An understanding of the falls cannot be fairly described with any combination of words. Water falling hundreds of feet against a green sea background of rainforest foliage all the while tied at the top to deep, blue sky
and puffs of clouds... cascades of white ribbon spilling into a cold crystal pool shored up by never ending reverberation and splash, everything wrapped in a silky mist... can only truly be experienced.
We first viewed the full expanse of the falls from a platform (built by the park service) that hung out several feet and 50
yards or so above the rocks, both laterally to the falls and vertically to the stream and pool below. Providing a great view, several photos (see below) were taken from this vantage as the boys proceeded down a very steep boulder field to the water.
From the pool's edge, along with the inspiring height of the spectacle, the three, towering shear cliffs that create crevice to the falls take on startling dimensions and strength. One easily
feels small here, seemingly an ant in the throat of the forest.
The water was cold, but instantly refreshing... once having jumped in and the first breath rediscovered -- the heat and sweat of the hike quickly washed away.
Having this world to ourselves for nearly an hour, we swam and jumped & dove from rocks naturally placed eons ago during some volcanic rearrangement... for just such things.
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For a ratio perspective of the above scene compare the bottom left >>>>>
corner where Alden & Dylan are standing by the pool to the top of the falls. |
