Today we hiked to the lovely waterfall behind Hakatea, aka , Daniel’s bay. Glen was still nursing a bruised foot, so he stayed behind, but Mary enthusiastically joined us. The weather, for this part of the world was perfect...overcast, but no rain, slight breeze. There hasn’t been much rain here lately as the dry season is just ending, so all the river crossings were much easier than it was the first time we did this hike four years ago. One starts out strolling through a fruit orchard rich with pomplemouse, limon, orange, guava, papaya, avocado, banana and coconut. After awhile, the ancient “ king’s highway” appears beneath your feet, and for miles and miles you walk between its old stones, marvelling at the bone pits, pei pies, Maires, walls and various platforms. The sound of the river follows like sweet music, hibiscus flowers the size of dinner plates carpet the path, birds call, coconuts fall, the fragrance is alternating sweet and slightly fermented. Fruit is the only litter here in this pristine paradise. Mangoes, pistachios, nonis all squish and roll on the pathway. Here and there, the odd coconut has sprouted, a small tree jutting from a shell. As we approached the canyon where the waterfall is, sheer cliffs of basalt rose towering overhead, at some places, literally overhanging the trail. The floor of the canyon is a carpet of soft green plants bearing bright yellow flowers. What bit of sky that can be seen is populated with the pure white enchanting tropic birds flitting about with their delicate tail feathers strung out behind them like arrows. Finally, we reached the outer pool. Here we ate our lunch, then taking to the pool, we swam across to the boulders, clambered through, stepped down into the inner pool and swam into the inner sanctum. Here it is like being in a rock cathedral. The waterfall sings it’s hymns, echoing in the hush of the curved rock walls and still pool, the fantastical architecture of the volcanic remains enchant the eye, the startling coldness of the sweet dark water refreshes the skin, the ancient perfume of eons of evaporation tickles the nose like a smokeless incense, all that is missing is a taste sensation, but this place goes beyond the five senses and touches the soul. It is truly a very sacred place. We are very fortunate to have been able to visit it a second time! It is one of the magical side effects of living this Sweet Dream!
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