October 23 – Waterfall Lavena Coastal Walk
October 23 (Day 12 – Waterfall
Laverna Coastal Walk): Today we headed to the Bouma National
Park for a hike. We headed out around 9:00 or so. Nice drive to the other end
of taveuni. We drove past the visitor center at first, but asked directions
right away. It is basically in the village. We planned to get a guide and hike
the 8 miles out and bag but soon discovered other options. We were met by a
guide who showed us where to park his name was Gabriel. Quite a salesman... so
we decided on the three waterfall tour which included a boat ride! Before we
left, rod handed out some crayons. We got in the boat and headed up the coast.
Beautiful! Not too long a boat ride. We hiked up to the first waterfall... then
back and on the main attraction on to
the main attraction There is a nice area before heading to the falls. Covered
table, changing room, vale Lailai (bathroom). I didn't put on my swimsuit, but
I should have! We did have our water shoes. A nice hike through the Bush. At
the falls, we put on our water shoes and swam up to the falls. Pretty strong
current, but Gabriel helped us. He also swam with rode phone held out of the
water! Really unique falls! See the pictures. Another nice hike through the
Bush along the ocean to the visitor center. Walked through the village at the
end. Unfortunately, Gabriel was very like others we have me from time to time,
hitting us up for money 😊. But we did give him $100 for a tip...
Rod’s Thoughts: This was a good adventure. However,
it really is very frustrating to be hit up for money, and much of the
conversation being about how much our guide makes and how Australians don’t tip
but Americans do. It took away a lot of the enjoyment. I still recommend you do
this, but you might want to try to stop talk of money if it comes up.
