Hey Wendy, Gypsy and friend. I just returned from 5 magical days in the Red Desert with Hike, my new camper trailer and a loving friend. The Sweetwater is Fred and Angela’s and my usual rendezvous for the 4th. They couldn’t make it and I couldn’t pass it up. Your story and post so apropos. Thank you. Our paths will cross again!
I don't think we have anything like that here in NZ, no desert (at least not like the one in your pictures). But definitely enough beautiful nature to inspire awe and freedom. There's something about being outside and fully immersed in nature that really does calm the nervous system (as you say in your article). I always notice it when it's been too long, and then all I need to do is go out into the mountains and I feel instantly better.
Oh, NZ looks divine! I've travelled to many places, but have not made it there. My niece's recent pictures have me wondering why I haven't made it a priority. (Kenya's next on the list this summer, but soon!)
And, yes, it is amazing how even a small dose of the natural world heals! I am now home from my latest journey, and while the mountains are easily accessible right outside my door, it makes such a difference to sit outside in my garden and work (as I'm doing right now), sleep with my windows open to feel the cool breezes and awaken with the birds (which I can't hear when the windows are closed), and take an evening hike to shed the day. Ahhh...
You should really move NZ up the list. We've got everything all together in one country. You could ski in the mountains in the morning and then go surfing in the afternoon. Why go anywhere else 🤷♀️
You said, "There is no place to hide, and so we are found." That line is powerful and a bit terrifying. It speaks to a vulnerability that many of us avoid. In our daily lives, we build up so many layers, so many distractions, that we can often hide from ourselves. But in a place like the desert, or any place of true quiet and openness, those layers get peeled away. Suddenly, we're face-to-face with who we really are. It's not always comfortable, but I think it's necessary. It’s almost as if the desert is a mirror we cannot look away from. Have you noticed if others are comfortable with what the mirror shows them, or is there more of a need to get away from the “desert miror”?
If only...but to be clear, that was Terry Tempest Williams! But the sentiment is poignant--and applies to the desert and most wilderness environments. It's why wilderness adventure is so very transformative. You are exactly right--the layers get peeled away, the veils between you and your surroundings and your team thin, and things get real quickly. How people react varies--I've mostly travelled with seasoned outdoor people and most often that goes well but I have witnessed the occasional meltdown with students who are either inexperienced or struggling emotionally. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Oh, my friend, that was my sloppy writing. I really meant to put "You quote." I read everything in my email and then write my posts in Google Sheets. And then basically comment on everyone en masse. Haha. My memory can get away from me, and I simply got my wires crossed.
And as you can tell, "desert miror" should really be "desert mirror." 🤦🏻♂️
But this was truly such a beautiful essay 🩵 My sloppy writing aside. Haha!
I hope you have the opportunity to experience it for yourself. It's deeply moving.
It is. We had had another experience earlier in the trip at another hot spring that had us both on alert. So many men don't understand that this is a fact of life for women moving about the world. We also had a trucker tell us we should be packing. (Um, that's a No!)
Desert magic indeed. Thanks for bringing us along, for being safe, and for finding the sacred there in the expansive, terrifying and liberating landscapes of the desert. Blessings on your path!
You were definitely found, dear Wendy! Love your untamed wanderings and sharing of space with readers back home. Truly they are treasures. We are found!
We are kindred spirits my friend. Thank you for the acknowledgment!
Indeed we are! Thank you for being here.
Hey Wendy, Gypsy and friend. I just returned from 5 magical days in the Red Desert with Hike, my new camper trailer and a loving friend. The Sweetwater is Fred and Angela’s and my usual rendezvous for the 4th. They couldn’t make it and I couldn’t pass it up. Your story and post so apropos. Thank you. Our paths will cross again!
Dave! Sounds magical! Bet you’re loving the camper. Yes to having our meandering paths cross! Thanks for being here. 💦🩵
I don't think we have anything like that here in NZ, no desert (at least not like the one in your pictures). But definitely enough beautiful nature to inspire awe and freedom. There's something about being outside and fully immersed in nature that really does calm the nervous system (as you say in your article). I always notice it when it's been too long, and then all I need to do is go out into the mountains and I feel instantly better.
Oh, NZ looks divine! I've travelled to many places, but have not made it there. My niece's recent pictures have me wondering why I haven't made it a priority. (Kenya's next on the list this summer, but soon!)
And, yes, it is amazing how even a small dose of the natural world heals! I am now home from my latest journey, and while the mountains are easily accessible right outside my door, it makes such a difference to sit outside in my garden and work (as I'm doing right now), sleep with my windows open to feel the cool breezes and awaken with the birds (which I can't hear when the windows are closed), and take an evening hike to shed the day. Ahhh...
You should really move NZ up the list. We've got everything all together in one country. You could ski in the mountains in the morning and then go surfing in the afternoon. Why go anywhere else 🤷♀️
I don't disagree!! Know of any cool water projects that need help? :)
💚🙏 greens and blues. Lovely adventuring.
You said, "There is no place to hide, and so we are found." That line is powerful and a bit terrifying. It speaks to a vulnerability that many of us avoid. In our daily lives, we build up so many layers, so many distractions, that we can often hide from ourselves. But in a place like the desert, or any place of true quiet and openness, those layers get peeled away. Suddenly, we're face-to-face with who we really are. It's not always comfortable, but I think it's necessary. It’s almost as if the desert is a mirror we cannot look away from. Have you noticed if others are comfortable with what the mirror shows them, or is there more of a need to get away from the “desert miror”?
If only...but to be clear, that was Terry Tempest Williams! But the sentiment is poignant--and applies to the desert and most wilderness environments. It's why wilderness adventure is so very transformative. You are exactly right--the layers get peeled away, the veils between you and your surroundings and your team thin, and things get real quickly. How people react varies--I've mostly travelled with seasoned outdoor people and most often that goes well but I have witnessed the occasional meltdown with students who are either inexperienced or struggling emotionally. Thank you for sharing your insights!
Oh, my friend, that was my sloppy writing. I really meant to put "You quote." I read everything in my email and then write my posts in Google Sheets. And then basically comment on everyone en masse. Haha. My memory can get away from me, and I simply got my wires crossed.
And as you can tell, "desert miror" should really be "desert mirror." 🤦🏻♂️
But this was truly such a beautiful essay 🩵 My sloppy writing aside. Haha!
You are so sweet. Not to worry--I just didn't want to take credit for TTW!! Those are large shoes to fill.
I am impressed with your organization. I must take lessons!
Thanks for your support.
Oh I totally understand. I wouldn’t want to fill those shoes either! 🩵
🤣
I've not really experienced a desert like this, so thank you for your vivid description.
Isn't it sad that we have to check around us first to make sure we feel safe?
I hope you have the opportunity to experience it for yourself. It's deeply moving.
It is. We had had another experience earlier in the trip at another hot spring that had us both on alert. So many men don't understand that this is a fact of life for women moving about the world. We also had a trucker tell us we should be packing. (Um, that's a No!)
Desert magic indeed. Thanks for bringing us along, for being safe, and for finding the sacred there in the expansive, terrifying and liberating landscapes of the desert. Blessings on your path!
Thank you, Susan! I'm so happy you're accompanying me on the journey. I know you know the sacred in these places.🩵
You were definitely found, dear Wendy! Love your untamed wanderings and sharing of space with readers back home. Truly they are treasures. We are found!
Thank you, Becca! I'm so happy to hear my words are sprinkling some magic. May we all be found! 🩵