Yesterday was an intense day, a day of reflexion.
A day that gave me moments of a possibility for not coming back.
Close interaction with the power of an earth that gives you live but can also take it with the blink of an eye.
A lesson, or just a test to endure?
A message or just the resurrection of a new me.
A moment in which the end was near yet a very humbling beginning came to birth.
We have planning this day for a week or so now.
It was time to face "Test one" now known as "Leap Of Faith" a massive 85ft cliff jump onto open ocean.
We stopped at Spitting Caves on the way for an usual and easy 55ft jump.
Just to get the mind warmed up to the idea.
Spitting Caves, 55ft drop. Down bellow, a cave that as the tide comes and goes sucks the water in (and anything floating) to then spit it out with power several SEVERAL feet away. You do not want to be in as its sucking the water in.
As every time we jump, we checked, wait for the break of a more calm ocean.
Look down thinking how every time it just looks more and more easy. "Closer"
"This is my break" - David says as he plunges first.
He comes out, then he now waits.
Thumbs up, this is your break - he signals.
I get ready and check my stride. 3 steps that lead to fun flight.
1...2...3 and push... I bring my knees into a tuck, I fall.
Looking down welcoming the refreshing water during this very hot day.
Splashhhh, the familiar sensation of my body now submerged several feet.
As I see the light above me reflecting thru the water.
I swim up and to the rocky shore to start my climb up.
I start my climb, emerging from the ocean, when a wave come on my direction taking everything on its way.
My hands gripping onto the pockets of the reef, I do not let go as the waves covers all of me.
I can feel its push, its pull as it pass by and over me.
I can see the water a couple feet over my head rushing towards the cave.
I grab on and enjoy the sensation.
A sight that will be not forgotten. An experience never had.
As the waves goes by, I restart my climb up.
Already steady feet on the rock, about to take my first step.... I think, "there it comes another one..."
This one pushes me back in the water, I fall in and I think of nothing but "SWIM"
Swim out and swim with power. Waves crashing from all directions.
My freestyle stroke did very little as my arms could not even come out of the water.
Head sticking out, fighting for my air. I swim, I swim going nowhere.
As I look left I see David who was waiting for me on the rock shore.
Further than he original looked as I was trying to climb up.
"So then, if hes that far away, I must be way closer to the other shore"
A thought that came to me faster than I can say it.
I look right, and there it is, a sign of relieve as I have the other side only about 4ft away from me.
Water very alive, powerful, still sucking in. A fight I must win....
And then..... a break. As the cave fills with water, the ocean calms just enough and in time for me to come out.
Hand over hand I climb up. Catching my breath.
A few steps forwards, away from danger.
On save ground I slowly turn back..... deep inhale.... deep exhale.... body very aware.
"GOOD JOB" David shouts from the other side.
I wondered, "does he really realized what just happened?"
Im sure he did.
As I embrace each breath I turn back and I look at the cave.
Just as it continues to spit water, to then suck some more.
I stand there for what seemed like forever.
Nothing in mind but sensations....
Respect. Admiration. Power. Gratitude. Humbleness.
"That was close" finally my mind able to come with a thought.
I starred at the cave for a few more seconds.
I take another deep breath and turn around slowly.
Walking towards the 55ft fliff that I now need to climb up.
I can feel my hands shake as I think "just climb up, get to the top"
"There is a 85ft cliff that now awaits"
Later on David and I were discussing my experience.
As he says -
"One more wave coming towards you and that would have sent you in"
Today Im alive... tomorrow, one can only hope.
Live every moment as if it was your last.
