thoughts that the opposite direction led to our hotel.
So we turned around and headed in the opposite direction. We continued on the dangerous path which was muddy and slippery from the heavy rain. The high drop-off points seemed only more intimidating. I clung to my stick planting it with each step ensuring that one misstep didn't become my last. Luckily, the guide followed us and ensured that we stayed on the right trail back to our hotel. I'm not sure we would have found our way without him. Many of the small turns were hard to spot and our surroundings continued to transform with the rain.
I was relieved to find our hotel. I will include the guide and the stick in my blessings tonight.
Tonya and I at first waterfall.
Second waterfall. These are just other visitors to the falls. Notice what they are using for umbrellas.
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