Matura National Park

We got that itch for nature and so yesterday we headed to an alluring and mysterious nature trail that leads to a wonderful river and fresh water pool. It was a beautiful one hour trek through the wondrous forest with magnificent sights all along the way. The weather was a bit bipolar and erratic, raining at times and others, the sun coming out blazing hot. Needless to say the rain made the trail muddy and difficult but it was still enjoyable nonetheless.

After parking the car in a secure spot, we started the arduous walk. Notice in the pictures now that the trail is nicely paved? Keep that in mind! As we continued along, you could feel a change in the atmosphere and ambient sounds. It got darker due to the trees and canopies, the air felt crisper and cleaner and the sounds of the rustling leaves, birds and other animals filled the air. It was so relaxing and magical at the same time, almost like entering a new world (which it was anyway).

We walked for about half an hour and you would think that you were on the trail at this point but not so! The Matura National Park sign came up along the way signifying that the trail was beginning! Say goodbye to the nicely paved walkway and say hello to full on nature trail! There was a distinct line where the asphalt ended and the trail began. The forest here was noticeably thicker.

We had to climb our way through slushy sticky mud, maneuver obstacles like huge fallen trees and rocks as well as huge inclines and narrow passage ways. I felt like Frodo from Lord of the Rings on his hard long walk to Mordor. There were sounds of animals I had not heard before in my life and even though they were new, they were not at all scary but instead brought a sense of peace and serenity. The droplets of rain that filtered through the thick canopy of trees overhead added to the majesty of the forest.

In the distance, after walking for about the best part of an hour, we could hear the sound of rushing water. It was alarmingly loud and distinct from the rest of them. I soon realized that we were at a great height in relation to the river down below and we could see sneak peeks of the river through the trees. The excitement was building at this point but we had to descend the muddy decline first!

Once we made it to the river below, all of the hard work was rewarded with the beautiful cool river water and the sights and sounds that came with it. The water was so clear and pristine. We waded through the waters up river to see what we could see. It was not high enough at this point to be much of an inconvenience. We got to a nice Y intersection where two water ways met and sat down for a while to rest and re hydrate as well as replenish the energy levels with some snacks. The sunlight filtering through from above made this experience one I may never forget. It was so alluring, I could not bear thinking about heading back to civilization for some reason!

After deciding, we had enough rest, we headed back downstream past the point where we first entered the river towards a beautiful pool to have dip. You can't go to the river and not take a dip right? For some reason heading downstream was harder. The rocks were extra slippery with my shoes and I kept slipping but all that was so worth it once we got to the pool! There was a mini waterfall that poured into it and it provided ambient and relaxing babbling brook sounds so sit and bathe with in the background. The trees above made the atmosphere moody and the sounds of the animals and insects resulted in such a breath taking experience. If I could have stayed there forever, I would!

The water itself was so cool, crisp and clear and from the time my body was submerged, I felt so rejuvenated and all the fatigue and tiredness of the hike went away instantly. That was what was most amazing to me, it was as if the water had healing or restoration properties. I did not feel as tired on the trek back as I did on my way to the place.

Hiking Is An Addiction

I can understand what people mean when they say that hiking becomes an addiction. Nature itself has become so seek out due to how our daily lives have become. It is a blissful and breathtaking escape from the hustle and bustle and I really did not feel like leaving. I felt like I left piece of my heart in the forests of Matura. The magical forests of Matura National Park and the river was indeed what we needed in terms of our nature cravings. Thanks a lot for coming along, Cheers!