That Which We Seek

Waterfalls have always been a source of mystery and great delight. I have always chased after waterfalls. The book, Waterfall Hikes, sits on my table, full of checkmarks as I hike each.

One day a retired hiking buddy visits my mountain cabin and brings along her son and daughter-in-law. The son, an avid hiker, disappears (too much chit chat) and eventually returns with a big smile. “Did you know you have a waterfall?” The cabin, which we have had for more than 30 years, sits on a corner of the lot. Thick old rhododendrons and steep terrain made the rest of the lot seem unapproachable. An adventurous sort schooled in the hiking arts, he braved the conditions to see what was on the other side. Not only did he find a big waterfall, he offered to help cut a trail to reach it.

Fast-forward six months (we worked through the winter to avoid snakes and bugs): We have an incredible trail for which I am enormously grateful. It’s a circular trail with a continuously flowing waterfall from which joy bubbles up to the soles of your feet. The water starts off very yang, loudly spilling over the rock, and turns yin as it gently winds through the stream and softly flows into the lake. It’s a real T’ai Chi Chih experience. Lesson learned? Perhaps it’s “that which we seek is already there.” Hope you uncover your waterfall.