The Deepest Depth

by Krista Greenaway (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

A leap into the unknown USA

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Island life was proving to be a steep learning curve for me. A 21 year old female from London living in a small shack on the coastlines of Hawaii’s North Shore. I had heard of a local fishing spot nearby that was popular for both locals and tourists known as “Tables” and thought it would be the perfect spot to test not only my ability to swim in cavernous ocean waters but also discover a range of flamboyant coral reefs and local fish. I trooped over there early morning, fins and snorkel mask in hand only to stop and discover nothing but shallow fishing ponds and clear waters. Stood rigid in shock by my yearning dismay I quickly took to seize the moment anyway and branch out to a quieter side, away from the main pool. Heading into the cove alone, I was relatively enjoying the area I had chosen to call my own. There was plenty of colourful fish and coral just as I had expected, ranging from deep ebony blacks to spectacular silver oranges and yellows! Following a small dole of turtles deeper along the rock face was when I discovered a small cavity in the rocks surface. Determined to find out more I quickly resurfaced, gathered my breath, deeply inhaled and headed back down to the same spot. Suddenly I realised this small cavity turned out to be a profound underwater cave. I could make out light at the other end so I spontaneously decided to follow the tunnel through where I discovered the most magnificent giant turtle probably spanning 100 years in age. I was gravitating towards the beauty; coming up to the surface and back down to the same spot in awe that he/she remained in the same place, so peaceful and so at one. I went back to my home that day with a new sense of joy having seen such an intimate moment, watching an ancient turtle sleeping in his own version of what we call home.