Hey Everyone!
Chile is amazing!! I cannot believe more people have not come here to experience its beauty! One of my favorite activities that we have done was slide down Los Tres Altos. These waterfalls are known throughout the kayaking community for the big pools at the bottom and the surrounding nature.
Los Tres Saltos: The first waterfall
We took Sunday off to rest and relax. Sleeping in was the perfect beginning to such a wonderful day. At 11:30 we all packed in the van and headed to Los Tres Altos. None of us knew what to expect when we got there. As we parked the van, David asked us to get together outside of the van. He began to talk to us in a serious tone about how sometimes you don’t know what to expect from the owners. I was sure that we would have to pile back in and head back to base camp, until a smile appeared on David’s face. He said, “That’s why we have to be stealthy”; I knew we were going to have a great time. He also told us that we needed to act like tourists taking a lot of photos. Well the boys had afield day acting like Chinese tourists taking pictures.
Julia Fisher, Emery Tilman, Palmer Miller, Melina Coogan, Alex Shallhorn, and Tracy d’Arbeloff
To get to the top of the waterfall without climbing up a rock face we had to hike up the mountain. It was literally straight up the entire way, no joke. Though I was tired once I go to the top, the view refreshed my energy. The rolling mountains with the Volcano in the distance take ones breath away! We then jumped the fence into a field of blackberry bushes. They were the biggest I have ever seen (or eaten)! We had to pry away the boys from the blackberries before we could continue on through the woods to get to the top of the creek. Once there we changed into dry tops, shorties, and helmets. We rock-hopped down the creek to the top of a series of natural slides above the waterfall. Of course the easiest way to get past them is to practice for the bigger waterfall by sliding. After spending time on those we arrived al primero cascada de Los Tres Saltos.
This 20ft. drop lands into a huge pool. With all my gear on I take a pirate floaty to sit on. I creep to the edge of the water, preparing myself for my ride. I sit down, take a deep breath, and then blast off!! My heart races as I fly down the water over the edge and into the air. For a moment I am supergirl! Unfortunately my daydream only last for a moment, until I splash into the pool, bottom first. As I surface I am filled with excitement and joy; that was incredible! I watch as others follow suit, each in their own way. David Hughes and Isaac Holden come down together holding hands, while Keegan Grady films his way down. Everyone had a blast.
From climbing down into a gorge to sliding down waterfalls, our day was packed with fun and adventure. Our day at Los Tres Saltos was a day that I will never forget!
Palmer Miller in front of Los Tres Altos
