The last few months have been rainy enough to raise the water levels here in the Rio. Our fixed docks were almost underwater there for a while! Some benefactors of these rains are the local waterfalls that rush with the additional water. Embracing the rain, we went to visit a few cascadas around Guatemala.
The first visit was to the Siete Altares (7 Altars) in Livingston hosted on a friendly & smoky Garifuna property. The Garifuna are part of the cultures of Honduras, Guatemala and Belize.
The Garifuna population originated from mixed African & Carib descendants transported from St Vincent to the western Caribbean as putative slaves, yet they fiercely held onto their independence and unique mixed language (45 % Arawak, 25 % Carib, 15 % French, 10 % English, 5 % Spanish) as they formed their way of life here.
A launcha ride in the pelting rain got us prepared for the wet hike we were about to undertake.
In drier seasons, these plateaus form shallow pools of water, but today the waters were flowing swiftly.
We hiked in ankle deep water across and up the seven waterfalls with only gentle forces on the rolling ledges that were fortunately not at all slippery. It was a scenic day trip with a few fossil rocks spotted along the way.
Another day trip, by [newly paved] road this time, took us to Las Conchas (the shells) waterfalls with Bob & Trish. The sunlight was perfect after a cold front had passed through and made for stunning views of the falls.
Again, in dry season this place would be full of locals swimming and picnicking, but swimming was not possible today in the rough waters due to heavy rains.
We all spent some time experimenting with our new cameras, contemplating exposures and shutter speeds. Some of the results weren't half bad.
We're getting good at procrastinating for our haulout having fun out & about in any weather!