33.25 Reunion: A Hike to Marla, a town in a cirque with access per foot only. 33.26 Waterfall near Cilaos.

We departed from the trailhead, after taking a bus from our hotel, a journey of less than 20 minutes. A car provides convenience which cannot be over-estimated. However, bus travel reduces stress levels caused by the usual worries of renting a car. These include costs, potential damage, theft, directions and in some locales, dangerous roads and/or drivers.

The hotel management provided, as with many establishments, a service allowing us to store our baggage including computers and other valuables on site while we were away. Facilities such as these are essential and much appreciated. On our return from the hike, we had quite a task ahead of us. We went to the second hotel to check-in but found the receptionist to be on siesta. We left our basic hiking gear under a table out of view from passing pedestrian traffic and returned to the first hotel to collect the rest of our baggage. A short but tough 'hike' brought us back again to a delightful Apart-hotel. It was worth all the sweat and more.


As we summit the pass and continue on, the town of Marla comes into view.



Back to the trail: Our plan was to acquire 2,800 feet of elevation to reach the summit and then descend a further 1,400 feet to arrive on the plateau within the cirque. We would sleep in a hut in the town and return the following day by reversing the route. The only access to the town is per foot unless one has the service of a helicopter. While there are times we'd like the use of a 'chopper', this was not that occasion and anyway, it might be considered not within the spirit of hiking.

We were pleasantly surprised by the high quality of the accommodation although we had no cooking facilities. Nevertheless, sleeping on a firm mattress, having a roof over the head and hot-and-cold running water plus a commode is hard to beat in the bush.

The only downside to the experience was the light rain that soaked us on the ascent. Fortunately, as we began the descent, not that the rain ceased but rather, there was no rain. Only one side of the mountain was wet—the latter side was dry and dusty. We don't try and understand nature—we enjoy it—for there are many anomalies although we do understand some of the effects mountains have on the movement of air and hence, clouds.

Once again we met some interesting locals, many who hale from the mother country, France. Swopping stories and experiences as well as getting varying perspectives continually proves to be fascinating and hopefully, helps with mind development—ours, of course.


Clouds building for a change.




The flora on the mountains are impressive, in light rain.




Love it when the birds are not intimidated, something that seldom happens.




Down on the other side as we view eastern part of the cirque.




Jenni making here way back down the mountain but through the thick, unusual growth.




Notre Dame provides an impressive beacon.




We're not tree-huggers yet.




Somethings worrying him...perhaps the next scene.




That'll do it.



Returning from a waterfall hike and finding a beacon again.


Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey