The Wondrous Waterfall…

As the extracurricular lifestyle is lacking and dismal it’s a must to seek out adventure. This weekend we conquered the famous waterfall. This wondrous waterfall can be seen high on the steep mountain from almost every angle in Tembagapura. It’s a life force that breathes heavy from the rain water from the rocky cliffs above. When the waterfall weakens we know that water restrictions will soon trickle down to town.

The five of us (us and our Pembantu), a friend and another family (joined by their mom who was visiting from Canada) ventured up a roaring dam after parking the LVs.  The rocks were massive, slick and the water was cold. We shuttled the kids and each other across the big rocks at the base of the dam. There we met a slippery-like-ice rock ledge that falls off to similar large rocks, raging water, debris and rusted rebar. This section is the most hair-raising and difficult part of the hour plus trek. We safely maneuvered the rock ledge to find a steep and narrow passage layered with ropes that went up. One would assume that up we had to go but it was straight up! The bigger kids did great and enjoyed the obstacle. Mike wrapped his arm around Mason and the two of them pulled themselves to the top of the passage. From there it was an enjoyable walk surrounded by dense jungle with the occasional fallen tree and leaves that kiss your face as you walk by.

The jungle then opened up to a gigantic boulder field -- boulders the size of ancient dinosaurs all the while the waterfall water creeps down and fills the crevasses with its life. The clear and cold water rushes down as the boulder course takes us up to the waterfall. So jumping, sliding, scooting and climbing we went, up and up.

The course is distracting whilst carefully watching where to put your feet, your hands and where your children are going but wasn’t before long that I stopped and looked up and there it was, the waterfall! It was breathtaking. It was so colossal. The kids were right up to its crystal clear pool then down they came hopping from boulder to boulder. My heart began to pound due to the wind that was being created by its force. The closer I got the harder it was to breathe. The gushing force created such wind and freezing moisture that it was literally taking my breath away!!

It was like we were in another world -- away from the little town that can smell really bad at times, the screeching buses were no more and the mischievous town kids vanished! It was peaceful and amazing! With no worries and filled with excitement we enjoyed its beauty and life and then carried it with us as we made the journey back down.    

With great friends, family and weather our adventure was amazing. Another blessing from the mountain and our opportunity to be here.