by Blue Lightning

Created on: May 02, 2008

In the deepest, darkest part of the Amazon jungle, under the ever-growing canopy of palm tree leaves and cluttered vines overlapping the understory, I am exploring, hiking, walking. I struggle through potholes and possibly venomous plants, moving so slow and yet so fast. 'OK, it's like an oven out here!' I think almost out loud. 'I could sure use a waterfall right now.' As I begin my search for something cold, the wind blows in my hair, in my face, and through the trees; however, it does not make me any cooler since the forest itself is already hot enough. I wipe my forehead with my sleeve and continue on.

I'm going deeper, deeper, carefully moving past the fallen trees and swinging on the vines with the feeling of being underwater and being able to breathe. The rays of the sunshine bravely filter through the leaves, creating a vibrant, shimmering light above me. I savor it; I savor it all!

After losing myself in nature's beauty, I hear the constant chirps of various African birds, the soul-piercing screech of the mountain lion as it chases something, a raging river, and most of all, the rhythmic pounding of African tribal drums. I am frightened at first, because a friend of mine had told me what the Africans would do if I wandered into their territory. A sense of dread hangs about me; I do not know where I am, but my inner explorer compels me to progress further.

So I do. I carefully draw closer, the sounds in the background - including the drums - following close behind. Cold, no, hot, humid air escapes my mouth and nose; my heart is moving at a rapid pace. But I don't care, because I longed for so many years to be in this miracle of nature. And so far, I love what is now before me: large dragonflies buzzing, crickets hopping, bats flying over my head as if startled, and even mosquitoes that don't suck blood. I'm surprised to find that all these bugs are completely harmless.

As I move further into the forest, I slightly lose track of time. I check my watch; I don't have as much time as I need to see everything, but that's what makes it so special.

Learn more about this author, Blue Lightning.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.