CROCODILE ROCK v1.1a

This was to be a simple test. Swim across the Usumacinta River, then return. No problem I thought.

The current in the river was rather swift and the river was quite wide. I would have estimated it to be at least a hundred feet across. There were crocodiles and we had seen one earlier in the day up-river. Enrique jumped in the river and began to swim across. Eager to demonstrate my willingness to participate I jumped in as well.

The current was stronger than I had imagined. Swimming across the river one way took every ounce of energy out of me. The current pushed you down the river making it incredibly difficult to swim. Once I got out of the water I was exhausted. I wondered how I was going to get back across.

After a short deliberation Enrique dove into the river and began swimming across. I took a run and leaped into the water trying to get as far out as possible with my dive. As soon as I hit the water I was swept away with the current. I started to swim but soon ran out of energy. I flipped over to do the backstroke but this was not powerful enough to battle the current. Half way across the river I knew I was never going to get across and probably drown trying. I could barely breathe now and my arms and legs were totally exhausted. My limbs had no feeling and I could not breathe and was swallowing water, which made it even worse. Trying to remain calm isn't exactly easy. When you can't breathe, panic sets in and you cannot think rationally or at least I found it difficult too.

I tried to shout for help but could only gasp out short pleas. I waved my arm in distress hoping to convey to somebody on shore that I was in trouble. It appeared to me however that everybody was laughing at me. I guess I appeared rather comical in my efforts to stay afloat. Some kids attempted to throw out an inner tube that they had just shown up with but the rope attached to it was way too short.

There was no hope and I had to resolve myself to the idea of drowning in that river. There was no way I could swim and without breath it was simply a short matter of time before it was all over.

Out of the corner of my eye I could see Enrique holding on to a rock in the water and holding out his hand. He was about 30 feet up river and if I could just get over to him I could maybe grab him. There was not a moment to loose as the water moved so quickly. This was my last hope I thought so if I had any energy left this was the time to use it. Making a last-ditch effort I mustered every bit of inner energy I had left. I put it into one short burst to get me over just enough that if the current pushed me over a little I could get my arm out close enough to Enrique then maybe I could be saved.

Enrique was about 10 feet from shore hanging on to a rock reaching out. Using the current and what energy I had left I kicked and paddled then threw my arm out. Enrique grabbed my hand and pulled me in. On shore I lay there gasping for air. It took around 10 minutes before I could even walk.

Now, technically speaking I did cross the river, maybe not with flying colors but I did it [with a little help].

NOTES:

The Maya have a penchant for life-threatening feats. You never read about this in any Mayan literature but it is true. It would appear that the harder something is to do the greater the reason to do it.

Many example of this even exist today. Take the Mayan pole-flyers for example. These guys climb up a high pole and spin around till they hit the ground. Today only certain individuals do this but it can be suggested that this was a common custom at one time for every man to perform.

The Ball Game is another example. Not satisfied with kicking a small light ball around a field the Maya create a game where you can't kick the ball with your feet, you can't throw the ball with your hands and the goal will be a small hoop that they put off the ground. Not satisfied with this, probably too easy, somebody decided on angled stone walls in varying heights to mount the hoop and instead of a nice light ball they choose a custom hard heavy ball, probably some tree gum with a rock inside.

After you visit a number of ball courts you get the distinct impression these guys went out of their way to make the game more difficult than the next village's ball court.

Watching Maya children play is another perfect example. Many children grow up near or even in the jungle and have to contend with numerous insects that can kill you or make you very sick. There are also animals that still hunt in many regions, especially where there is livestock not to mention snakes and crocodiles.

You will see kids playing with reckless abandonment in waterfalls, at ruin sites, around towns and in the jungle. Oblivious to any impending danger each child is taught safety precautions just as any person who grows up in a city is taught safety. This makes Mayan children very independent and responsible. With so many things around you that could kill you, you grow up with a lot of jungle sense.

What may appear as a cavalier attitude from parents to some children is not what is really going on. Many children are wise for their age and smart. The parents give them leeway but are always watching.