Immense Depths
The clouds had broken and the first light of day shined like a pinkish red rose. The winds pulled back the leaves of the banana trees on the jungle mountain sides. The multitude of plants off in the distance had great perspiration, leaving a misty plight to the air. A kind of suspension of light glimmered off the waters' surface.
The wild mountains of Semuc Champey are situated in the tropics of Guatemala and reach enormous height. Dozens of spectacular waterfalls carve intricate chasms far into the depths of the earth. Between mountains, wild birds in a myriad of colors ebb and flow. Feeling the cool refreshing pools of water, the body and mind fall into a spell. The incessant sounds of a series of waterfalls produce a trance like state. The water forms jeweled pools of hues so extraordinary, legend has is that fairies and hobgoblins recited incantations here. As the story goes, one could absorb the regenerative properties of the waters and mystical horse spirits are known to reside.
George and Lucas had managed to reach this preserve along with their current traveling companions Christina and Layna. All four in this group of travelers were in high spirits and marveled at a richness of Eden here is this world. They had drank a psychedelic mushroom tea and were awash in super sensory satisfactions. They were excited by the sounds of the water rushing against rocks up ahead. They followed a trail that led to the riverbank and they charged into the water. As they continued upstream, they saw a glorious waterfall in the distance.
Enchantment with the waterfalls enticed them to cross here to reach some upper rocks leading underneath it. Water blasted from the drop-off with inconceivable force. The space beneath that point was hollow and would afford them a view of the terrific strength of the water.
The current was very strong and they discussed the best course of action, to swim as deeply as possible across the middle where the current was the fastest. They swam with all their might and fell into a heap on the other side. They proceeded to the steep rock-face underneath the highest point of the river.
George was the first up the embankment and he progressed high along a cliff face until he was in cave-like surroundings. The others soon followed as swallows darted past them. The rocks were slick and dark, but they had a breathtaking view downstream. The roar of the falls were lively and Lucas would come to remember this spot for the rest of his life. Where-ever he was or what-ever chaos ensued, it was reassuring that this cool dark habitat would still be radiant. Lucas felt great and wondered if everyone in the world would be capable of feeling what he was feeling. The psychedelics were lifting the veil to all that is magical and fantastic. Lucas was swept away by the beauty and visual splendor.
After scaling the rock face, the group continued down to the raging waters' edge, at which point they just jumped in, one after another, attempting to reach the other side. They had to book it and the passage was arduous, but they made a mighty plunge and crossed over the rapids.
The group had separated and sat in repose. Lucas walked for quite awhile along the water headed downstream. Looking off into the tremendous force of a waterfall, Lucas Welling became transfixed. He began to see stars and felt light headed in fascination. He relished in that feeling of amazement and was smiling profusely. He approached the water and fell in sideways. He cracked his ribs against a giant rock and had the wind knocked out of him. Before long he had been forced downstream and he was writhing in pain. The darkness of the water grew deeper as he sank, grasping upwards at bubbles of air floating to the surface.