Travel Series: Jim Jim Falls

Only the opaque water can evoke fear in a generally self-assured explorer. Deep, dark depths threaten a whole variety of uncertainties (perhaps exacerbated, but not limited to, the ready availability of crocodiles).

At risk of exploiting the 'take the plunge' metaphor, diving into the unknown requires, on all levels, a leap of faith. In Jim Jim's case, it requires a few leaps, a few bounds, a hop, skip, jump, scrabbling...and then sudden appearance of an enclave that before was concealed behind tumbling rocks. The difficulty in attaining this sight makes the view entirely worth it.

There's something about being faced on all sides by Jurassic-sized rocks* that consistently has the ability to reinforce both how tiny, and unique, we are. Both at one with nature, and minuscule in its presence; the harmonious resolution of two oft conflicting aspects of our human experience.

*see also: Milford Sound