Dunns River Falls

Janet and I climbed up, that's right, UP the Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica today. Dunn's River is one of the 150 freshwater rivers that flow in Jamaica. It was beautiful...and exhausting. I can't help but think about how "unnatural" it is to climb up, a fall? Yet, every step of the way I was reminded of the incredible power of nature. Battling the rapidly flowing water that has cut its way through the limestone mountain on its way to the Caribbean, it took sure feet, helpful hands, and a savvy guide! And yet, my appreciation for the work of nature took on a slightly more obtuse bent: She made me work for this perspective! At the end of this afternoon-long hike, as we were settling back onto our air conditioned tour bus, I watched two Rastafarian men bathe in the river. Wearing boxers and using only the water from the spring-fed river these men made cleaning and refreshing their bodies a ritual. They seemed totally immersed in their own life, and were not mindful of the hundreds of people that were walking, driving, or riding their bikes past them. Bearing my tired muscles and bruises as medals of valor, I wondered if I had been given the opportunity to be a part of something really special today? When I travel for pleasure, my goal is always communion of some kind. Jamaica has opened up more of its treasure each time we have visited, and this time was no exception. Jamaica's national past time seems to be pleasure. I see very little judgment in the Jamaican nationals...very few laws, either. These people are relatively care-free and seem to be genuinely happy. I want to be more like them. I took steps to that end this week; but I have a long way to go. Maybe that is the end of life...that it is all just a means.