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Nevis Hiking The Source Trail Part 2 |
Beware the sharp razor grass at |
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Dung cane, not to be confused with the sugar cane it resembles, can make your mouth swell up, a remarkably nasty side effect prized by plantation managers out to control pilfering. Sylvester, my guide, said it originally was introduced to discourage thefts, especially after dark. Swollen mouths made suspects easy to identify. The fruit trees eventually give way to rubber trees, figs, palms and ferns. It may be difficult to believe that the metal water pipe you keep encountering was installed centuries ago, but the heavy moss coating testifies to its age. At about half way, you'll reach a concrete water tank. Look for the massive rubber tree with a base like a giant cypress; it's a nice stop for a rest or a sheltered picnic, should it be raining. During August and September, time of the greatest rain, you may find
yourself wading almost knee-deep across streams that at other periods
are almost dry. You'll come to 2 sets of steps (15 at the first, 32 at the second) just before the path curves to form a half-circle around a valley, actually part of a ghaut. After a fairly steep climb of about 15 minutes, you'll reach a water collector on the left. At some points you'll have to duck under the water pipe. Keep going until you reach the 70-foot high ladder leading to The Source itself. You're welcome to make the climb and see where your drinking water comes from. Return to Hiking The Source Trail Part 1
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