This probably comes from watching several movies where people hide behind or dive through a waterfall. Regardless, this was pretty awesome for me. I’m not sure what I had expected, but I can tell you I was terrified and excited at the same time!
I’ve recently accepted that I have a fear of the unknown in water. But, before accepting this, I’d freak myself out while swimming. In order to get to the waterfall I had to jump into the water, swim from the very very shallow area across the deep part (where you could not see the bottom) over to the waterfall, where you can’t see in the water due to the aeration from the waterfall, to behind the waterfall, which – you can’t see either. I say this like it was a long distance to jump and go over the deep part……. It was not far… at all.
The whole time I’m swimming over thinking I have a calm exterior, panic is setting in. I ignore the monsters that are in the shadows watching me. Pass the deep part and get to the waterfall, reach out to climb up behind it hoping my hands only touch rock and nothing moves under my grip.
(Have I mentioned how exhausting being afraid of things in the water and things I can’t see and……. and… is? – Its really friggen exhausting. I WANT to see these things! If I could shut that off in my head – and just go for it, fully enjoy the moment! I would opt for this? Wheres the hypnotist? Sign me up!)
What is going to: reach up and eat me? Drag me under? Brush my leg? Get my legs tangled in it? Bite me? Sting me? Grab Me? Cut me? or – What dead thing am I going to step on and get stuck between my toes?
YES! I have a very vivid imagination and YES those REALLY do go through my head, anytime I’m in water. I don’t care how clear that water is. Unless its a very clean swimming pool – these are the thoughts I have constantly. I can reason myself endlessly, – but the fear is always there.
I MADE IT! I sat there and made sure I didn’t touch anything else and that my feet weren’t dangling off the edge for something to get them. I conquered my fear enough to do something on my bucket list and to experience the great things that are behind a waterfall.
Don’t get me wrong – I’d do this 100 more times as I know that depending on where the waterfall is and the depths behind it – its all going to be a new experience – every time.
These are all from the same place – Fossil Creek – in Arizona. Click the link to see some amazing pictures of the place.
After checking out this area, we walked down the path that had a rope swing. My crazy but had to try it. I say Crazy, but I do love the experience, I just hate that those things are in the back of my head. Its like those little devil/angel on each of my shoulder.
I USED THE ROPE SWING AND FELL IN!!! I was in the water, loved it, the water felt great, never seen anything living in the water, which helped, but I was happy to be where I was and I really enjoyed it.
I hope to get out of my head someday.
This outstanding experience was a few years before accepting my fear. So, queue the quick swimming and dodging anything that might touch me, or stepping on anything I can’t see clearly, or grabbing anything that I cant tell what it is or what is on it.
It was great – My apprehensions is definitely clear in my rope swing lol. I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed reminiscing about it!
Go check out Fossil Creek in Arizona – its absolutely stunning. Maybe you will find Don’s wedding ring! He lost it here. LOL!
The original 1st was 7/29/17 but I did have another chance to duck under another waterfall.
In Arizona, you can actually find all kinds of waterfalls, especially around and shortly after monsoon season. You do want to be careful as things can flash flood quickly. But the opportunity couldn’t be skipped to take a few more shots! Below are a couple pictures from a spot in Madera Canyon. Just off one of the nature paths. Decent traffic but plenty of water to enjoy for all. Nothing super deep though.
