Our fourth day here on Reunion Island, and how time flies. Today, we headed into the largest and original crater of the island, where a town called Cilaos sits right in the middle. As we started driving, we expected the road to be a challenge to navigate—a common occurrence here—but this road took it to a whole other level. It wound so much that we needed both lanes to make the turns, and sometimes even that wasn't enough; we had to reverse and attempt the turn again. My eyes alternated between the road and the beautiful scenery all around.
At one point, we entered a tunnel and realized as we made our way through, that it lacked any sort of inner shell; it was simply dug out and left as is.
Upon reaching Cilaos, we were blown away. An entire town with schools, shops, and everything one might need. It was far from quiet; in fact, it was quite busy. We stopped to look around and grab some supplies from the shops.
Afterward, we continued on, enticed by some beautiful hiking trails leading to stunning waterfalls. The roads just continued to amaze us. Eventually, we reached the starting point of our hike and set off on the trail.
As we descended the mountain into the valley, we were surrounded by a beautiful forest, and the distant sound of a river was audible. We reached the first waterfall, “Bras Rouge Waterfall,” took some pictures, and then continued to the second, which promised to be even more impressive.
After crossing the river and hiking for about 15 minutes, I sensed something was off; we were on the wrong path. A quick reorientation confirmed this, and we headed back down to the river. The trail along the river became increasingly challenging, requiring us to hop from rock to rock, climb, and jump over gaps.
We eventually caught up with some local guides and a few other hikers. After a quick chat, they confirmed we were on the right path. Being quicker, we continued on.
Eventually, we reached a point where the path seemed to end. After the guides caught up, they explained we needed to continue along the river. We made a plan to cross the obstacles until we found the “Bassin Fouquet waterfall,” a breathtaking sight with water dropping from seventy meters high into a crystal-clear pool.
After enjoying the view, we had to continue. The trail map indicated following the river, but a massive cliff and waterfall lay ahead, making us question its accuracy.
Asking the guides for directions, they pointed to a path leading up the side of the waterfall. Despite our doubts, we followed them. The path, indeed correct, was treacherous, with steep cliffs and sections requiring the use of dubious ropes tied to small trees and branches.
This detour took considerable time we didn't have, but eventually, we reached the top of the waterfall and found another, “Bassin Alfred Waterfall.” Beautiful yet smaller, we quickly captured the moment and hurried back to our camper van.
The trail was more intense and confusing than anticipated, but it was an unforgettable experience. Exhausted but fulfilled, we drove back down the winding roads to find a spot to rest for the night.
What a day. We hadn’t anticipated such an exhausting expedition, but being well-prepared made all the difference. It’s crucial to always be prepared and to stay calm when plans go awry.
This adventure serves as a powerful reminder that the journey is often unpredictable, but with preparation and resilience, we can navigate through any challenge. It underscores the importance of adaptability and the willingness to embrace the unknown. Let this story inspire you to face life's winding paths with courage and an open heart, for it's through these experiences that we grow and discover our true potential.
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