The River

Chapter 5

"Come on everyone" called Marizan, "time to continue. We're going to take a slight detour through this part of the forest. Instead of continuing along the path we're going to head in a little and show you the Rafflesia plant we found a few weeks ago." she explained. "Now this is a very rare plant so please, when we approach it don't try and touch it. Also be careful not to go too close. It's perched on the top of a high ledge which goes straight down to a ravine, believe me you don't want to fall down there!"

We all looked at each other with a mix of mild humour, concern and excitement! This was certainly going to be an experience if nothing else!

We all started heading in the direction our guides were moving and sure enough after about ten minutes of walking we veered off the little track we were following and headed into the forest.  The guides had long bamboo poles which they were using to bang the ground with and the lead guide also had a machete which he used occasionally to cut down some undergrowth or a hanging branch to make our way easier.

We could hear the songs of the birds and occasionally could see their coloured wings high above but little else.  Anyone who had come on this trip to see the wild life were going to be sorely disappointed. We had, in fairness, be warned that although there were orangutans, monkeys, sloths and some big cats around, it would be highly unusual if we actually saw any as they tended to be more afraid of us then we would be of them and they stayed deep in the heart of the forest and not around the edges which is were we were headed.

The insects on the other hand were not shy at all, they buzzed around us looking for any exposed skin to land on and try and bite or sting!

After about an hour of trudging through the undergrowth we all stopped. The view was indeed magnificent, we had come to a type of clearing and we were able to see out to clear skies, Dina moved a little closer to the edge, "STOP!" shouted Marizan, "Please be very careful, the edge is near and the drop is far!"

Dina stopped suddenly and peered over, yep Marizan was correct. She swallowed,"That was close" she whispered and Natasha and I went a little closer. "But just look at that fall, amazing!"

The three of us gingery looked over the edge.

"Err, excuse me" called out Marizan, "When you're ready!" She looked at us with a stern face, we sheepishly walked back to the group, "Now - come over here" she lead us to the far edge of the ravine and pointed to the end of an extremely large gnarled branch, "That " pointing to a magnificent flower, "That is the Rafflesia!"