When I traveled with Eddy, my guide, to the cloud forest above Hotel Finca Lérida, I was in for a totally unexpected surprise. As I descended from the trails above 1,800 meters above sea level, I heard a loud roar. I had no idea what it was so I asked Eddy. “Eddy what is that roar, is it going to rain”. He looked at me mischievously and smiled. “Surprise, surprise,” he said.
Indeed it was a stunning surprise. As the forest opened up, I saw a huge flow of water flowing from the top of a hill. It was white as milk, and fresh, and clean. It was a waterfall! The first and only waterfall I’ve seen, except the Niagara Falls which I have only seen in magazines and movies. But this was no magazine or movie, it was the real thing, right then and there before me.
The sight was spectacular! I wanted to stay there frigid, allowing myself to enjoy the pleasure contemplating the white falling liquid accompanied by a loud roar—like the roar of a lion in the jungle. No more words—it’s time to insert some pictures to support my visual awe. Here we go. These pictures were taken with my DSLR Canon EOS Rebel t2i.
Snapshot of a rustic sign on the trail that leads to the waterfall. As you can see, from this point, it was a 20 minute walk to the waterfall. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of a gorgeous waterfall inside a thickly populated cloud forest in the heights of Boquete. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Enjoy the full extension of the fall of water flowing down from the mountain. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Eddy, my guide, gracefully posing for the camera beside the imposing body of falling water. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Snapshot of Yours Truly, mesmerized by the scene of the cloud forest and the immaculate waterfall beside me. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Take notice of the giant fern towards your left. Concha and María are walking towards the waterfall to have their pictures taken by Eddy. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Take notice of María and Concha posing for a shot by Eddy, our guide. Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
Photo by ©Omar Upegui R.
It was a long and strenuous stroll to the waterfall, and I was dead tired when I finally got there. But let me tell you, it was worth the effort when I was indulged with the beauty of the milky flow of water falling from the heights. As Chase Jarvis once said, “The best camera is the one that’s with you.” I was so happy that I had a camera with me to capture this unique experience. Good Day.
We are loving these photos. The photo of you has a Lowell Thomas kind of pose, very appropriate.
Boquete has waterfalls everywhere, most are not as accessible as that one, it is great that the finca has created and maintained that view.
jim and nena
fort worth
Hello Jim and Nena:
Never thought I would cause a person to associate me with Lowell Thomas. I must say I’m flattered. If I had a white robe on and a camel beside me, it would have been even more appropriate.
Yes, the cascade in the middle of the forest was a rewarding experience. Boquete is full of wonderful surprises. Nena must be very proud of her birth place.
Regards,
Omar.-
Nice post, Omar. In my recent visit to the Finca the walk from the restaurant to the room was almost enough to do me in. I never would have made it to the waterfall unless Eddie carried me on his back.
About 15 minutes up the Boquete Road coming out of David there’s a small, very picturesque waterfall on the right hand side of the road. I did a post on it back in July of 2010.
http://onemoregoodadventure.com/2010/08/09/ovecoming-inertia/
@ Jim and Nina – I remember Lowell Thomas quite well. I used to listen to his broadcasts sitting on my maternal grandfather’s lap after supper. I especially remember when he made his trip to Tibet and Lhasa, the “Roof of the World.” I could hardly wait for each installment.
He Richard:
Hope you are feeling better now. I had my problems too, catching my breath while walking to the cascade. However, my curiosity was greater than my fragile breathing. I’m glad I made it all the way to the waterfall.
I liked your pictures too. Having audio and video make them even more realistic than a still picture.
Take care my friend.
Omar.-
A beautiful waterfall. The first one I saw was near Monterey, Mexico – Cola de Caballo. Here’s a photo of it – absolutely exquisite. I’m so glad you got this wonderful surprise!
As for Chase Jarvis – you might enjoy this .
Hi Linda:
I can easily understand “Cola de Caballo” and I can understand why the Mexicans gave the waterfall this name. If you look at the waterfall, you will find some similarity with a “tail of a horse”.
Your blog post about Chase Jarvis is a winner. I posted a comment there. You are my favorite word weaver. Thank you for making a civilized person out of me.
Regards,
Omar.-
I didn’t realize until I began looking for the Mexican waterfall how many “horsetail falls” there are – at least in the U.S. I suppose “horse tails”, “bridal veils” and such are repeated as names because they are such good descriptions for a falls.
Glad you enjoyed the Jarvis. I’m off to re-read myself and read your comment.