25th birthday wishes are always paired with wisecracks about a quarter century. It suggests a dance between youth and longevity, vibrancy and wisdom. I wanted to celebrate mine by embracing all of this, to spend a day in a space that protected the perennial while birthing new life. Then it hit me – a hike! I could enjoy my day surrounded by lush nature, alongside family and a group of amazing, life-long friends. I consulted an experienced guide, Emile Serrette, certified and licensed tour operator of Nature Trekking in T&T. His passion for offering the ultimate experience to hikers is more than 22 years in the making and I immediately sensed we could trust him. We settled on a hike to Upper Mermaid Pools, a beautiful tucked away gem located in the Matura Forest of East Trinidad.
On hike day, we met Emile’s wife, Laura, as fit, friendly and energetic as her husband. Emile’s knowledge was evident from the get-go, as we learned the meaning of the word ‘Matura’, an Amerindian word for ‘forest’. Binging on gorgeous views, with a side of cultural education and fitbits going crazy, this birthday was shaping up to be epic.
Everyone, from teenagers to the middle aged found their own unique ways to enjoy the gorgeous pools. Whether skipping rocks, climbing up the rope or relaxing in the waters, we soaked up all nature had to offer.
For about 40 mins we trod on. We encountered a few downhill slopes shaded by the evergreen foliage and were serenaded by a cacophony of local birdsong mingled with the soft crackle of bending branches. It was blissful. But, by no means was the journey to the upper pools easy and for sure, it tested the fitness levels of some in the group. But just as we made our last descent, every scratch on our arms or ache in our muscles seemed worth it, for the welcome was spectacular: the wide deep, blue-green and clear pools came into view, clearly contrasted against the tall silhouettes of the trees along the riverbank.
Now, all we had to do was get across.
Making our way with bags overhead, one by one we stepped into the chilly but refreshing waist high water and onto the opposite bank to rest our things. Emile had life jackets for everyone who needed it and with his skill for candid photography, naturally captured our fun moments. Everyone, from teenagers to the middle aged found their own unique ways to enjoy the gorgeous pools. Whether skipping rocks, climbing up the rope over the water (I made it halfway and as the birthday girl considered it the supreme accomplishment), or relaxing in the waters, we soaked up all nature had to offer.
On leaving, we made sure to leave the beautiful cove as we had found it – clean, green and serene. As if in competition with the scenic views on our way in, the route out along the river outdid itself in the way of the magnificent forest canopy that peered down on us. Some of us even jumped into the clear, inviting waters again. Heading out of the Matura forest this way meant another 45 minutes to an hour. The trail led us back on land and through the more popular mermaid pools where we exited the forest.
The fun did not stop there. We stopped off at a popular chow place called ‘Pine Man on D Corner’ along the Toco main road where we all indulged in treats like my favorite, a mix of mango and pineapple garnished with salt prune, tangy and peppery in perfect proportions. Others opted for homemade ice-cream at a shop lower down the road, old time favorites like cherry coconut and peanut.
This 25th birthday had only silver linings. And with so many magical places in Trinbago still to hike, bring on the next quarter. I’m ready.
