An Encounter With the Unknown

by Beth Barth (United States of America)

A leap into the unknown USA

Belize. You don't have to look for adventure, adventure will find you said my friend. This was our first backpacking trip with our fiercely independent three year old and free spirited five year old in tow. By the end of the first week we had managed to lose our five year old in the bustling Belmopan bus station; our three year old had insisted on tubing down the Macal River that was inhabited with crocodiles; both girls reveled in clambering up steep waterfalls on mineral coated rocks and disappearing into the jungle; and we made it through a harrowing boat ride out to a tiny island in a rickety fishing boat. Family adventure was what we were after and adventure was what we found. Belize over delivered and it left us first time backpacking parents scrambling for our comfort zones but grateful to be on this journey with our children leading the way and seamlessly bridging any culture gaps. We eventually made our way to The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's only jaguar preserve and found ourselves deep in the jungle at a beautiful waterfall with a natural pool beneath. It was the perfect spot for a snack break and a cool off. My crew was ready for a break and I was eager to make it to Ben's Bluff which held magnificent views of The Cockscomb Basin. I decided to head off on my own. In a statement of concern and apprehension Justin proclaimed, "Just so you know, I'm not ok with this. The last thing I want is something terrible happening, especially on my birthday." My eagerness to see what was around the next corner overtook me and I hastily gave everyone a quick squeeze, grabbed my half empty water bottle and headed up the trail. I stopped for a moment to take a long drink and relish in the peaceful quietness. Out of my periphery I noticed a dragonfly. It reminded me of my best friend and kindred spirit whom I'd recently lost to cancer. She loved dragonflies and since her passing these beautiful creatures always showed up at the most unique times. Today was no different. The dragonfly was seemingly staring right at me. I thought, "I wonder what you're doing here?" A few seconds later the dragonfly flew back down the trail from where I had just come and landed on another plant, again staring directly at me. As I contemplated the meaning of this encounter and continued up the trail, I began to have an overwhelming feeling that something was off and an impending feeling of doom swept over me. I tried to convince myself otherwise and carried on until I reached the top of the tree line. As I was guzzling down the last of my water, I heard the most terrifying sounds. A deep and prolonged purrrrr. I thought, "No, there's no way I just heard that." I looked around for signs of animals. Abruptly, I heard it again; the low vibratory sound of another purrrr. I was surrounded by tall grass that anything could hid in and was petrified. I mustered the courage to lift my water bottle and slam it onto a rock. I let out the loudest, most intimidating scream I could summon and slowly walked down the trail only to hear the purring again. I thought, "This is it." Justin's last words hung heavy in my mind. Once I was back in the trees, I figured whatever I heard was either following me along the cliff or had vanished. I decided to go for it and sprinted over the boulders, crossing a creek and back down to the safety of the waterfall and my family. I arrived unscathed and relief washed over me. That was the only dragonfly I saw on our entire trip in Belize. Is there meaning behind this? Who knows, but I like to think that my friend was there watching out for me. I wholeheartedly believe and take comfort in these types of unique connections and moments that are gifted from those who have passed on. The world is a big place and the universe an even bigger one.