Today was an amazing day. As a whole, it was a 'meh,' but there was one part that made everything so much more fantastic. To really appreciate it, though, you need a bit of background.
For one, I'm fairly severely nearsighted—without my glasses, I can't even read what I'm typing. I'm also a relatively poor swimmer, despite loving water and being in it. I simply do not have the strength or stamina to hold myself up and move. I've always had an issue with floating, too. Lastly, I have a fear of new things. I want them, but until I do it, I 'm terrified (though I usually love the experience).
What does this all have to do together?
Waimea Falls
See that swimming hole there? It's measured at over nine metres deep, and the falls are such a force, pushing anything that comes near, away. There is a strung current, and undercurrent, leading away from the white water…which pound down quite heavily, and is relatively high right now in terms of volume.
Despite this, at the end of our walk up…I got in the water, hideous sunburns and all, and swam out to the falls—twice. My first time, I didn't quite make it, but after that, I conceded that I needed a floatation device (read:foam noodle), and used that for the next two times.
I made it all the way out, and even sat in the falls, water pounding over me.
For me, it was such an amazing accomplishment…despite my poor depth perception and ability to see ahead; my struggle to stay above the surface; my weak upper body strength, I did it. I fought the current, and made it through.
I don't know if I can impress what a huge thing this is for me…how deeply (no pun intended!) moving and almost spiritual.
This is definitely a recommended trip!
(On the offside, the only thing running through my head as I reached the falls was this song. It's one of my favourites, but the chorus was all I could hear. And I didn't heed. I'm glad for it.
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