As I'm hiking up and into Waimea Canyon the jungle breaks and opens up to this wonderful caesium. Beautiful red dirt contrasts with the greens and browns of the trees. The edge of the cliff is wide and long, only a few trees cling to the lip of the cliff, looking like they could tumble into the beyond at any moment.
At this point I am going to admit that I'm afraid of heights, great depths of the ocean do not bother me at all but due to some trauma as a early teen I don't do well with heights, so being up here close to the edge i quite unnerving.
Now back to the story, there is one last little bend in the trail and I come to this opening and see an exposed rock sticking out into the open canyon, it appears to be just hanging on, half burred in the dirt and this is sitting on it.
Immediately I shoot a couple of shots because I see the beauty of the moment but then it hits me, what if the rock gives way? What if he is looking of a way to end his life? What would I do?
Talk to him, see how he is doing.
I wanted over, as I get closer to the edge the more fear grips me and I start to freeze up. I mange to get close enough to him and do my best to casually ask what he thinks of the view. His response with a "fantastic, I love coming here as just sitting, amerced in the moment with my thoughts and the view."
Cool, man I say. Thinking I'm glad he's ok. In the end I have a ton of respect for him just sitting there precariously on a rock that may give ay at any moment. Nothing but empty space below.
Just trust in himself, nature and being in the moment.
Scott
For more stories and images - http://www.scottstevensonphotography.ca/
Original beautiful photos and informative story. Thank you for sharing