In 2019, I joined a group of friends on an adventurous camping trip in the Northern Territory of Australia. We were excited to explore the rugged Outback and see its unique wildlife. One afternoon, we decided to take a swim in a remote billabong known for its beautiful scenery.
As we approached the water, our guide warned us about the possibility of crocodiles in the area. We took his advice seriously but couldn't resist the inviting water on such a hot day. After a quick discussion, we decided to wade in cautiously, sticking together. About halfway through our swim, I suddenly felt a wave of unease. The water was still, and something felt off. Just then, out of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement near the far bank. My heart sank as I realized it was a crocodile—big and definitely not far from where we were.
I shouted to my friends, and we all scrambled to get out of the water as quickly as possible. The crocodile, startled by our commotion, lunged into the water and began swimming towards us. In that instant, adrenaline kicked in, and we hurriedly made our way back to the shore.
We barely made it out in time, and as we reached the safety of the bank, the crocodile surfaced nearby, watching us with its cold eyes. Shaken but safe, we quickly packed our things and moved to a safer spot, far from the water's edge.
That encounter left a lasting impression on all of us.