Sunday, May 27, 2012- The Waterfall and Mine

Today, Brittney, Chris, and I went hiking. We all got up early and took the bus to Estelí. From there, we hiked/hitchhiked the 5 km to see a waterfall. It was really awesome. The hike was really tough since it was through the “mountains” around Estelí, but the end result was definitely worth it.

Brittany and I in front of the waterfall.

Then on our walk out, we walked down another path that was above the waterfall and found another really beautiful spot.

We ended up having to walk the full 5km back, but luckily it was almost all downhill. When we were about 2km from Estelí, Chris spotted a sign for a soapstone mine and decided it would be cool to hike the 800m to go see it. When we asked a local if it was possible to just go see it, he told us it was a little dangerous, but he would be willing to show us the way. He then grabbed a machete and started walking.

We did not take the road that the sign had indicated. Instead, we went through his property. Along the way, he even climbed up in a mango tree and shook it until some fresh mangos fell down. It was a lovely snack for the rest of the trip.

He led us on a very intense hike up the side of a mountain. At times, it was nearly straight up. The walk was very difficult. We had walked for quite a while when he indicated that we had arrived. “The mine” was actually just a place where the locals collect the soapstone for carving. He used his machete to show us all the different colors available and even gave me a really nice piece. He also told us that there is no road, so everyone has to carry the rock on their back or by ox cart.

The mine

He then took us to the highest point on the mountain and removed a tree so we could get some really great pictures of the view of the countryside and Estelí below.

Before Tree removal

During tree removal

After tree removal. The city of Esteli is visible below.

We returned the same route as we theoretically would have taken had we gone to the mine ourselves. We agreed that we probably would not have found it on our own. We went through a very small village where we met our guide’s brother. He carves the soapstone into figurines (our guide makes sinks for washing hands). All three of us bought a soapstone turtle for the equivalent of $2 US each. We wanted to support the local economy (as well as get something to remember our day).

Soapstone sink our guide had made.

We paid our guide for his excellent tour and finished our hike. We were so exhausted that we ate at a small restaurant across from where we exited our hike into Estelí, which is also the bus stop. We had hiked for about 6 hours in all. My feet have blisters, and I am a tiny bit sunburned but the day could not have been better. It was a great adventure (with no rain)!