Into the wilderness shark
It is not for anyone to make that decision for others, or judge. benefit and wisely decided against progressing based on what they know about themselves. For those who chose not to carry on, they had done a quick analysis of risk vs. Paul (in true scout style) whipped out his rope (whilst some of us chose to help by digitalising the unfolding events) and with a human anchor on both sides, we made the crossing on a precipice of a small waterfall. ‘Brains’ from Thunderbirds apparentlyĪs often happens when challenges arise, folks get innovative to assist those who may find the conditions overwhelming. The loss of water translucency meant that we could not see whether we were stepping on a frog’s head, a slippery tree trunk or into a hole leaving us knee deep in the brown current. Hillsides and brooks succumbed to the flow of ‘caramel-cream’ water and then branches and rocks which would have aided our crossing were covered by the surge of a dirty-great ‘chocolate’ stream which hustled toward the ocean. I was sad when the green disappeared from the window, but within months, new life has budded from these severed trunks and when the rain falls, all sorts of colours dance about on the new leaves, bringing a real twinkle to my day.
Recently, they cut down some trees around Alarm Forest to remove obstruction to cables. I love the smell of fresh rain, mingling with the earth, balancing on surfaces and making the world glisten. Dry rock surfaces became slippery, dry soil became a congealed pathway and undergrowth, thick with years of twisting and weaving, became a refugee from the downpour. We were blessed for the weather at the start of the walk, but staying authentic to St Helena’s swift exchange of different weather patterns, within fifteen minutes of our departure to Shark’s Valley, the heavens opened and ‘She’ blew. Throw a decent crowd into the skirmish and there are many interesting and fun exploits to enjoy. “I am, in any given moment”.Īfter the Turk’s Cap Bay scenario (“stop going on about it Addie!”) I’m far more cautious, but also, make the most of walks less challenging (aka dangerous). It is not as tiring as coastal walks, the magnificent carpet of colours against the blue sky is something to behold (not to mention the flora and fauna) but change the day and bring on grey, muddy and windy and it isn’t my favourite walk. I did a video recording recently suggesting that Diana’s Peak is my favourite walk and it is, on a beautiful sunny day. Whilst the title sounds a bit bleak, this is another favourite walk of mine. “Face your fears and stop allowing the mind to hold you captive”.