Test your knowledge of your hiking and outdoor skills. 
Some answers are worth one point, while others are good for two points. 

For 1-10 points, you are a certified couch potato. 
For 11-15 points, you are ready for the outdoors. 
More than 16 points, you are a backcountry guide. 


1. Your walking a trail with two other hikers. Three miles in from the road, one of the other hikers slips off a steep slope. The hiker is now 20 feet down a steep embankment with what seems to be a badly broken leg and a vicious bruise on the forehead. You should:

A. Cut through the woods to the nearest road and flag down a car for help. 
B. Splint the leg and help the hiker walk back to the trailhead. 
C. Stay with the injured hiker while the third member of your group hikes back to the trailhead for help. 
D. Act like you have never seen the injured hiker before, complete your hike and watch the evening news to find out what happened.


2. You are camping at a primitive campsite equipped with a privy that has more flies and smells worse than the south end of a northbound moose. What do you do when nature calls?

A. Head to the woods with a trowel, keeping at least 200 feet from any water source and well off from camp to spread out the impact on the campsite and your nose. 
B. Use the privy. 
C. Pack out all wastes in a plastic bag. 
D. Wait till you get home two days later.


3. You reach your goal for the day's hike, an established primitive campsite along the trail. The two campfire rings are full of half burned trash. What do you do?

A. Take both rings apart by scattering the rocks in the woods and packing out the trash. 
B. Dismantle one fire ring by scattering the rocks away from the camp and pack out the trash from both rings. 
C. Build a fire in one ring and leave the other one in case more campers arrive later.


4. Bushwhacking straight up or down a mountain, and bypassing switchbacks is:

A. A mortal sin punishable by a lifetime in hell under any circumstances. 
B. Allowable when beating a quick retreat off a treeless summit to get away from an electrical storm booming overhead. 
C. A good idea if you're tired. 
D. O.K. if nobody else is around to follow your bad example.


5. Banana peels, peanut shells and other "natural trash" should be:

A. Eaten. You have to take the bad parts with the good when trying to leave no trace. 
B. Buried out of site of camp. 
C. Scattered in the woods to rot. 
D. Packed out with the rest of your trash.


6. Tents, rain jackets and pack covers are sold in a variety of colors. You should buy them in:

A. Earth tones to blend in with the surroundings. 
B. International orange so hunters won't confuse you for deer and other big game animals. 
C. Bright colors to signal airplanes in case you get lost. 
D. White for summer gear to reflect heat, keeping you cooler and black for winter gear to absorb heat and keep you warm.


7. If dumped overboard on a whitewater rafting or canoe trip, you should:

A. Swim across the rapids doing the crawl stroke to get to the bank as fast as you can. 
B. Pull someone else overboard to help you in the rapids. 
C. Pinch yourself to make sure it isn't all a bad dream. 
D. Point your feet downstream and float through the rapids, getting out at the closest calm spot.


8. When collecting wood for a campfire, be sure to:

A. Get enough wood to keep the fire burning all night in case you get a really good joke-telling session going. 
B. Cut down trees that look like they are dead anyway. 
C. Collect wood out of site of the camp, picking up only dead and downed wood. 
D. Not get any, because you shouldn't build fires.


9. You have been hiking all afternoon in a steady drizzling rain. It forty-five degrees out and your backpacking partner has been complaining about being cold and shivering. Now he is slurring his speach and talking about going to sleep early without dinner. You should:

A. Set up the tent and keep quiet while he drifts off to sleep. 
B. Get him out of his wet clothes, fire up the stove and get something hot to drink and a good warm meal in him. 
C. Hike the eight miles back to the car together. Your partner has hypothermia and needs medical attention. 
D. Strip off all your clothes and climb in a sleeping bag together to warm up. 


10. When cleaning the dishes in camp, you should get rid of the water you washed them in by:

A. Packing it out. 
B. Pouring it in the water of a swift moving creek where it will be cleaned as it rushes through the rocks. 
C. Packing out any leftover food scraps and scattering the little bit of water well away from camp and at least 200 feet from a water source. 
D. Swallowing the left over water, if you didn't use soap it only has leftover food anyway.

Answers in detail:

1. C Don't move a badly injured person unless you have extensive first aid training and are properly equipped to do so. Give yourself 2 points for C and no points for any other answer.
2. B Give yourself 2 points for using a smelly privy. You get 1 point for answer A. You should have used the privy, but at least you followed leave no trace guidelines when you hit the woods.

3. C At an established site, it is overly optimistic to assume that other campers will forgo a fire. But taking the second ring apart will concentrate the later use to one site. Give yourself 2 points for answer C and one point for answer B, which takes leave no trace practices a bit too far for an established campsite.

4. B Let's be realistic. Safety should come first, but only bend the rules if you are really in danger. Give yourself 2 points for answer B and just one point for taking things too far with answer A.

5. D Pack out any trash, natural and otherwise. It takes banana peels and peanut shells to long to rot in the woods and they could be dug up by animals if buried. Give yourself 2 points for answer D, and no points for any other answers (eat peels and shells if you like, but you won't get any points for it here).

6. A Give yourself 2 points for selecting gear that won't clash with the outdoors. It will make your camp less intrusive on your fellow campers wilderness experience. Give yourself 1 point for answer B, though, because an international orange coat, vest or pack cover will make winter hiking safer in areas frequented by hunters. You don't get 2 points, however, because getting all your gear in orange is a little too much.

7. D Keep your feet pointed downstream to absorb the shock of running into rocks. Give yourself 2 points for D and no points for other answers. Trying to swim across the current in big rapids will only send you over a falls sideways and unprotected. Work with the current not against it.

8. C or D Give yourself 2 points for either response. It is true that you should forgo a campfire whenever possible, but the question did ask what to do if you are going to have a fire. Gathering wood away from the campsite will prevent that surface-of-the-moon, picked-over look that well-worn campsites get.

9. B You get 2 points for recognizing signs of hypothermia, even when the temperature is well above freezing. You should have to take away a point (but don't) if you laughed at answer D. If you hiking buddy doesn't have dry clothes and you can't get enough warm food and drink into him to stop the shivering, the next step is to use your own body heat to warm him up. Don't worry about how this story will sound when told at school, your hiking partner's life is at stake.

10. C You get 2 points for this answer. Go ahead and give yourself 1 point each for either A or D. They are a little extreme to be practical, but either of these would work.

Hiking Groups in Trinidad

If you are interested, here are some of the well-known hiking groups in Trinidad. 
It is always recommended that hikers, especially beginners, hike with an experienced group.

Feel free to check out the links and share your feedback here! 

Nature Trekking in T&T Ltd.

http://www.naturetrektnt.com/

Phone: 1-868-389-7441

Fax: 1-868-675-8938


Trinbago Backpackers Hikers Club

http://www.trinbagobackpackers.webs.com/

Dave: 678-1484

Ranville: 759-1758

Curt 791-3142

Darren: 767-9298 

Email: Trinbagobackpackers@gmail.com

Island Hikers/ Fitness Walkers
http://islandhikers.com/

Phone: (868) 749-2956,
email :islandhikers @gmail.com

Hikers Inc.

http://www.hikersinctt.com/about.php

Roger - 385-4738 
Joey - 748-5178 
Michael - 681-8079 
Lyndon - 488-0302 

Tips for Hiking with your Dogs

Having trouble leaving your best-friend behind? Take your furry, fun-loving pet on the less difficult hikes with you! Here are some things to keep in mind:


1) Keep control of your dog at all times. This means your dog should stay on a 6-foot leash.


2) Consider other hikers and their safety and comfort.


3) Don’t bother wildlife or plant life. Ensure that the greenery is and other lives are intact for future hikes and hikers.


4) Keep a 1:1 human-to-dog ratio. This allows you to maintain control and provide proper care for your four-legged friend.


5) Do not allow your dog to drink from areas of standing water. This is important to ensuring their safety. You never know what contaminants are lurking in that water.


6) Take breaks for water and snacks. Make sure that your pet is never over-exhausted, it will not be fun for you or your pet.




Necessary items:

• Collar with ID tag 
• Leash
• Doggy poop bags
• Water and a collapsible water bowl
• Treats and food: If the hike is long enough that you’ll want a snack, then your dog will need one too.
• Tick repellant
• First aid kit: Basic components should include tweezers, cleansers and disinfectants, canine eyewash, stop-bleeding powder, bandages, bandage scissors and tape. 

Common Mistakes by Hiking Novices

For some of the new hikers out there, here's some of the most common blunders made by new hikers. Hopefully this can put an end to these mistakes so you can fully enjoy the experience.

1) Wearing a lot of denim - Denim is cotton, which retains moisture instead of wicking it away like wool and polyester fabrics. Once cotton gets wet, it takes a long time to dry out. The moisture on your skin siphons away body heat through convection causing you to feel cold. 

2) Packing an inappropriate first-aid kit - Novice hikers either pack a kit full of unnecessary and heavy items while others do the opposite. You are advised to pack a kit in accordance with the length of your trip and the size of your group (along with any individual medical needs).

3)  Wearing shoes fresh from the box - Starting weeks ahead of time, you need to break them in while mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or running errands around town. Wear recently purchased shoes indoors at first, since most outdoor stores have return policies that exclude those worn outside. If your feet hurt or develop hotspots or blisters, apply bandages, experiment with different socks, and keep at it.

4) Starting too late in the day - It’s best to start on time, or shorten your route for safety issues. You do not want to be caught in the dark, unprepared. Groups always move slower than individuals, as well as those groups that carry toddlers along.

5) Ignoring the weather forecast - Pay attention to warnings ahead of time and never assume that any equipment that you carry full provide full protection from the adverse effects of mother nature. 

These tips have been designed with your safety and comfort in mind. 

The Caribbean - A Hiking Paradise (Part Two)

Mt Liamuiga | St Kitts

Formerly called Mount Misery, this mountain tops out at out at 3,792 feet and the result of the ascent is a half-mile wide summit crater cradling a shallow crater lake. From the crater the views are dramatic and clear sights of neighboring islands: Anguilla, Antigua, Nevis, Saba, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten/St. Martin.

Jamaica

The Blue Mountains of Jamaica are one of the treasures of the Caribbean, definitely worth experiencing.

Martinique

The diverse topography of Martinique allows for hiking across beaches, rainforests and volcanos. The famous Mont Pelee is a natural choice destination as well as the hike from Precheur to Grand-Riviere in the north of the country.

The Caribbean - A Hiking Paradise (Part One)

The Caribbean is well known around the world for beautiful beaches, rhythmic music and tasty, exotic foods however there are a lot of wonderful and exciting hiking trails to be explored. 

While this list is not extensive, here are some outstanding locations throughout the Caribbean:

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This is one of the most mountainous countries in the Caribbean which makes hiking here a very interesting endeavour. One of the most challenging areas to hike is known as the La Soufriere volcano in St Vincent.

St. John, US Virgin Islands

90 percent of St John is a nature preserve, making it quite easy to find an engaging hiking trail. The Reef Bay is one of the more popular places to visit if you happen to visit the Island.

Dominican Republic

Pico Duarte is the tallest mountain in the region, at almost 11,000 feet high. Are you up for the challenge?

Haiti

While there are a number of areas for hiking in Haiti, the pine forest of the high-altitude La Visite National Park might be the best bet.

Tips to Eliminate Foot Pain Associated with Hiking

• Carry Lightweight Backpacking Gear - Every step you take sends a tiny jolt through your feet that is magnified by the weight of your backpack and all your gear. This can cause foot problems such as blisters, shin splints, heel spurs and plantar fasciitis.

• Wear Lightweight, Breathable Shoes (That Fit) - The best shoes for lightweight backpacking are trail-runners, cross-trainers and lightweight boots. Choosing a hiking shoe that is lightweight, breathable, flexible and (most importantly) fits your foot. You should stay away from heavy leather boots because they are stiff and abrasive to the feet. Buy shoes one size larger than you would normally wear to make room for foot swelling.

• Wear Socks That Provide Enough Cushion (But Not So Thick They Overheat Your Feet) - When choosing hiking socks you want a combination of cushion and breathability. Too thin and they won’t provide enough protection from abrasion and impact against your shoes. Too thick and your feet will sweat like a sauna.

• Replace The Cheap Insoles That Come With Your Hiking Shoes With High Quality Insoles - The cheap insoles do not provide enough arch support or shock absorption and usually end up flat as a pancake within a few hundred miles. It is best that you invest in high quality insoles to save your feet in the end.

• Take Frequent Rest Breaks, Remove Your Shoes And Elevate Your Feet - In hot weather, uneven terrain, or over long distances your feet will probably tend to swell and throb. To counteract this effect try frequent “shoes off, feet up” rest breaks.

• Clean Your Feet Often (And Dunk Them In Cold Creeks Whenever Possible) - The flowing water massages your tootsies, increases circulation, numbs the pain, reduces inflammation and makes everything feel good for a little while. Keeping your feet clean and smooth and free of gunk goes a long way toward preventing hot spots and blisters because it eliminates a big source of friction between your feet and socks (dirt)

• Be Proactive About Fixing “Hot Spots” (Before They Develop Into Blisters) - There are commercial blister bandages (like moleskin, second skin, etc.) but none of them work as well as duct tape. Duct tape works well due to the slippery outside and super-sticky the inside. When applied to a hot spot on your foot, it will stick for a long time, even with sweaty feet, while the slick outside surface glides smoothly against whatever your foot was rubbing on (reducing friction).

Follow these helpful tips and reduce the negative effects that can come with the wonderful sport of hiking.

Cool Hiking Tech-Gear

Today's technology lovers can get the best of both worlds (the tech world and the natural world) with some of these cool gadgets. 

Petzl NAO Headlamp 

A ‘smart’ headlamp with a light sensor that automatically gives you the right amount of light you need when you read a map, walk on a trail or look into the distance.

Powertraveller Powermonkey Extreme

A very slim, rugged, waterproof and portable solar charger that has a USB port and 9000mAh battery for when the clouds block the sun. 

Eton Scorpion

A rugged & splash-proof NOAA weather/AM/FM radio with LED flashlight ,and it doubles as a tool to charge your devices in the outdoors, either by hand crank or solar panels.

X-1 Surge Contact Waterproof Headset 

Waterproof earphones with a built-in microphone for the hiker who likes to listen to an ebook or music while hiking. 

With increased rates of innovation, hikers can look forward to many more developed tools and gadgets to make the experience safer and even more fun. 

These gadgets are recommended for those tech-lovers who are skeptical about getting outdoors.

Incorporate technology into your hiking adventures and share your feedback here!

Trinidad Hikes for Your Bucket List

For beginners:

Edith Falls (Chaguaramas, northwestern peninsula)

The trail is well marked by the Chaguaramas Development Authority. Ideal for novice hikers, it reveals a broad range of local flora and fauna, culminating in a breath-taking view of the 250-foot (76-metre) falls. Estimated completion time: 30 minutes at a leisurely pace.

Rio Seco (Salybia, northeast coast)

Complete with a fine natural swimming pool, these falls are part of Matura National Park. The trail paths are largely shaded by mora rainforest canopy. Estimated completion time: 45-60 minutes, trekking casually.

Maracas Waterfalls (Maracas/St Joseph Valley, north Trinidad)

The trail leads through rich forest scene to Trinidad’s tallest waterfall, towering 299 feet (91 metres) high. Estimated completion time: 30-45 minutes, meandering peaceably.

For the intermediate hiker:

Turure Water Steps (Cumaca, northeast Trinidad)

Natural limestone provides safe paths for exploration. The hike ends in bathing pools beside the Water Steps themselves: the unique rock face delights budding geologists. Estimated completion time: an hour, at a steady pace.

For seasoned hikers only:

Saut d’Eau (Paramin, northwest Trinidad)

Veterans love the challenge of this gruelling trek: a high-altitude start leads steeply down to an expanse of secluded beachfront. The uphill return is truly not for the faint of heart. Estimated completion time: three blood-pumping hours, there and back again.

Trinidadians Hike to make their country a better place for Children of rape

This post is dedicated to highlighting the great potential that hiking has for ridding society of some of its ills.

The story features a young man and woman, Henry Mungalsingh and Saffiya Ali, who use their love of mountain climbing to remedy a problem close to their hearts and to the hearts of many. 

Their goal is to build a home for pregnant teens and children in Trinidad. Currently, there are close to 50 homes in this country and all are filled to capacity. Having identified this need, Mungalsingh's Home for Angels and Little Ones (HALO) cause will use 100 per cent of all donations and pledges received from the national or international community for building, while all climbs, including airfare, travel insurance, food and accommodation, equipment and guides, will be self-funded.

Their bravery and generosity is therefore recognized and they are wished all the best on these most challenging hikes. Their well-being is kept in prayer at all times.

Anyone wishing to donate to the building fund can visit HALO's website www.climbfortriniangels.com

For more information on their story visit: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20150705/news/tt-mountaineers-to-climb-worlds-highest-peaks-for-charity-mission-plant-tt-flag

Hiking Benefits for Couples

Hiking is an awesome way to bond with your partner and learn a lot about their personalities and quirks.

It allows you that private time without the interruption of technology, work, family and noise to communicate and learn about one another. 

Here's how it can build upon your relationship:

• Couples who hike together get an opportunity to push one another and enhance each others' unique abilities.
• The experience prepares the couple for goal-setting and being on the same page for the achievement of these same goals. From wake-up hour to food choices, having someone to compliment and motivate you will help you both achieve something great.
• Hiking challenges also allow you to leave with a great feeling after getting through a tough situation and knowing that you and your partner could laugh it off on account of the same sense of humor.
• Communication is tested and improved upon since couples will have to communicate clearly without offending or hurting one another. It also allows you to set boundaries.
• The trail will wear on you and your partner and forgiveness will be important for easing the tension. This trait will be most important for your relationship even after the hike.
• With goals, pace, itinerary, food, rest, injury, gear, weather, etc. so many possibilities arise while on trail that you do not have any control over. Couples can learn to be flexible through these experiences.
• Hiking will also help couples to share responsibilities (set-up, preparation, transportation of items) which will permeate into their relationship.

Let the love of hiking build on your love for one another!

Hiking Safety

While hiking can be fun and entertaining, it is equally important to understand and plan for the risks associated with this adventurous sport.

Follow these tips from the pros for a fun and safe hike.  

 

• Avoid hiking alone, always use the “buddy system”. If travelling with a group, never stray from the group.

 

• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Don’t forget to check in with them when you get back.

 

• Stay on marked trails. Making shortcuts and “bushwhacking” causes erosion and greatly increases your chance of becoming lost. As you hike, pay attention to trail blazes (paint marks on trees) and landmarks. 

 

• Never climb on waterfalls. 

 

• Always turn back in bad weather. 

 

• All hikers (especially children and older adults) should carry a whistle, which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling. Three short blasts is a sign of distress.

 

• Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink. 

 

• Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness. Remember batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.

 

• Wear bright colors. Don’t dress children in camouflage.

• Carry An Emergency Kit

For children:

 

• Attach a whistle to their clothing.

 

• Talk to children about what to do if they become lost.

 

• Reassure children that people (and possibly dogs and helicopters) will look for them if they become lost. Do not hide from searchers; answer their calls.

 

• Do not run. Instead, “hug a tree”. This prevents wandering even further.

 

What To Do if You Are Lost

 

• Stay put.

 

• Make shelter.

 

• Stay warm and dry.

 

• Be visible and heard.

 

• If helicopters are searching overhead, seek an opening rather than thick tree cover. Lie down so you look bigger from the air.

   

 

Why Hike in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad and Tobago's rich history, diverse culture and breath-taking natural attractions make us the ideal location for hikers - whether you're up for the most challenging routes or just looking to get outdoors and breathe-in the crisp, cool air. Trinidad is home to many historic sites and places of interest, such as Knolly’s tunnel/ The Hanuman Statue, The Temple in Sea, Pitch Lake, Asa Wright Nature Centre, Caroni Bird Sanctuary or the Mud Volcano at Lamoshelle.

Our remote and captivating forest trails make the journey all the more exciting. These trails are the remains of old and historic bench roads used by ancestors. They are the pathways for accessing the islands' grand rivers and waterfalls which are not otherwise accessible.

The other islands scattered across the north-western coast are commonly referred to as "Down de Islands" and they offer an opportunity to explore other remote coastal beaches, inlets and caves. One of the more popular attractions at these islands is known as the Gasparee Caves, a natural limestone cave system with a mysterious pool at its base.

Tobago also offers moderate hike trails such as the route through the Main Ridge Forest or the relaxing journey to Argyle Waterfalls. For less challenging trails and the most intriguing destination points, hikers will find great pleasure in exploring Tobago.

Hikers will also be educated about the flora, fauna, and history of Trinbago. They may even be lucky to experience an intimate encounter with the animals in their natural habitat.

Hiking Must-Haves

Here's a concise check-list for you adventure-seekers to consider on your next hike!

The good news is that they are all readily available at sport stores and even some groceries near to you.

Now there is nothing stopping you from enjoying what nature has to offer you.

• Backpack with multiple compartments
• Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
• Wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool)
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants or shorts
• Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
• Sun-shielding hat
• Sunglasses
• Knife or multi-tool
• Binoculars
• Gloves
• Flashlight
• Water bottles or hydration reservoirs
• Map (with protective case)
• Compass
• Extra batteries
• Matches or lighter
• Waterproof container
• First-aid kit

Hikers may need to consider the special needs for unique terrains.

Be sure to research your terrain before your journey in order to be fully prepared.

Tips for Hiking With Your Child

Try a dry run without your child.

Familiarize yourself with the trail (get to know the difficulty level and duration). If your favorite places have lots of water, you might discover you have to go inland to seek out little creeks and swimming holes. Others might choose a particular trail based on the proximity of restrooms and air-conditioned restaurants.

Choose a trail that's the right distance and terrain for your youngest hiker.

Nothing spoils an outdoor trek more quickly than an unhappy hiker. Whether you're taking a group of children or going with just one, be sure the youngest will enjoy the hike as much as the oldest.

Go early.

You want your child to have his batteries fully charged when you hit the trail.The earlier you get there, the sooner you can get back home for lunch and nap-time for the little ones. With an older child who can hike longer distances, starting early will still get you back to your car before the sun starts to set.

Plan rest stops.

Children tire easily, so plan to stop and explore more often than not. Choose a couple spots throughout the journey to rest and refuel with snacks and water. Sometimes a waterfall, lake, or beautiful vista at the top of a trail is an exciting goal to hike toward. However, just remember your child will likely be more energized by the journey than the destination, so be flexible and prepared to let go of goals if your child gets sidetracked by nature's beauty.

Make it fun for everyone.

Think of educational and fun activities to do along the way that will keep your child entertained. Learn to identify some of the local trees and flowers so you can point them out to your child as you wander. Singing, playing games, and telling stories will also keep children interested and make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Perfect Homemade Snacks to Take Hiking

Curry + Sriracha Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients

2 cups cooked garbanzo beans (chickpeas/channa), or 1 can (15oz), drained, rinsed and patted dry

1 heaping teaspoon sesame, coconut or olive oil

1 heaping teaspoon sriracha

1 heaping teaspoon curry powder

dash or two garlic powder

mineral salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place ingredients in a medium size bowl and combine well to coat. Place in a single layer on a roasting pan or rimmed cookie sheet. Bake for about 40-45 minutes mixing them around every 15 minutes or so until chickpeas have a nice roasted look and are crispy. Keep a close eye on them in the last 10-15 minutes as some may burn.

Fruit and Nut Trail Mix

Ingredients

1/4 cup raw almonds

1/4 cup raw cashews

1/4 cup raw walnut halves

Sea salt or kosher salt

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried apricots

1/4 cup banana chips

Preheat the oven to 350°. Toss the nuts with a pinch of salt and spread on a baking sheet. Toast for 10 minutes until golden, stirring halfway through. Let the nuts cool completely. Mix the nuts with the dried fruits.

Double Chocolate Granola

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats

½ cup pumpkin seeds

3 Tbsp hemp hearts

2 Tbsp chia seeds

½ cup sunflower seeds

1 cup chopped almonds

3 Tbsp cocoa powder

½ cup honey

¼ c coconut oil (measured when solid)

1 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the first six ingredients.

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and coconut oil and microwave 30-45 seconds.

Stir in cocoa powder and mix well.

Pour over oat mixture and stir until well coated.

Pour granola onto lined baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, stirring every 10.

Remove from oven and let cool.

Mix in the chocolate chips when almost cool if you want them to melt a bit, or wait until completely cooled before adding them.

Amazing Hiking Spots in Trinidad and Tobago

Paria Waterfalls

A 120 minute walk through the forest from the north coast village of Blanchisseuse will take you to Paria Beach. This is a predominantly coastal hike that begins on a gravel road and then continues along a forest trail. The hike has a series of uphill and downhill portions interspersed with beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. The end result is the breath-taking view of the Paria Waterfall, one of Trinidad's most talked about falls.

Matura Waterfalls

The Matura Waterfall/Manuelot Falls is best known for its unique folds of limestone that serves as a backdrop for the clear water flowing over its edge. This cool, clear water meets to form a wide pool at the base which is suitable for bathing. Though the trek is a challenging three hour hike that goes through Mora forest, the destination is one worth travelling far and wide for.

Rampanalgas

For the less adventurous hikers, this is fortunately a short hike of approximately twenty minutes, without steep hill climbs, to a two level waterfall. It forms small deep pools that are suitable for swimming. On most weekends as you approach the waterfall you can hear the shouts of delight from the neighborhood children bathing in the pools.

Argyle Waterfalls

Argyle Waterfall is a scenic 25 kilometre drive from Scarborough, the capital of Tobago. The trail abounds with a breathtaking variety of butterflies, spiders, lizards, snakes and bursts of wild blossoms such as orchids, mimosa and heliconia. This hike is one of the less challenging routes however the cool, refreshing water and beautiful falls are surprisingly amazing,

There are many more beautiful natural gems, gently tucked away in the far corners of Trinidad and Tobago. One only has to pack a bag and take the journey with loved ones to enjoy all that the islands have to offer!