Running Down A Dream

After a difficult month sorting through Dad's things, my trip has finally begun.  As I got into the car to leave Kelowna I turned on the radio and just as I did Tom Petty’s Running Down a Dream started.  How fitting as I feel that’s exactly how I feel. Because I have so much time and space on my hands, I feel overwhelmed with choices.  I wasn’t sure what I was doing as I had planned on staying at a few retreat centres that hadn’t got back to me until this morning.  So, as Tom sang “Waiting on a mystery going wherever it leads.”….I thought...Perfect!  I'll follow the mystery.

The one thing I absolutely hate about traveling alone, particularly in BC, is having to watch the road.  Especially when on a two lane road hovering over the Okanagan and on a road that would bring tears to any motorcyclist enthusiast’s eyes.  Of course when I stop every five hundred meters to take photo’s I really can’t get into to much trouble.

My first camping spot was the the Grasslands of Kamloops in an unorganized provincial park called Lac Du Bois.  Unorganized means you a search for the spots not marked out on any map in 8,000 acres of land.  I ended up at the most north end of the park on Isobel Lake with no one insight for 66 Kms. 

After crossing over many cattle grates and wondering why they were there, I was able to find a lovely spot by the lake.  I was relaxed, excited and totally isolated from society.  Set up camp, made dinner, stared into the lake for hours feeling extraordinarily blessed for my circumstances, then decided to go to bed as I was completely wiped out. 

As I lay there owls and wolves serenaded me to sleep, the moonlight kissing my tent. I felt blissfully content.  I became aware how far I’ve come in terms of dealing with fear.  At first I was a little apprehensive camping so far out alone.  I love nature and have quite a bit of experience camping, but not completely on my own and I’m not a naturalist.  This was new territory and although I felt totally relaxed in my body, my mind started to wander.  Breath.  OK much better. 

Then I suddenly awoke to a slight growling noise.  I sat up bolt right and listened quietly.  I could hear some rustling around but it seemed to far away from the original sound. Do cows growl? Perhaps is was leaving whatever it was.  Now my mind is starting to kick in.  I’m alone, no cell phone signal, no one really knows where I am, I don’t have a knife or gun (must purchase machete), I haven’t checked the latest weather, what if it rains and the very loose grave road wash out…..Breath.

I fell back asleep thinking about friends and one in particular wishing he was there.  THERE IT IS AGAIN!!! I bolted up again and listened. Nothing.  I grabbed my keys and pushed the electronic unlock getting ready to dash the  10 meters to the car.  I peeked outside and the trees shadows started to play games in the moonlight.  That’s it. Better safe than sorry.  I grabbed my sleeping bag and pillow and darted to the car.  I opened the window just a crack, laid down in the back and listened.  I could hear the night’s chorus as the creatures danced around, but nothing seemed to be to near.  I feel back asleep. 

FUCK THERE IT IS AGAIN AND A LITTLE LOUDER!!  I shot up, checking that the doors where locked incase this animal had opposable thumbs, panicking…Then I realized it did. I started to laugh hard.  The said creature was me.  I was waking myself up snoring. I wonder why I’m single.  Back out of the car and into the tent after a quick pee from laughing so hard.  Time to check myself into a sleep clinic. 

When I awoke after a deep dreamless sleep at 6 am, I found out that I indeed I wasn’t alone.  This is what I saw when I stuck my head out of my tent. 

Cool…I have fresh milk for coffee.