Chapter 5

“It is uneven, can be muddy and slippery, with rocks to negotiate. There are a couple of small waterfalls with little pools to sit in and cool down along the way. The rocks there are also interesting, more like vertical walls. There’s a picnic area at the end of the trail and, of course, the waterfall. You can walk right into the pool and sit or stand under the waterfall. What do you say?”

“I say, yes. With a capital y.”

“Excellent.” Alejandro laughed, then looked at Ryker with a narrow-eyed gaze. “If you are a more adventurous hiker, there are a few more trails on the north side of the forest. For a view from a peak, there’s the El Toro trail. Now this is unmaintained, muddy, steep, and strenuous. I consider it a nice hike through the woods. It goes through the Tabonuco forest, then the sierra palms area, and finally, closer to the peak, the cloud forest with its stunted trees and shrubs.”

“Now that sounds awesome.” Ryker punched the air, then rubbed his hands. “When do we go?”