I feel like I have been planning this weekend for months, years even. Perhaps it's because I have been craving some solitude, for so long. Time just for myself, where I don't have to be responsible for anyone only me.
Three whole days in the wilderness, high up in the mountains with me, myself and I, plus Freya my canine companion.
I pack my backpack, inside are two changes of clothes, my travel hammock, a sleeping bag, mosquito net, my bottle water filter and enough food to last me the weekend. I contemplated bringing a stove, but in the end decided to go raw for the weekend.
It's still so dry round these parts, so any type of fire can pose a risk. Plus I am looking forward, to the moon being the only light I have at night. It is a full moon after all. The perfect time to be sleeping out in the wild.
I pack my head torch and multi tool, some rope and a lightweight tarp, which I can use to shelter me from the rain and sun. Freya has her own pack, which is strapped onto her back, which is carrying her food and a blanket that she will sleep on.
We set off early morning, my kids are being well cared for and if an emergency arises they know where to find me. But I really don't give that matter much thought, as all with be fine with my girls.
We reach the GR 7 (a walking path over the mountains) in just under 3 hours. It has been a bit of a steep climb at times, my lungs have certainly been put to work, but I feel so good. Sure my legs are a little achy and tired, but it is so worth it.
It's just me and my canine pal, walking higher and higher up the mountain. The air is so fresh and the view all around are breathtaking. After a quick stop for lunch, we set off again. It will take another 3 hours until we reach our destination.
The place, where we will camp at for the next two nights. Close to a stream, where there is a small cluster of tree's, where I can hang my hammock.
We reach there and set up, well there is not really much to set up, so we claim our spot. With the hammock up, the food bag hanging from a tree and blanket laid out for Freya, I walk to the stream to wash myself.
I reach there, the sound of the water, enticing me to take off my hiking sandals, so that my bare feet can be caressed. I step in, surrounded by mountains, blue sky above me and sacred water cleansing me.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes. I am here, away from it all. High up in the wilderness. The only sounds, are those from the breeze blowing through the trees, the birdsong and the sound of the stream, flowing over my feet.
This, this right here, is what I have longed for.
Completely unplugged from my life. With time to do the things, that I want to do. To write, to rest, to dream. To forage some greens for my lunch and dinner and to go locate those cherry trees that I know are not too far from here.
I mean, what else could I possibly need. I have some paper and pencils with me, so that I can write, when I feel inspired to do so. My small bodhran, so that I can drum out a beat and my voice so that I can sing to my surroundings.
After my dinner of avocado, wild greens and tahini, I climb into my hammock, so that I can sleep under the night sky. The sun has set and I am so exhausted and content. I can't wait to awake with the rising sun and do whatever comes to mind.
It doesn't take long, for me to drift off and I sleep right through the night. When I awake, I feel so refreshed. Climbing out of my hammock, I walk out into the clearing and there I greet the sun.
I do a few stretches, to help wake up every part of my body and then I head to the stream, where I wash my face and fill up my water bottle. With Freya by my side, I go pick my breakfast from the cherry trees that lie to the west. This will be the pace of my life, for the next two days. And I couldn't be happier.
This is my entry, into the latest Weekend Engagement Challenge, where I chose to write about a no Device Weekend. A weekend that I can't wait to make happen.
