Mermaid Pools Adventure, Matura (Kids & Dog Friendly)

DESTINATION: Mermaid Pools

EVENT DESCRIPTION:
An exquisite and scenic destination, especially when the light of the morning sun beams down through the forest canopy and reflects off the sandstone and limestone riverbed, creating illuminated waves that ripple down the riverbed as the crystal-clear water flows by. Legend has it that once upon a time, mermaids were spotted at this location blending into the alluring emerald green pools nestled in the lush Matura Forest. A refreshing forest walk through towering Mora and Pine trees, through which the occasional cool forest breeze brushes past your face, takes you down to the Matura River where a small upriver trek leads to a series of 3 picturesque pools, large, deep and refreshing. The perfect playground for the nature lover, kids and kids at heart. Come discover the mysteries of the Mermaid Pools with us! This hike is one of the simplest treks making it quite the ideal hike and great fun for the entire family.

HIKE INFORMATION:
• Location of start of hike: Matura
• Approximate start time of hike: 8:15 am
• Approximate end of hike: 1:30 pm
• Difficulty Rating: 2 out of 10 (1= very easy, 10 = very strenuous)
• Intensity: Easy

• Hike Duration:
o Time going: 30-45 mins
o Time at destination: 1 – 3 hours
o Time returning: 30-45 mins
• Terrain Description: Walk along a wide gravel road of mild incline for about 10-15 mins until a diversion onto the forest trail which will take us downhill though beautiful pine and mora forests to first set of pools and, then we cross the river to head upriver to get to the 2 additional pools (about 10 mins from the 1st set of pools) before returning to the vehicles. The return hike is along the same route.
All quoted times are based on average driving & hiking times and can vary based on traffic, the fitness of the group and how fast we move, the amount of rest stops taken, any unforeseen variations in the terrain (e.g. fallen trees), the weather etc.

ASSEMBLY INFORMATION:
Assembly area: Food Basket Compound in Arima
Assembly Time: 6:30 am
Departure Time from Assembly Point: 7 am
When you arrive at the assembly point, please locate our hike leaders, attired in red, black and orange Palance868 T-shirts. Here you must sign our attendance register with an emergency contact included, get a wristband and a vehicle ribbon tag. The group will then be briefed on the drive to the start of the hike. We depart as a group and drive in convoy style to the start of the hike, where we will park our vehicles and do any official briefing to commence the hike.

COST:
TT $75.00 per hiker
All payments are made through Republic Bank, either online transfer or in bank deposits (at the Teller or using the Fast Deposit option)
These costs do NOT include transportation.
Vehicle security contribution: $30 per vehicle to have someone stay with the vehicles while we are away. This is payable in cash on the morning. Please walk with exact change to facilitate this.

HOW TO BOOK:
A booking is required for all Palance868 events for safety and group size control.
To book Whatsapp us at (868) 7479655
Please provide the following for EACH attendee:
1. Full name (age if under 18 yrs) & cell contact
2. Emergency name and contact info
3. List of any major medical issues, these include allergies, asthma, heart issues, bone, joint or muscle injuries
4. Any medication taken, name and dosage
5. Is attendee a swimmer or non-swimmer?
Most hikes are not suitable for children under the age of 3 years. No babies in arms/baby backpacks or strollers will be allowed. Exceptions will be made for our very experienced and fit hikers, who have navigated similar trails with their kids.
Some medical conditions may hamper your ability to participate in certain hikes and as such, please discuss this when making your booking.

PREPARATION GUIDELINES:
If you are a first time hiker, please use this list of recommended hiking essentials for your personal preparation
1. At least 2L of potable water (refilling in rivers and streams along the way is not recommended)
2. Juice/energy drinks, snacks, sandwiches (ensure packaging is watertight if hike is water based)
3. Small garbage bag for your personal trash
4. Sun Protection: Sunblock/ Hat/ Sunglasses
5. Short or Long pants/tights and loose tops recommended, bathing suits can be worn underneath, if you choose to wear short pants, please opt for a long socks to protect skin from scrapes and bruises
6. Comfortable footwear, sneakers with good grips or hiking boots are a MUST! (Check for any signs of it unsticking or dry rotting)
7. Insect Repellent – OFF, Citronella Oil or Odomos
8. Personal Medication
9. A comfortable backpack (with 2 straps) leaving your hands free to navigate trail help or a friend
10. Waterproof protection for cell phone/camera & anything that cannot get wet (if you are using Ziploc bags, please double or triple up on them)
11. Towel, change of clothing and footwear (e.g. slippers) to be left in the vehicles
12. Plastic bag for your wet clothes
13. Some fresh water left in vehicles to rinse off after hike (mud is to be expected at all hikes)

SAFETY CHECKLIST:
We take every precaution to ensure that you and your loved ones are taken good care of at any of our events. The Palance868 Adventures Safety/Hiking Checklist includes:
> All Covid-19 protocols observed
> Lifejackets for all attendees
> Ropes (will be placed where needed) . > First Aid Kits
> First Aid Trained Hike Leaders
> Trained & certified First Responder
> Medical Doctor on team’s committee
> PADI certified rescue diver
> Rescue Can
> Machetes
> Rope ladder

DISCLAIMER:
Palance868 Adventures reserves to right to cancel or postpone any event due to adverse weather or any other conditions we deem to be unsafe for our hikers. In the event that an event is cancelled before the day of its execution, full refunds will be issued. While we take every reasonable precaution to ensure your safety, each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event accepts full responsibility for making their own decisions and determinations for their own safety, health conditions, conduct and well-being. Each person who participates in any Palance868 Adventures Club event recognizes that possible health and safety hazards exist when attending any outdoor and/or indoor activities and agrees to participate solely at their own risk. All participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. We reserve the right to refuse admittance to any person for any reason.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
> Cancellations made more than 5 days before the event are entitled to a full refund
> Cancellations made 5-3 days before will have 50% fee attached
> There is a no refund policy for cancellations made less than 3 days before the event