Ella Draper #13- Peace in the water

 Peace in the water 

Word count:536

 

This past September I was blessed enough to be able to join my bestfriend and her family n a trip to Maui. I had never visited this island before and was excited to see all that it had to offer alongside my favorite person.  

Maui, although a popular destination for honeymoons, and resorts, the island is also home to some of the greatest natural attractions our country has to offer. 

On about the third day of our trip, we decided to take a trip to Twin Falls, a popular waterfall and hiking beauty tucked behind the hills of Maui. At first glance the water fall was pretty crowded by tourists making it hard to fully enjoy the calming water stream, with the loud noise and commotion the crowd posed. 

Some fellow friends that were also on this trip had gone off on their own trail exploring the area and when the couple finally made it back, the brought back news that there was a beautiful small waterfall, unnoticed by the crowds, and just about a ten minute walk down the stream. 

Me and maddy were ecstatic, as we were stoked to go see a waterfall, and would finally be able to get some insta pics without little kids splashing and crying in the background. We followed the couple down the side of the stream, stepping on slippery rocks, and crossing back and forth over the shallow river when a path had turned too narrow to walk on. About three minutes into our journey, my flip flop broke. I'm not sure if your sandal or flip flop has ever broken while you were walking, but it is one of the most aggravating things in life. However I was determined to make it to this secret place and tredded on forward barefoot. While the hike was challenging before, being barefoot added an extra level of risk, and pain to this journey. 

Finally, the waterfall was in sight, I think it was love at first sight. This secluded cenote/waterfall was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in nature. It felt like a gift from mother earth herself. Although the water was very cold, I finally worked up the courage to get in. After me and maddy got out of the water we still sat on a ledge with our feet in as we admired the falling action of the whitewater at the back of the centote.
Eventually we were told it was time to leave, maddy pleaded to her parents to give us just 5 more minutes, and they agreed. I loved it there, I felt like I could stay there forever in that moment. I felt so connected to that place, the water, the soft breeze blowing through the hot weather, even the algae growing on the rocks we sat on. The place felt comfortable, like a home. 

At last our time had ended, and we were faced back to the hard truths of reality and the slippery hike pack to the parking lot. Although my time at the waterfall was short-lived, I will never forget the strong feeling and connection I felt to nature in those quiet moments of peace on September 25th 2021.