Melissa Shawn Griffin Photography
Devil's Den
When I was a young child, I would have vivid reoccurring dreams of floating in crystalline turquoise water inside a large cave. Looking up at the stalactites dripping from the ceiling, I could see mesmerizing patterns of sunlight dancing across the rock surfaces in sync with the water's gentle movement. Stepping inside Devil's Den is like entering a dream state. From the moment you enter the cavern's rock opening to descend the steep wooden staircase, until your first steps into the clear cool shallow water on the wooden dive platform, you are simply in awe of this natural wonder. Looking up through the cavern opening is like something from a Gothic fairy tale. The old gnarled Oak tree watches gracefully over her precious spring far below. Her roots grasp tightly to the edges of a hole in the ground, leading way to the cavern's ceiling. Majestic vines drape over the sides of this opening, hanging low like a weeping willow. If you are lucky enough to be alone, you can here echoes of water droplets falling from above. Underneath the water's shimmering surface, long beams of sunlight penetrate the depths of Devil's Den. So much mystery lies beyond the beautiful sunlit oasis below. Darkness begins to overtake all natural light very quickly. Scuba diver's faint lines from flashlights are tiny beacons to what else can be discovered in the underworld of this spring, if you dare to go. I like the feeling of watching them down there, but I'm content on the surface. It's just a little closer to heaven.
This location is the epitome of what I strive to capture in my images. Surreal, mysterious, beautiful and otherworldly. There can be much beauty in darkness. It's about overcoming fear. I believe this place does just that for many. It is one of my favorite places on earth.
Devil's Den
When I was a young child, I would have vivid reoccurring dreams of floating in crystalline turquoise water inside a large cave. Looking up at the stalactites dripping from the ceiling, I could see mesmerizing patterns of sunlight dancing across the rock surfaces in sync with the water's gentle movement. Stepping inside Devil's Den is like entering a dream state. From the moment you enter the cavern's rock opening to descend the steep wooden staircase, until your first steps into the clear cool shallow water on the wooden dive platform, you are simply in awe of this natural wonder. Looking up through the cavern opening is like something from a Gothic fairy tale. The old gnarled Oak tree watches gracefully over her precious spring far below. Her roots grasp tightly to the edges of a hole in the ground, leading way to the cavern's ceiling. Majestic vines drape over the sides of this opening, hanging low like a weeping willow. If you are lucky enough to be alone, you can here echoes of water droplets falling from above. Underneath the water's shimmering surface, long beams of sunlight penetrate the depths of Devil's Den. So much mystery lies beyond the beautiful sunlit oasis below. Darkness begins to overtake all natural light very quickly. Scuba diver's faint lines from flashlights are tiny beacons to what else can be discovered in the underworld of this spring, if you dare to go. I like the feeling of watching them down there, but I'm content on the surface. It's just a little closer to heaven.
This location is the epitome of what I strive to capture in my images. Surreal, mysterious, beautiful and otherworldly. There can be much beauty in darkness. It's about overcoming fear. I believe this place does just that for many. It is one of my favorite places on earth.