wake up tired. breakfast with the family really quick before we head north. coconut syrup.

driving. through the tree tunnel and past the mill. hike down the root staircase, waterfall, queen’s bath, hide behind the boulder with chris to smoke.

jump in. bubbles, fading to bright blues and little fish around me. i chase a school, the waves push me. i dive down deep. this is how swimming began. i climb the rocks, jump from higher and higher. i survive, i’m far below. there’s a turtle, i dive and breathe. dive and breathe. he’s eating on the rocks, his neck stretched, bending and gliding. dive, breathe.

back to the car. driving towards the end of the road, shave ice, one-lane bridges, familiar signs and corners. the tunnels parking lot, if you could call it that. beach, walking, floating over the reef and letting the current carry us far. smoking in the trees.

vines and a last view of the caves.

i’m excited for what’s to come, yet sad to leave these familiar places in my mind. the leaves, the birds, the jungle. the water. i want to have real memories of this place, not faint or quiet shadows. but for now, looking ahead.