after 4 days of hiking along lush mountain paths and camping under the milky way, you discover an unmarked trail. your map is sending you down the rocky path towards the base of the cliff, where through the haze of dust you see nothing but orange-brown rock for miles. the unmarked trail, however, is shockingly green. plants sprouting out of cracks in the rocks have sprouted wildly into thickets of leaves, hanging vines and enormous ferns. despite the wild growth, a dirt path runs between the chaos, untouched by the explosion of plant life.

the decision is simple. you follow the dirt path, and begin to feel the air change from burning dry heat to a humid cloud twisting between branches and settling in your lungs. the dirt path becomes thicker, now a moist mud where leaves fall and sit, green and golden brown. your fingers tickle as they brush through ferns, and you duck each time the thin strands of vines hang down into the path. the greenery is beautiful, but the humidity has started to fill up your lungs and bead sweat on your forehead. steps through the mulchy earth become more laboured and breathing heavy, but the second you entertain the thought of sitting for a moment in a mossy patch, the treeline opens up.

sunlight pours in for a blinding second, until your eyes adjust and find you stood at the edge of the tropical forest, at the top of a scattering of large grey rocks forming a staircase. at the bottom of the rocky decline is your incredible discovery: a collection of waterfalls, varying in size and spread over many levels as the cliff edge tapers downwards. the sound of water cascading is closer to a roar, but as it rings in your ears you feel at peace. the water in each pool is crystal clear, running from the base of the staircase and down into each pool below, where the water glimmers with the same brightness. you clamber down and stand at the edge of the first pool, feeling the cool spray against your hot skin. you drop your belongings on the flat rock edge, kick off your shoes, and sit, feet submerged.

you have arrived at waterfell.
and now you get to discover its secrets.