Wow wow wow!!!
Another fabulous day! This time, a hike up Ella Rock.

It was lovely to hear both Henna and Arlo talk excitedly about the challenge of a mucher harder 8 mile hike, as we set off after a hearty breakfast, rather than whining about another walk with mum and dad. They’re still young enough and held back from the dreaded digital addiction that parents moan about, to love being active and spending time together doing real stuff.

So – to the shops – pick up supplies, then off to the station. The first stretch is an ever so slightly uphill walk along the track. The clouds hadn’t appeared over the hot sun yet so this was peppered with water and snack stops. At early points in these hikes with young children there’s always that niggling question as to whether it’s going to be too much, too hot, too far and we’ll have to turn back. We met so many lovely people from all over the world on this track, with stories to tell and advice to be shared. The touts that send you the wrong way to the falls or on to Ella Rock, where conveniently, somewhere down the trail you’ll come across a guide who’ll save you from having gotten lost – for a fee of course. Heeding the advice, we found our own place to dip our toes in the falls and found the trail from various versions of instructions found online or offered on the track. Now don’t get me wrong when I call them touts, they’ve no intention of robbing you, they’re just trying to make a living. Other locals will stop for a friendly chat, ask where you’re from, where you’re headed and offer to guide you. Most happily accept a polite, ‘no thanks, we know where we are going’ and continue on their way, no malice meant. Anyway, surely half the fun is finding you’re own way – And getting lost now and again!

Off the train track, over the river and through the tea plantations, wonderful views to be had in every direction. Further on there’s a couple of huts and a makeshift shelter/ shop/ cafe based around a tree. Ah, refreshments! Up and away again and we headed for the challenging bit, the steep, rocky climb through the woods. Luckily, our two love rock scrambling so this was a joy as we headed up towards the cool breeze. You then hit a track and a short walk to the summit and the ‘oh my word’ spectacular panoramic vista in front of you. Even up here you’ll encounter the local stray dogs lazing in the sun. the only animosity from them is towards each other as they warn each other off a possible feed. No luck here I’m afraid doggies, we’re Crossfields – all food scraps are ours!

Another, even better viewpoint can be had with an additional 10 minute walk to a plateau with a Buddha temple, which of course we did. We’d come this far after all.

Getting down proved to be quicker with fewer stops. A pitstop at the shop for coconuts and fresh pineapple juice and we were on our way. No sooner are we back on the track heading to Ella station. Half a mile to go and boom! Dad get’s distracted by something, takes his eye of the track and wallop, I go arse over tit and split my eye on one of the sleepers! Bar Steward! Now, anyone who knows me even slightly well, will know I do not fall well – correction, I do fall extremely well, I do it all the time, I just don’t land gracefully! Nursed by the kids (and Colette of course) and a concerned looking local couple, we headed back to town to the medical centre where the singular Doc cleaned the wound, applied some butterfly stitches and a big dramatic plaster. The area’s now since filled with blood and I look like I’ve been in a boxing match. However – I still have all my teeth and no broken bones, so that’s gotta be a win?

Back to our room with a take out and showers. Col seemed more tired than the children. A chilled out, mooching, journal writing and maths work day awaits us tomorrow.

Enjoy the pics – have a good laugh at my expense and the miraculously quick recovery. The pictures probably don’t do the day justice but we filmed the whole journey so you’ll just have to wait for the edit. Worse thing was, the camera wasn’t rolling when I fell! There’s 250 quid down the swanny!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.