The first few hours were amazing deep within the forest, with nothing else in sight besides ample trees. The path we were taking was quite narrow and covered in shade which was a blessing as we couldnt feel much of the early morning heat. Some areas were right on the edge of a steep hill...slightly daunting needless to say especially as the guide was raking away leaves of this path that he had walked four years ago. He knew the way and took us down some rather questionable trails on which I bailed a few times, but nothing too serious. I actually found it easier sliding down on my bum than stepping every so carefully and placing so much pressure on my legs and knees. I found it rather hilarious and continued to smile every step of the way. It was just so magnificent being there, so present within and aware of the natural environment hidden away.
After a few hours and tackling some steep declines we arrived at a stunning waterfall. I was more than eager to get in the water and was smart enough that morning to put my costume on before the time. The water was ice cold and refreshing streaming down from the river onto our overheated bodies. I was truly in my element...and told I could be in a shampoo advert or something. I had a little giggle and then made my way back down the rocks to take a breather and absorbed everything around me. I didnt quite realise that the last few hours was the easier part of the days trek and soon enough the scorching sun was belting onto me as we made way to the next camp site.
There was one hill in particular with an incline of around 60 degrees or more...dont ask me but it was strenuous and the heat was unbearable not to mention my pack aching on my shoulders. It was the real challenge of the day but I had to make it no matter what. I simply kept each footstep in view and kept forth to the best of my ability. One of the trekkers offered to switch packs but I refused. I would do it on my own with flying colours! After enough breaks to last a lifetime I finally made it to the top of the incline...but that wasnt the end.
It took us a few more hours to reach the campsite but it was honestly worth the sweat and struggle because the camp was in a secluded spot with two large bamboo huts, fireplace and little water catchment area from the waterfall. It was stunning and perfect...in the middle of nowhere...like a scene from a horror movie during the day where everything seems peaceful and lovely. Well that did cross my outrageous mind for a minute or so and then I got over it.
I was the first in the water...you would swear I was a water baby because I couldnt get enough of it. It just felt so refreshing every time...like I was being reborn. Every part of the last two days were magical even the struggles. I just could not grasp the happiness I felt and was so grateful to learn something new about myself. I really enjoyed trekking and being outdoors in nature. It was so bizarre that I never explored it enough, especially living in Tanzania where the opportunities come in hundreds to hike and be outside. These opportunities were offered countless times and I agreed to some depending how I felt...but it was never something I seeked to do for myself. Things had changed now...every decision I made was for the benefit of my person and I was honestly doing these new ventures for myself to find my key inner person...get to know her again no matter how extreme or out of my comfort zone they were. I was willing to take all the risks and this trek was definitely one of success because I loved it.
Keeping this breakthrough epiphany in mind I was ready to take on the next part of the trek to explore the village without my pack (to my deep relief). Part of the group trekked up and around part of a different area to reach a village overlooking a large valley either side. The village was tiny with a few huts, school, livestock and people living there. It definitely was an eye opener to how the locals lived such a happy yet simple life in the middle of nowhere. From that point I had no idea how close a shop or hospital or any of the daily necessities that we live with were. It just blew my mind! But even more so were the surrounding views...calling it absolutely stunning does not do it justice.
It was a lovely afternoon trek through the village, farms, rice fields, a few inclines and declines but nothing too strenuous. By the time we reached camp I was ready to take on the adapted shower which included a water pipe from the water fall so fully in the open air but with a bikini on I managed to rinse/soap down and felt more human afterwards.
It definitely was a day to remember with exploding positive feelings to hold onto in finding my key inner person...
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