In My Element

"You're definitely in your element," my friend Carl said as I treaded water beneath a thunderous waterfall.

It was a hot and sweaty, three-mile trek on an overgrown path to the falls. But the views were worth every step—as were the icy waters of Hazard Creek.

The trail, just north of New Meadows and McCall, had left me and my friends at the top of the waterfall. From about a hundred feet up, I could see a crystal-clear pool at the bottom. It tantalized and teased me with its refreshing waters.

“If only you could get down here,” it seemed to call out.

On this hot and humid day, there was no way I was leaving without somehow finding a way down to the bottom.

I backtracked a little, scouted and traversed a narrow ledge. Next I descended a steep slope, slipping and sliding on the loose rock. Luckily the rock wall to my left acted as a kind of handrail. I finally found my way to the bottom and was overcome by the raw power of the falls. The mist spritzed my face as the booming bass of crushing water echoed like subs at an EDM concert.

I dipped my hand into the creek.

Ice.

But I’d come too far to turn back now. I breathed in, tried not to think, and took the icy plunge. The current moved quickly and fought me as I swam over to the base of the falls. I was not quite stupid enough to go underneath them and get pounded—though it was tempting. After about 30 seconds in the water, I could feel my body start to go numb.

I went over to a boulder and draped myself across it. I breathed in, photographed the view with my eyes, and slowly exhaled. As I sunbathed upon the rock like a lizard, Carl’s words echoed in my head. He was right, this was my element. There was no other place I'd have rather been, no better way to relax and spend a summer day.

This was my Idahome.

How does being out in nature rejuvenate you? What's your favorite nature get-away spot? Tell me in the comments.