Manakin Falls - 08/25/08

Today I went on a hike by myself to Manakin Falls on George and Melina’s property. I’m not sure who named the fall but I did find out that manakins are birds. I don’t think I have ever seen a manakin. I might have to work on my birding skills while I am here!

Manakin is a beautiful secluded spot. I have been here many times and love the view from atop the fall. Today, there was a beautiful vista of the valley with birds flying overhead and some orchids in bloom on the rocks.

Instead of taking the trail down to the bottom of the fall I decided to try to hike down the rocks. This sounded like a good idea and was very fun until it started to sprinkle half way down. Once these rocks get wet, forget about any sort of traction! I really was not interested in taking the fast track down the fall (sliding the rest of the way down)!

Luckily I was able to scramble my way back up with just wet boots and a dirty bum but without any broken limbs!

Because of the threatening rain, I did not stop to rest much at the bottom. There is a nice deep trough of water for swimming at the bottom of the fall. Even if I had stayed for a while, I wouldn’t have gone swimming. I’m not jumping in a dark pool of water by myself! I hear the Loch Ness Monster also resides in waterfall pools in Belize!