Why I love hiking and off-roading: The experience that had me hooked!

On August 26th, 2014 I embarked on a "boys trip" into Trinidad's dense North Coast jungle to the village of Braso Seco. At 15 years old, I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was that I was going to spend one weekend off the grid with zero cellular reception or parents to save me in emergencies. My uncle, 6 year old cousin, 18year old cousin, his friend and myself met "Harrow," the owner of the property we were staying by.

After meeting Harrow at the start of the trail into the jungle he greeted me with a "morning coffee." What he called, "Johnny Walker Black Label whisky mixed with morning brew; Ting to get d heart pumping!" I remember my eyes lit up like a Christmas tree at the first taste of scotch mixed with coffee. (My throat also lit up like a Christmas tree!) We soon climbed on to one purple 2001 Toyota Hilux and one dirt buggie and embarked on a two hour drive into dense forest and mud.

This was my first time truly "off-road" and I felt alive! I remember holding onto dear life as the trail got even more muddy with ever inch in. The truck slipped and slid directly into a path of bamboo and harrow played it off as if it were an everyday incident. "4x4 make for this!" He chuckled. We eventually arrived at his estate. It was a simple house with no electricity and barely any running water. In fact, we showered in the river just down the road from the house.

Without time to rest we immediately began a hike to his secret waterfall, hidden in a cave. The two hour journey on foot was my first hiking experience and did not disappoint. As we approached what looked like a dead end happened to be the 30 foot entrance to the cave. However, the entrance had fallen and we instead had to crawl into a three foot space in the ground to get to the other side. Absolutely insane right!

After crawling for what felt like days I finally saw a light on the other side of the space. Bats instantly swooped down to greet me in complete darkness. Soon we approached the waterfall. An absolutely magnificent sight that had me forever hooked on a lifestyle of adventure. The waterfall was 80feet tall and came pouring out of a hole in the side of the mountain. I remember feeling the sheer force of the water hitting the pool, pushing me away as I got closer.

Harrow raised his hands towards the mouth of the waterfall and shouted,"Oh yes! How Long have I not seen your smile!" It was almost a spiritual experience as if it were the last time he would visit the waterfall. In fact, this was true as Harrow never returned and passed away at 89 years old, two years after that day.

My love for hiking and off-roading was solidified in the incredible childhood experience Harrow afforded me and for that I thank him. God rest his soul.