Chapter Nine: To move a mountain
My heart was racing from exertion and fear. And I was angry. The thought of having to go back the way I’d come frustrated the hell out of me. This seemed to be a common occurrence with me, hiking and maps. Always getting lost.
Before I could even go back the way I’d come I had to find the path, and it had clearly disappeared. I tried to retrace my steps but after 10 minutes still didn’t recognize anything. I couldn’t understand how this could have happened so quickly. I felt panicky and when I looked around at the surrounding forest everything seemed to be a blur, like it was spinning around me.
I allowed the charge I was feeling from the anger to push past the fear. It is true what they say about how anger can move a mountain. I went crashing through the forest less worried than before about destroying spider’s webs; less worried about spiders, or bears for that matter.
The perseverance was finally rewarded when I recognized the bottom of the trail. I rejoiced, and then groaned at the thought of having to climb back up that hill I’d just come down. I was already exhausted.
I reached the top about 15 minutes later, gasping for breath. My heart was pounding in my ears like a drum — I could feel it and hear it, which is a good thing I guess. Then I noticed another path, slightly hidden by tall grasses to my left. Temptation.
I stood there trying to decide if I should go back the way I’d come or follow this new path. It was an easy decision. I went on. The triumph of reconnecting with the path after the drama below was more than enough to encourage me to continue the adventure.
I was feeling quite perky with renewed hope of finding the Killarney Lake trail. The trail was well groomed and easy to follow now. I had relaxed more and was enjoying myself. Fears of meeting up with a bear had for the most part, subsided.
I came to a sharp turn in the path a while later and heard something rather large moving quickly through the bushes around the corner. My heart leapt and I stopped in my tracks, all senses alert. It was coming closer. I froze.
Then, a mountain biker sped around the corner and skidded to a stop, smiled at me, turned around and sped off. The heartbeat was drumming in my ears again but I was relieved to see another human being and not a bear.
It had been about two hours since I’d met that woman and her dog and I was about to meet another friend on the trail. This time it was I who scared her. She was walking with her three-month-old baby, staring down at him sleeping in her arms, lost in her own world.
I showed her my map and asked if she had any idea where I was. After a quick glance she informed me that I was nowhere near the Killarney Lake trail. Why wasn’t I surprised? I had come clear down the mountain, parallel to the trail I’d followed at the beginning.
It was after 3 pm, I was tired and accepted that Killarney Lake was not going to happen. It was about an hour to Killarney Lake, another two hours to hike around it, and another hour home from there. And so, I continued along this trail, heading northwest towards Windjammer Road, back to Island Thyme. I would have come full circle.
The trail was decorated with fallen trees from which many varieties of fungus were growing. I took a lot of pictures. Eventually, I came to a clearing that opened to a paved road. I was disappointed. I didn’t want to walk on a paved road, I wanted to walk on a forestry trail. But, there was no way I was going back the way I’d come at this point. There were no signs on this road, and I had no idea where I was… again.
I passed by a driveway under the watchful eye of a guard dog who didn’t as much as growl or bark. He just stared at me as I walked past, and I at him. I walked and walked, and I walked, stopping once to pick a berry that was too sour for my taste.
My legs were sore, my back ached and the scrape on my wrist was burning. Consoling thoughts carried me back to the cozy hideaway where I would soon be sipping red wine and cooking dinner. Oh, I could hardly wait. But there was still a 40-minute walk ahead. I couldn’t believe that after all this time, and with all the water I’d drank, I didn’t have to pee. At least I’d been spared that!
When I arrived back at Island Thyme I greeted Spider who was still sitting in the corner of the window. A comforting sight. I let the silence wrap itself around me and I felt satisfied by the adventure I’d had; even though things didn’t go the way I’d planned. As I stood there watching Spider I remembered wanting to give her a name. It came to me then, as clear as a bell — Rachael. Can’t believe I named a spider, but I did.
Would you have continued on the path, or returned home?
Have you ever peed in the woods? :-)
Jim
Barb Hartsook
Hilary
Janice | Sharing ...
John Hoff - WP Bl...
Tess The Bold Life
Barbara Swafford
Betsy Wuebker
Dot
Jannie Funster
{ 22 comments }
Hi Davina,
Oh how I’m enjoying this story. It would depend on the time of the day if I continued on the path or returned home. I would hate to be in the woods or on a secluded path if it was getting too close to sundown.
Rachel. That’s a great name for a spider,
Yes. I’ve peed in the woods. :-)
Barbara Swafford´s last blog ..Does The Party Ever End
You made a good decision to head home. The scrapes, emotional rushes, and the fact your body had used up so much water in trying to stay hydrated showed you needed the break, not hours more on the path. Did the wine hit you harder than usual when you got back?
My family camped multiple times in a summer during my growing up years, and we still often have a 4th of July reunion camp out in some remote, primitive campsite. There’s not much I haven’t done in the woods! I think most of my family feels more at home in the wilds of nature — night or day — than at a cocktail party.
Lori Hoeck´s last blog ..How to deal with the bully and bullying — a senior karate instructor’s view, part one
Hi Davina – This part of the story is fraught with metaphor. I love how you described your descent as parallel to your ascent – my thought was even though one may try to backtrack in life, to start over or retreat to safety or whatever the reason, it is never the same because of what has happened in the intervening time. Wonderful to read on about how your path was not what you wished, but you kept moving through to reach your destination, too.
And, of course, I’ve pee’d in the woods! Just like the pope! Or was it the bear? Right next to the tree that fell yet no one heard it, and up the trail from the shouting man who was, of course, still wrong. ;-)
You mean one can pee someplace OTHER than the woods? I might get Jim to look into that indoor plumbing I’ve heard about.
It is surprising how anger can motivate, yes. I know when I’ve been ticked about something and headed out on a long walk I’ve gotten a great work-out.
I knew you’d obviously gotten off that mountain but I could still feel the panicky feelings with you. Whew — glad that’s over, Davina.
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..And So On. And So On. And So On.
I would have returned home. :(
vered | blogger for hire´s last blog ..Inappropriate Halloween Costumes for Kids
Hi Barbara.
I’m with you. Wouldn’t want to be caught there after dark, even though I did bring a flashlight with me. It would be spooky. And I definitely wouldn’t want to pee in the woods after dark. Who’d hold the flashlight? :-)
Hi Lori.
I don’t recall the wine having any greater effect on me. I made sure to drink lots of water and had a good protein-rich dinner. We’re cut from the same cloth… I’m definitely more at home in nature than at a cocktail party. Your 4th of July reunion with your family must have been lots of laughs — something to look forward to every summer.
Hi Betsy.
Very true. Going back wouldn’t have been the same at all — the adventure was unfolding of its own accord and there really was no going back — no turning back “thyme”. Hmmm… interesting analogy you’ve brought up. I like it :-)
Lol… next to the tree that fell but no one heard it… not familiar with the shouting man though??? Tell me more…
Hi Jannie.
Lol. I remember we didn’t have a real bathroom on the farm for a few years. Getting plumbing and an inside washroom was pretty exciting. Peeing in the woods is okay… as long as there are no mosquitoes about :-) Little buggers!
Hi Vered.
I bet you wouldn’t have got lost in the first place :-) And would have finished the hike in twice the time it took me after having flailed around in the forest for so long, lol.
Hi Davina — I get the sense that there’s a larger quest you’re engaged in with the journey you’ve been on and I’m curious about it — or maybe you’d prefer for us to figure it out ourselves.
The woods are a place where human beings reconnect what they are. They are wind, trees, sun, flowers, moss, animals, insects, everything. Everything vibrates. Its energy pulses that are excanged forever. If you pee in the woods is like sending yourself in fragments going back to nature. Energy beings do this gradually: Ashes ot ashes, dust to dust.
Liara Covert´s last blog ..Share your views on Self-Disclosure
btw, when I saw that sign picture I wished I did photoshop because I would’ve loved to have e-mailed it back to you with it now reading…
Bowen Bay
Bloggers Trail
Bluewater.
:)
Jannie Funster´s last blog ..Goin’ For The Page Rank Juice
Hi Chris.
I think you’re right. And even I have no idea of what is in mind for me. But I’m enjoying the journey :-) Glad you’re along for the ride… no map required… making it up along the way…
Hi Liara.
As I was reading your comment I found myself imagining that being in the forest, as you’ve described, is similar to being in a house of mirrors. Very interesting huh?
Hi Jannie.
Lol… that would have been pretty funny. A bloggers trail… who knows WHERE that will take ya! :-)
I bet that mountain biker scared the shit out of you Davina. I’ve got lost a few times walking and I’ve always set off in the direction home, rather than risk being caught in the dark. There’s a lot of mountains near where I live and too many people have died on them.
I have peed in the woods and lots of places outdoors – but I don’t like to. It’s doing the other thing I worry about. I’d love to go on a three day rafting trip but the toilet thing is what puts me off most.
Now I’ve never named a spider before but the kids have. They even used to feed one that lived in the house.
Cath Lawson´s last blog ..Be Smart Like An Animal
Hi Cath.
You bet right! My heart leapt into my throat when I heard him crashing through the bush, but couldn’t see him. Darn that imagination! Lol… doing the “other thing” is not pleasant… I have to agree with you on that one :-) I can’t believe your kids fed a spider… flies I’m assuming??? Too funny.
Davina,
I nearly always panic when I’m lost…woods or no woods I hate it. I’m so busy looking at everything and absorbing it I always forget land marks! I would have turned around and came home. Naming the spider is funny! And I’ve went in the woods, behing trees on the golf course anywhere I feel partially hidden. Did it all the time growing up on a farm…while fishing etc. Yuk…but on the other hand it’s part of life. TMI!
Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..There Is Nothing To Fear
Of course I’ve peed in the woods. Hope I never do again, though.
I got lost alone in the woods once. I was really scaerd. I headed back towards what I thought was the way I came, ended up very far from where I needed to be, and went home. I bought a compass and never hiked without it after that.
I was a great girl scout and I cleaned and dug latrines in the woods for years. I blazed lots of trails and did forest recovery work….until I was the last person over a log with a wasps nest inside….12 days in the hospital, I now have almost no reaction to stings!…
Loved the story, I grew up in the woods…if there is a marked trail I do not have trouble and I am a pro at maps….although I do not wish to hike int he woods with groups of children anymore….I would rather hike with someone if possible. My husband climbs mountains…he is no fun on a hike it is a conquest thing? I do the beach alone often, because people always interrupt me near water when I want peace. Your Story is great fun
patricia´s last blog ..Jeepers Peepers – Where Have You Guys Gone?
Hi Tess.
There is SO much to see when hiking in the woods. I can see how you may forget landmarks — plus, you’ve seen one tree and they all look alike. Lol – “going” is part of life :-) And the timing isn’t always left up to us.
Hi Dot.
I don’t enjoy it either… but when nature calls… (no pun intended). It is scary to be lost in the woods, especially when you are alone. Every emotion seems to be magnified when there is nobody else around to relate to. A compass is a handy thing to throw in the backpack.
Hi Patricia.
Oh my, wasps and 12 days in the hospital. Patricia, that must have been awful! I can imagine that you are slightly wary of wasps after that. I would rather hike with someone too… the company is always nice, but not too much talking though :-) and even better if that person is good with maps.
Davina — I am glad you made it back safely, but what a scary adventure! I’m still impressed that you even attempted this! You have a lot of persistence, my friend:~) I also loved the name you gave the spider. I believe the fact that it just came to you must mean it is her real name!
In answer to your questions, yes on both counts. When I growing up, my family was big on hunting in the woods. I never really took to it, but did enjoy being in the woods. Unfortunately, there are no porta-pottys in the woods and finding the right place can have a bit of risk…either from poison ivy or snakes. I usually just held it!
Regarding getting lost, my worst experience (of many) was when I got lost in Pompeii, Italy. We were on a tour of the ruins and I stayed behind my group to take a picture (big surprise) and when I came out, I couldn’t find them.
The guide had told us to follow the yellow umbrella he was carrying, but forgot to tell us that other tours would have a yellow umbrella. I didn’t have my passport, any money, or water and, of course, I don’t speak a word of Italian. Fortunately, I ran into some nice people who helped find my group, but it scare me really badly. After this, my family threatened to put on one of those “child leases” so I would wander away:~)
I enjoyed this adventure very much!!!
Sara´s last blog ..Like Minds: The Love List Project
Hi Sara.
It was neat how that name for the spider just “landed”. I knew it instantly at that moment — it was so clear. I know what you mean about watching for poison ivy and other things with peeing in the woods. I’ve funnily enough, almost backed my bare butt into a spider’s web :-)
That would have been scary to be lost in a strange place… feeling left behind from the group you were with. Brings up a whole lot of feelings doesn’t it? Panic just grips you in those cases.
Hi Davina .. I am so pleased you didn’t crash through Rachael .. she must be so pleased she can stay in situ .. building her web and living her life in peace … perhaps she’s praying for the war that was raged in the forest?
I have to say .. I too like to know where I am and where I’m going .. onto number 10 .. don’t stop now please!!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
Hilary´s last blog ..What can you read from Kitchen Utensils?
Believe it or not – most of the time they seemed to be giving it real food – bits of biscuit and stuff and it took it. No wonder the spiders in here are so big.
Hi Hilary.
I actually apologized as I crashed through a web in my frantic search for the path. I wonder if Rachael is still there… I kinda doubt it, but you never know right? Yes it is frustrating to not know where you’re headed… when you have a specific destination in mind.
Hi Cath.
Wow, I just can’t believe that! A spider actually took bits of biscuit. That’s amazing! I’d have never imagined that.
Hi there,
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Eremeeff
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