Page 12 of Explorer's Revenge
Crystal-blue water flows heavily over a small fall, lined with rocks on either side to climb, before flowing into a pool. I move closer and test the water with a rock before filtering it, filling my canteens, and taking a big drink. Then, I strip to my bikini bottom and test it with a rock again. When nothing moves, I step back and take a running leap.
I splash down and stay under the surface as I swim to the falls, coming up under them in a small alcove. Climbing the ledge, I explore and find nothing before diving back under and coming up in the pool. I swim and float for a while. The water is warmish, but definitely cooler than the air. Closing my eyes, I float across the surface, letting the sun hit my skin. It’s so peaceful and perfect. There is only nature, no city noise or pollution, just animals and their surroundings. This whole island is beautiful, from the brilliance of the jungle to the hidden gem of this waterfall.
I’m excited to see what else I can find while I’m here. After all, I almost have two weeks completely alone out here.
It’s time to make history.
NINE
MAEVE
After playing in the waterfall a little longer, I eat some lunch and set off into the jungle. It would be easy to get lost here. The trees all look the same, and there are no landmarks or high points, just foliage as far as the eye can see. I make sure to keep a careful route, leaving some indicators in the unlikely event I get turned around. It’s never happened before, but you can’t be too careful. It does slow me down, though, as does having to hack through the underbrush. Whatever was left of a trail has long since disappeared, and I am completely engulfed by nature. I try to do as little harm as possible, but I have to get through somehow.
The sun will set soon, and it would be stupid to continue forward, since you should always set up camp during daylight, so I find the biggest clearing I can and get to work. The hammock is easy enough. I string it up between the biggest trees, their leaves offering shelter and warmth since the temperature will drop quickly after nightfall. I test it a few times before plugging the cameras and sat phone into the portable battery to charge for an hour. Next, I make a fire. I’ll leave it burning all night if I can to ward off predators and offer some protection, but I also need it to cook. I burned a lot of calories today, and it’simportant not only to stay hydrated, but also to eat properly so I have enough energy to go on. Some adventurers try to ration their food, but I packed enough to last me at least three weeks, so I’m not too worried as I build the base of the fire and press my lighter into the kindling. It catches alight, and I blow into it until flames engulf the pit. Sitting back, I pull out my pans and add pasta I sectioned off, warming it over the flame. I tug the pot off and begin to eat as I glance around. The sun is lowering rapidly, turning the sky orange, pink, and then black.
Once I’m done, I clean up my mess and tie my food bag to a tree away from my camp just in case, and then with my shovel in hand, I head away from my camp, using my fire as a directional marker. I dig a shallow hole and do my business before covering it up and returning. After wiping my face and hands with my wet wipes, I wrap myself up in my fleece and stare into the jungle. My mind is at peace.
The silence is comforting, not restricting or scary like most believe.
I feel alive here. I feel free.
When a yawn splits my lips, I climb up into my hammock, taking my flashlight with me just in case, and I settle in for the night, swinging ever so gently in the slight breeze, my eyes on the stars and moon I can see through small breaks in the canopy above me.
My mind, as always, returns to my father. Is he okay? Is he looking at the stars right now, wondering where I am? I reach for my camera and sit up in the hammock, then I hit record.
“Hi, Dad.” I swing it around. “I’m at camp for the night. You should see this place. It makes the jungles in Peru look like child’s play. I found an incredible waterfall today. I’ll show you all of it when I get back.” Hopefully, this reaches him before then. The uplink is a little spotty, but it should reconnect when the satellite is close enough. Some days, it won’t, but others,it should. “I miss you right now because if you were here, you would maintain the fire,” I joke.
Lapsing into silence for a moment, I take a deep breath. “I hope you know, Dad, that you’re here with me, and everything I’m doing is for you—for us. I know you’re probably sitting at home, telling everyone you’re fine and you aren’t worried, but we know each other too well for that. I’m sorry, Dad, that you can’t be here when you want to be. I’m sorry your body is betraying you, but you are still the strongest person I know, and when I find the lost city, it won’t be because of me, but because of you. You taught me everything I know, you inspire me, and you guide me, and even when you’re under a different sky, know I am with you.” Taking a deep breath, I blow it out. “Got deep, huh? You’d probably hit me if you were here. Alright, I’m going to get some sleep. Big day tomorrow. Speak then.” Hitting end, I hold the camera to my chest and let the tears I will never let him see fall.
I grieve for him and everything he will never do.
I know he tells everyone he’s lived a full life with no regrets, but when he sees me walking out the door, going off on adventures, he wishes it were him, and so do I. I’d gladly take away the disease if I could, but I can’t, so instead I have to live for him.
Wiping my eyes, I remind myself that although I do this for us, this life is mine and I have to live it. He would be angry if I did everything just for him, and I don’t. I love exploring. I just wish he were with me sometimes.
Hunkering down for the night, I let my gaze drift across the sky as rain starts to fall on me, so I wrap myself up tighter. A little rain never hurt anyone, after all.
I must drift off fairly easily, but a loud snap from above wakes me. I’m a light sleeper, but in a place like this, I have to be. After all, this is their world, not mine. I’m the invader. I slowlymove my head to scan my surroundings. It could be nothing, but sharp, jerky, fear-filled movements would draw a predator’s attention when I’m trying to figure out if I’m tonight’s midnight snack or not.
In Australia, I once woke up to an eastern brown snake just slithering across my bag, and the only thing that kept me alive was remaining calm until it passed.
My eyes scan the ground, but I don’t see anything, so I look up. My heart pounds in my chest, and my hands clench the bag in case I need to rip it off and run, though it wouldn’t do much good because peering down at me are two bright glowing orbs.
Its eyes are a little set apart, and as my own adjust, I make out the shadow of the animal.
The jaguar is perched right above me on a branch, leaning down to stare. It doesn’t attack or hiss, just stares, and I relax a little, staring back.
There’s something . . . old about those eyes, ancient even, as if it’s seen the world grow and change and is just curious. It isn’t afraid of me, but why would it be? It’s never had to be here.
It doesn’t know the depths of cruelty humans are capable of. It is simply curious.
“I won’t hurt you,” I murmur softly as it blinks. “I mean no harm at all.”
I speak gently, infusing my words with the truth, hoping it senses I am not a threat. If it attacks, it would be my own fault. I came into its home, but if anything, it seems more inquisitive as I speak.
For a moment, we just stare at each other, worlds apart yet both filled with curiosity, until a noise deeper in the jungle makes us both whirl around. We share a look, and then with a swish of its tail, the jaguar is gone, loping back into the trees and leaving me alone once more.
I look at the camera attached to my bunk and grin for the viewers. “Well, wasn’t that a sight? It’s never had to fear humans, never been hunted or trapped or killed. It just proves nature is beautiful, and if humans were less cruel, animals would trust us more. I’m going back to sleep now. Let me know if I have any more midnight visitors. Hopefully, they are just as nice.”
