Middle-aged flash packers

El Barranco del Infierno or Hell’s Gorge – wow, what a name to live up to.

Another of Dowton Enterprises, an early start was required for the entry into the Devil’s Bowels. (Ok, I admit I’m getting a bit carried away here.) You need to book in advance for this as only 300 people per day are allowed to experience this hike which culminates in a visit to a magnificent waterfall. A safety briefing is required and a hard hat must be worn at all times. Do I really want to do this?

We assembled nervously at the required time (only 30 of us permitted in this time slot) for the  safety briefing. Well Jan, Steve and I did. I think Nik was round the corner fiddling with his hat but I’m not quite sure. Steve then decided to queue for the loo as the briefing started (maybe nervous?)  – was no-one taking this  seriously?

I took absolutely nothing in as I was fixated on why S and N were absent. My hopes were pinned on Jan to save us all.

We were finally allowed to make our way to the start of the Barranco (no guide, this was looking very dodgy) when some man accosted us  and started yapping  on about gifts/photos –  I honestly had no idea- I just wanted to get started on this journey into the jaws of hell.

A bit like the Airbnb photos, I think this hike has been a little over sold. Scenic yes, dangerous no. The helmets were apparently to save us from a random falling rock. From where?! The path was perfectly safe and the gorge was very wide.

The last time I wore a hard hat was when I standing reasonably close to an erupting volcano where stones and lava were being spat out at quite a velocity. Even then I pondered over the point of wearing one as surely the lava would be so hot it would just melt the hat? 

But I digress. Jan and I are very compliant but Steve and Nik showed their rebellious inner teenagers by either wearing a cap underneath it and not doing it up (Nik) or not wearing it all. (Steve). This did not go unnoticed by the helmet enforcer who having already reprimanded Steve once went ballistic seeing S carrying the helmet yet again. I could hear a bit of a commotion behind me but chose to ignore it. I was later informed that N was answering the call of nature and had to rapidly stop as the ranger came charging past him. God knows what would happen if you were caught having a wee. 

The climax of the hike, the amazing waterfall was a mere trickle. I won’t say what N said but you get the drift. 

However, the Barranco del Infierno is a beautiful hike and I recommend it. But wear your helmet!

J and N came back to ours and enjoyed drinks and nibbles ( mainly provided by them. We are rubbish hosts), a refreshing (very cold) swim  plus a snooze for the teenagers. Nik snored gently for sometime before waking up and denying that he had been asleep. 

And just like that, it was time for our fellow road warriors to leave. They fly home tomorrow and we shall miss them. However we will continue the good work of Dowton Enterprises interspersed with some chill time. S is already taking that part seriously.