Big Rock Falls Hike -- Belize 9.2018
I recently traveled on vacation to Belize and had an example of this "wow" experience at Big Rock Falls on the Pine Ridge Preserve.
I started the day just like the few others in my mountain hut, next to a bubbling creek that taunted me to stay in bed and drift back into a dreamland. However, this was my last day in the small off the grid hotel and I didn't have many plans. The other American's in the hotel were debating going to the town of San Ignacio to shop and visit an iguana sanctuary. Since my brother own a pet iguana growing up, I had no real desire to tag along.
During breakfast, the owner of the hotel (Neil) and I were having a candid conversation and he mentioned that if I would like, one of his local workers could take me on a hike to Big Rock. I jumped at the opportunity as it fulfilled my day with exercise and allowed me to check out the flora and fauna of the local area in the best way possible. On a side note, the previous 2 days were packed with activities top to bottom, so a relaxing day hike was what the doctor ordered to reset my mind and slow down for a bit.
Jorge (my guide) was a local and along with his machete we headed into the sprawling woods. This particular area of Belize is both covered with woods and rainforest making for an interesting combination of plant life and terrain. The mountains surrounding the Pine Ridge were more like the rolling lush green mountains of the Blue Ridge than the snowy peaks of the Rockies. This particular area we were hiking along was decently flat the whole way, but nothing short of interesting.
Along the trail for the first couple 100 yards Jorge asked if I wanted to see a small waterfall. Which was met by an instant "Yes". We negotiated down the rocky and slippery granite to a beautiful tall and thin falls that from appearance, not many people have visited recently. I'm a tourist, so I took several photos and videos of the falls before we continued onward.
Jorge continued on and on about the local animal life, from insects to deer. It was a great conversation and I was trying to absorb as much as possible. We witnessed several termite hives, leaf cutter ants making their highway of traffic, heard a few deer prancing away through the bush, saw several hawks, brightly colored butterflies and more large 5 inch grasshoppers with neon wings than you can imagine. We walked through an area that a recent forest fire ripped through and discussed logging and its benefits to preventing widespread fires.
Suddenly we came to a clearing which appeared as a long dirt road. This was a runway for the Coppola Wine Vineyard and several other high end hotels in the area. We were in the "Low" season, so the hotels were not yet open. The busy "High" season starts around Thanksgiving and goes until April/May. A very ire sight of a uneven dirt patch in which planes would precariously touch down upon. I felt sudden relief for taking the 2 hour car ride.
We walked through the forest some more and then ended up on a dirt road for about the last 1/4 mile. We negotiated down a shaky wooded staircase and then you could start to hear the falls thunderous sounds.
Upon coming to the initial opening to see Big Rock Falls in all her splendor, you couldn't help but be in complete "awe" of another example in Mother Natures power. Things in our world are made quickly. We expect fast results, timely answers and execution, and others to reciprocate accordingly. Thats the fast pace society we live in for most of us. Nature doesn't care to abide by our norms. She takes her time. These falls were once a stream and each drop of water gushing over the edge was once a raindrop or came from the depths in springs below. There is no rushing perfection, only admiring its efforts.
There were several pool leading up to the main pool underneath the falls. Jorge and I quickly changed and jumped into the largest pool of them all. The water was slightly tan due to the nights pouring rains, but its typically crystal clear. We made our way up to a rocky granite cliffside and started our ascent. We jumped several times off of a 30ft cliff into the welcoming waters below. I am adventurous and have made several cliff dives, but the first one was a slightly nerve racking. If the water was a bit more clear, I believe I would have been a little more daring, but there was a slight hesitation on my part. After Jorge decided to then go first, I was full of bravado and must now jump!
We then swam up to the falls against the immense current she was pushing out. Jorge and I even sat almost directly under the falls themselves taking on her heavy rains and enjoying the refreshing chill of the waters.
After about 30 minutes of enjoyment, we called it and started to head back. At this time we were the only ones at the falls and had them all to ourselves. As we were leaving a few Amish showed up and started to swim too.
The hike back was full of smiles and laughs like children as we exchanged stories of our other hikes and some of the circumstances we've gotten into and out of. I was extremely grateful for Jorges company and local knowledge. He is someone that I hope to see again, perhaps on a Belize return trip.
Hikers have a kindred spirit and mutual understanding. Maybe its the love for outdoors and exercise, perhaps its being wrapped around by natures beauty, or even it maybe just as simple as slowing down for a bit and enjoying the pace.
Total Distance: 6 miles, 5 hours
Video I made of my hike:
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