Late one night several weeks ago, our friend Rob sent us a message:
"Hey, you want to go to a haunted waterfall?"
Being the huge fans of the macabre that we are, of course our only response was a resounding "Of course!".
We quickly made our preparations. Flashlights and cameras stowed, sweaters donned, and shoes laced up tight, we made our way out. In addition, we brought an Oni mask with us. Rob's girlfriend, like many Japanese, is very superstitious and had refused to join us on our excursion. We had hoped to use the prop to take some scary pictures to show her to punish her cowardice. Little did we know, we would have no need for such a device!
After a few wrong turns we made it to our destination. We were greeted by this slightly unsettling memorial.
To get down to the actual waterfall, you have to traverse three sets of slippery stairs and decaying handrails. In more than one spot, the foliage itself hinders your progress. It's as if the very area is telling you that you are unwelcome.
I was not the least bit deterred however. I quickly made my way down ahead of my companions. Alone, I decided that I would do a bit of exploring. There was a small shoreline of moist pebbles around the edge of the pool. My footing was sure, but I suddenly found myself nearly waist deep in the water! I frantically clawed my way out and looked around. I was sure that something had pushed me, but still I was friendless indeed! Needless to say, I was more than a little on edge from this moment on. But, I kept my experience to myself, saying only that I had foolishly slipped on some moss covered rocks. I would gladly endure their mocking over incredulous stares.
The air was unseasonably warm that night. But shortly after my seemingly supernatural experience, a chill set upon us. We quickly took some pictures of the spring and crash of the water and made our way out.
Before leaving we decided we would take a few commemorative shots to hold onto. It wasn't until we had arrived to our homes that we noticed them. Behold!
Is that a face next to me?
Same bench; different angle. Do you see the man?
Child at play?
A woman next to the tree?
To say were shocked at what we captured would be an understatement. The experience forced us to delve further into the lore of the area. There is a story of a local family that met a rather horrid demise some years ago near the waterfall. When they were of this Earth, they frequently came to the falls to spend time together. In the afterlife, it seems that they are doing the same.
-Ryan
