A Tryst with Nature

The past is an experience, the present is an experiment and the future is an expectation. These insightful words by Lily Anabelle Boon have always inspired me and motivated me to leap into a land of the unknown and the unseen. It was with this courage that I embarked upon a solitary journey into the vast and dense greens of the French Pyrnees.

I began my voyage at Tours a small town in the south of France. I was completely alone and my only companions were my shadow and my backpack. In a few hours I was in the forest, far away from civilization. As I marched, I slowly descended into pensive thought. I conjured up tales of great battles and distant towns, as I often did when I was alone. How strange the human mind is, a mirrored cesspool of thought!

As the Sun began its slow downward descent to the horizon, I too ventured deeper into the verdant vales of France. The grass gently tickled my feet as I walked and the sound of gushing rapids blasting against rocks charged me with enthusiasm. A powerful smell of roses and bougainvillea filled the air - nature's perfume.

Few more hours passed, coddled in nature, away from the bustling crowds of human nature. Finally when I could walk no more, I rested on the forest floor which felt as though it were a rich silk carpet and began to pitch my tent.

Faster than I realized, the Sun completely disappeared as the sky lost its azure. Nevertheless, nature did not waver from flaunting its magnificence. Across the forest, a most picturesque sight arose -a double rainbow ! Two parallel multi color bands ran across the sky. I had only ever read about them in fictional novels and fantasies, but this place was no less!

As the night completely engulfed the sky, the rainbows disappeared. The rich moonlight gave a new look to the forest, highlighting its colour. In the bushes, I heard violent noses, I was possessed by imagination and with a heavy heart, I ventured closer, when out sprang a deadly bear. I was transfixed with horror. My heart thudded like a thousand galloping at the shot of a gun.A lump rose in my throat. I did not dare move.

 

The bear story circled around me as if it were thinking what to do with me. To my surprise it retreated after a few minutes, and fell asleep beside my tent. Nevertheless, I stayed still, petrified in position.

The next morning, I slowly snuck out, crawling at snail's pace even when I was well away from the bear. It took me the whole day, but I reached safety.

The last two days had changed everything. Who knew that destiny would unfold its cards in such a way? I had gone through Paul Ellen’s wheel of emotions twice over. Thankfully, it ended in happiness for me. Happiness, a word much more difficult to feel than pronounce, I must say!