Dear Diary,
Yesterday my journey truly began. I set up camp the previous night feeling ready for what was to come. I have a plan. I have a dream. I am motivated and the path is clearly marked. It isn’t going to be easy, but, with the amount of preparation I’ve done, I should be able to face the trials that await.
The next morning was a little foggy. My 2 year old terrier, Pepper, found me in the night and was cuddled close to my side when the sunlight broke into my poorly constructed shelter. I stretched and rubbed his sweet head before I got up. Step one: coffee! I started a fire to boil the water. Once brewed, I used the risen cream from my milk instead of it’s liquid part. New adventure. New coffee. It just felt fitting! Even better, the concoction was delicious! I savored each sip as I thought about the path before me.
The forest has a steady supply of wild eggs and vegetation – some healthy and some are rather poisonous. I’ll have to navigate that carefully. The wildlife here is mostly unknown. I’m certain I’ll be able to find ponds and rivers for fresh fish. Apart from that, I’ve heard many rumors involving sickness of some kind. It’s inevitable, but the strong push through it and are able to continue on. I pray I will be among the strong. I have no other options. I must be strong.
I packed my things and stood in front of the fading flames. I had already lingered in safety long enough. It’s time. Time to find a better life. My sweet dog stood by my side. He wagged his tail as his big brown eyes looked into mine. “Let’s do this, boy.” I told him as we took our first steps into the unknown. Today’s goal – travel 5 miles and reach the old well by the cypress trees.
The beginning of the path was uncomfortably calm. Things seemed easy! I was hyper aware of everything… and probably wasted a good amount of energy and time with my worry and cautious behavior. This wasn’t supposed to be easy, but it was!! Pepper even caught a few fish for our lunch. I paired it with a soft green fruit, added salt and some plant spices that I recognized and sat pensively by a slow moving river as I took everything in. Pepper pulled me back into reality as he yipped and chased his tail in a euphoric state of glee. With a smile on my face, I stood up and looked toward the west.
Based on the sun, I had about 4 more hours of daylight. It was time to start moving again. I packed the remaining fish and found a worthy walking stick to assist the remaining two miles. Thus far, the path was flat and (mostly) smooth. I heard birds singing and saw a few moving shapes through the brush. Everything suggested I was safe.
A few hours in, I saw the first cypress tree. I remember sighing with relief. The first day was almost over.
Eyes closed.
Deep breath in.
And now breathe…. ouuuCH!!!
Something scratched me on my left ankle! Blood. There was blood. It hurt… yeah, it hurt a LOT. I remember thinking, “Seriously?? I was having a good day!!” I looked down, “Yep, that’s a bloody ankle. Things. were. going. well!!” Uggh!! I wanted to scream and cry and punch something all at the same time. Instead I took a cloth out of my pack, put my salve on the wound and wrapped it tightly. I felt so defeated.
I made my way to the well slightly limping with tears running down my face. Pepper seemed very concerned so I gave him a loving pat and wiped the salty water from my eyes. His wagging tail somehow paused the pain and made me smile. My wound was mildly throbbing, but upon inspection, it wasn’t half as bad as I thought it was.
“Tomorrow is a new day.” I told Pepper with a shaky voice. I wanted to believe it through my doubt and pain. We ate our dinners and I fell into a deep sleep.
Today I’ll only attempt another 3 miles. I learned from yesterday and will not make the same mistakes. I know my foot will hurt from time to time, but it’s temporary. I will continue. I will not give up.
Dear Diary... 