My Adventure Within The Wild

Being consumed by the trees, the mountains, the rivers, and the life that exists within this environment...

Can I Go Back?

My adventure started off with a seven hour drive to Langley, AR accompanied by my boyfriend Ryan and some awesome friends of ours. Using up our last glimpse of internet and any source of power (or restrooms) on the drive, we finally approached our destination where we started off our 5 day hike in the Arkansas wilderness. Consisting of 30 miles, 7+ mountains, multiple river crossings, and rock formations, this trip definitely hit the top five best experiences of my life.

Not only was I able to deepen my yoga practice by being surrounded by nature, I also was able to connect with myself in ways I've never felt before.

The first night of camping consisted of placing ourselves right by a streaming creek, filled with rocks of all sizes. As we were settling into our home away from home for the night, we all wandered off to explore the great nature around us. We eventually found ourselves sitting on a HUGE rock (that all four of us fit on) in the middle of this somewhat large streaming creek. The water was crystal clear, and it was flowing in such a way that produced the most relaxing sound.

It was in this exact moment that I realized how perfect our nature around us was placed together. This huge rock that I had the privilege to sit on probably tumbled off an eroding mountain; this fast streaming creek flowed it's way to us from a mountain providing us with water as clear as the air; and all of the little rocks in between had been shaped in ways that were indescribable... and take a guess, shaped by the streaming water. This was and is my home, I thought to myself. Everything within this place comes from another, and everything is connected in some form or fashion. I breathed in the pure, natural air and continued being fascinated by my surroundings.

As the night darkened, I consumed myself within the creek and washed off. Taking off all of my clothing, I submerged myself in the crisp, cold creek water to rid off everything that I left behind in Mississippi. My hair absorbed it's nutrients, my body officially became apart of the wilderness, and I couldn't have loved it more.

Darkness turned into daylight, which led to packing up and getting started on the number of miles ahead of us. After getting lost multiple times (laughing at ourselves for mistaking moss as trail markers), and climbing over huge rocks in the river praying not to fall (@Blake, thank you for saving me lol), we made our way in the right direction to head towards camp for the second night. We passed many streams, formations, and mountains that seemed so close you could almost reach out and touch them. After arriving to a wonderful camping spot placed by another stream as a water source, we unpacked and began the night routine. We gathered sticks for the fire, washed off the hard work of 7+ miles, and started the flames in which would provide us warmth. Keep in mind, this trip happened over Spring Break; however, the weather reached it's 30's once night approached. The fire provided us warmth, the cooking of our food, and a sense of safety. Bean burritos were on the menu for that night, so we got out our pot and began cooking our prepackaged beans. Once our bellies felt full and the feeling of exhaustion crept in, we cuddled in our tent and tried to stay warm throughout the night.

Once again, darkness became daylight and we all had a huge day ahead of us. Packing up our things, we headed out again on the Eagle Rock Loop. This day consumed of many stops and breaks, as all of us were amazed by Arkansas' miraculous beauty. At one stop, multiple waterfalls took place in a huge river, providing us a perfect spot to sit on a rock and eat lunch.

As we started back on the trail, we met multiple helpful hikers on the way (one group even gave us an extra map since ours was sorta crappy). Reaching up one of the mountain peaks, we met an awesome group of hikers just like us who were also taking each day as it came. They invited us to their campfire, but unfortunately the hike back up from our campsite was too treacherous to do twice...

Let me remind you, this hike was consumed of multiple inclines and declines described as difficult, which made setting up camp for the night a beautiful aspect. Once we set up for the third night (also by a running stream), the nightly routine repeated itself over. Gathering the sticks, cracking jokes between each other, and starting the ultimate fire.

For some reason, I felt so connected to the fire during our whole trip. It provided me with assurance and comfort, letting me know that my instincts for nature were present and thriving. Barbecue flavored jackfruit was on the menu for that night, so we made our sandwiches and began to feel our exhaustion after yet another 7+ miles. The tent felt nice and warm once I cuddled in my sleeping bag, and the rest of the night was history.

The next morning was the day all four of us were somewhat dreading: climbing 5 mountains back to back. We ate breakfast and headed our way back on the loop to continue the hike, letting ourselves become prepared for what was ahead of us.

Each mountain had a peak with an outstanding view I can't even put into words. Reaching each peak was an accomplishment, especially the fourth (and hardest) mountain. This mountain had an incline of almost vertical. With multiple stops taken for a drink of water, the peak was finally reached and the view was so worth it. If only you guys could have been there with me... I felt so small in this world, looking out at huge rolling mountains and understanding how hard it is to actually climb up one of these bad boys. How could I feel big? We are all apart of something much larger, bigger, and better than we can imagine, and it was at this fourth mountain where I realized this.

Finishing up the five major mountains, we finally felt the need to find a place to camp. As we were approaching another mountain, we noticed a cute camping spot right on the edge with the most beautiful view. Again, I wish I could put it into words. I just couldn't stop staring... I wanted to be in this moment forever. I felt like I was watching a movie, and I thought to myself how beautiful our Earth can be. After climbing higher and finding the perfect spots to look out, we finally returned to our camp spot and once again: started the nightly routine. The gathering, the joking, the firing, and the eating was natural to us by now. We all enjoyed every minute of this routine, as actual reality didn't come close to this.

Once it became night, our friend Austin suggested star gazing since we were at the peak of a pretty high mountain. When I say I've never felt my soul more connected within this universe when looking upon the stars, I sure as hell mean it. We all could see so many details, pointing out certain constellations, and realizing just how small we really were. This was probably one of the most memorable moments for me, as my soul and the universe felt so connected with eachother.

Returning back to the campsite, we all nestled in our beds and ended the most perfect day with a wonderful night's rest on the peak of a mountain.

The next morning was the last time we would be on this trail, and even though we were ready to have normal bathrooms, we all felt a feeling of bitter-sweetness. After climbing the last of mountains and hills, crossing the last of rivers and getting our hiking boots soaked, we finally made it back to the car all in one piece.

This trip taught me so many things about myself, my patience, and the reality of nature. I am so appreciative of what Arkansas gave me, and I can't thank this Earth enough for being so beautiful.

My soul is now stronger, more patient, more kind, and more forgiving. As humans, I believe that we are all connected to eachother just how nature is connected. With every stream, every rock, and every mountain, we all make up this awe inspiring place that we call home.

Thank you to everyone who has read this far, I know this blog is super long, but I just had to share my experience with you guys.

Please, if you ever get the chance, spend some nights outside with yourself. Appreciate your surroundings and all that is to offer, because we are ultimately blessed with the items we have today.

I love you guys, and if you have any questions about the equipment we used, the food we ate, or anything else, don't hesitate to ask me. I would love to help you on your journey.

Stay loving and kind, my friends.

XOXO,

Hannah