That morning, my brother, Yen, and I set out to hike to the Black Pear Pool. The name comes from the dark, tan hues of the water, reminiscent of a mysterious gem hidden in the heart of nature.
Just as we began our hike from the trailhead, I noticed something slithering at the edge of the trail. A black snake with striking horizontal white stripes glided silently through the underbrush, its sleek body a reminder of the wilderness surrounding us.
Our trail hugged the riverbank, where the water flowed in rich tea tones. This dark color resulted from leaves, roots, and other organic matter leaching. The natural dissolved acids—tannins and lignins—infused the water with its distinctive hue, creating a captivating contrast against the vibrant greenery surrounding us.
This is a steel cage, standing over six feet tall, enclosing a long pipe that supplies fresh water to the nearby national park. Inside the cage, I spotted remnants of tree branches, rotting leaves, and tufts of grass, evidence of nature’s slow reclamation of this industrial structure.
As we hiked deeper into the lush greenery, our adventure took a thrilling turn when we spotted another snake. This one, a striking jet black, sported a bold vertical red stripe running from head to tail, like a rebellious fashion statement in the animal kingdom. My heart raced at the sight—was it venomous? I could practically hear my instincts screaming, “Back away slowly!” So, after snapping a quick picture worthy of a nature documentary, I carefully retreated, leaving the serpent to its sunbathing. After all, some encounters are best appreciated from a safe distance!
The scenery before me was nothing short of breathtaking. The tan tea-colored water flowed slowly, so gently that it seemed almost still, creating a perfect mirror for the stunning landscape. The reflection of vibrant trees, lush grass, and the expansive sky danced upon the surface, turning the scene into a living painting.
I will use this as my laptop wallpaper.
After a few kilometers of hiking, we finally reached the waterfall, where the water cascaded into a sizable pool below. The tea-colored water was so murky that we could barely see the bottom of the creek, adding an air of mystery to the scene. Yet, our fearless guide, undeterred by the unknown, dove right in! As I watched him splash about, I couldn't help but admire the breathtaking beauty surrounding us. The entire geological formation felt like a masterpiece crafted by nature herself, a stunning testament to the artistry of the great outdoors
Comments