Caribbean Hiking Adventure presents an all-inclusive package, this Saturday to Monday, with a hike to Matelot Falls. The journey begins in the homely village of Matelot, on the north-east of Trinidad.

From the road, we trek downhill until we reach the base of the river. Here, we step gingerly along a stony river bed, going upstream the river course, until we meet the ravishing waters of Matelot Falls. The falls are relatively small and can be described as a cascade, but its beauty is well worth the visit. The pool before you is quite large and is ideal for swimming. So come to Matelot Falls and immerse yourself in a natural beauty.

The package includes camping at Hambug Hollows, which features toilet and bath facilities and secure parking at the campsite, and all meals and hiking fees to Matelot Falls and Homard Falls.

Matelot is a small village on the north coast of Trinidad and sits at the end of the Paria Main Road which winds along the coast, passing through the villages of Toco, Sans Souci, L'anse Noire, Montevideo and Grande Riviere. As is typical with this part of Trinidad, it is an area of great natural beauty, with untouched forests, rugged coastline and crystal clear rivers. The Matelot River enters the sea in Matelot. The area near the river mouth is a popular camping spot.

—For further information,

visit www.caribbeanhiking

adventures.com or

call Richard at 788-8478.

1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (long slacks/no jeans) and a cap or hat. Use footwear with good grips on soles, no sandals, no slippers and no high-heeled shoes.

2. Keep an extra change of clothes in your vehicle.

3. Leave jewelry and other valuables behind. Secure cameras, cellphones, car remotes etc in a water-tight bag.

4. Pack lightly. Include water, sandwiches, medication, insect repellent and other essential items. Use a backpack to keep hands free.

5. Never venture off the trail without informing the hike leader.

6. On approaching any intersection on the trail, do not use the path which is blocked by fresh-cut bush or branches.

7. Never pass the front hike leader. If at any time you are uncertain about which direction you should take, stand your ground and wait for a hike leader. The last person will always be a hike leader.

8. Avoid running on the trail, shaking bushes and making excessive noises.

9. Pass over fallen logs. If you must go under, survey the area then proceed with caution.

10. Do not touch or eat any fruit or plant which is unknown to you.

11. Do not go into water until proper safety measures are in place and a hike leader gives permission. Enter feet first.

12. All illegal substances and weapons are strictly prohibited. It is illegal to have spent shells in your possession.

13. Hikes are rated 1 (easy) to 8 (difficult). Be sure of your medical fitness before attempting any hike.

14. Children under the age of seven years are not allowed on hikes rated over a 3. Absolutely no babies in arms and no pets allowed.

15. Follow guidelines given by the hike leader before starting a hike.

16. Do not litter. Take garbage back with you and keep a clean scene.

On Sunday, for those of you not wanting to spend the entire weekend outdoors, the scene shifts to Toco.

A sensational and scenic destination, located two miles south from the Toco Light House Road, is Forest Point. The forest in this prominent landscape is secondary and consists mainly of estate land in the cultivation of coconut trees.

Along the coast, there are two sheltered beaches, with a rocky peninsula in the middle. The two beaches have different characteristics, but both are quite enjoyable for bathing; the one to the left of the headland is calm and shallow while the other has gentle waves for swimming. The headland is made up of sedimentary sandstone which is constantly being modified by the pounding of the Atlantic waves.This photographic seascape is a lovely spot for picnicking and enjoying the soothing ocean breezes.

The hike on Sunday to this isolated coastal area is on a flat estate road and takes under forty minutes to reach the destination. The natural vegetation has been cut down, leaving maximum exposure to the sun, so it is recommended to bring along two litres of water, sunscreen, a hat or an umbrella.

Assembly is at 7 a.m. at the corner of O'Meara Road and Churchill-Roosevelt Highway, Arima.

—For more details visit www.islandhikers.com or call Mario at 749-2956.