BECA Travels: Waterfalls at Wli

Yesterday, we awoke to a wonderful day in Wli.  One group got up early with the intent of climbing to the higher falls.  Although I would have liked to do that, we had not been warned ahead of time about the need for decent climbing shoes. So those who had them went on the hike.  It was a strenuous climb; they used climbing sticks and exhausted themselves; but they said that swimming in the upper falls was its own reward.  The rest of us opted for the lower falls.  We walked on flat ground through a jungle-like area, enjoying the walk, the frequent bridges, and the sights and sounds of the forest. We finally arrived at a clearing, with a small pool at the bottom of some towering waterfalls.  Fabulous!  When we were done taking pictures, we walked in.  We were able to get quite close to the falls, where the water was neck deep. We could only approach backwards; the spray was too strong to approach the falls face first. It was wonderful!  We climbed in and out of the water several times, took lots of pictures, and appreciated the spectacular environment.  I walked out next to the falls and just soaked.  When we were ready to turn back, we noticed that what had appeared to be rocks hanging down to the side of the falls were bats!  We were able, with telephoto lenses, to get photos!

By the time we got back to the lodge, the other group was back from their hike. We all had lunch and napped or read.  Then a group - some who had been to each falls - went back to the lower falls. Others shopped at the tourist "shops" at the beginning of the falls.  The people of Wli know how to cater to tourists!

We had dinner at the lodge and fell into bed. This morning, we awoke, had breakfast, and waited for the van that was to take us back to Kpando.  Enroute back, we learned that the town of Hohoe is the center of the cocoa-growing area in Ghana.  We also saw that the security had left Hohoe; although we passed the burned out shops, things appeared to be quiet.  We also went through a tobacco-growing area between Hohoe and Kpando.  When we arrived back at the Hardt Haven compound, Edem told us that most of the cocoa and tobacco is sold in Togo, rather than in Accra, because the price there is better.  Not great for Ghana.

This was a good weekend - a good break from our production work and our routine in Kpando. Now the HardtHaven group is interviewing two children from the orphanage, and the students are calling their fathers.  Happy Fathers' Day!