DIARY ENTRY #7

Date: October 22

Days gone: 2.5

I made it down the mountain without falling… mostly. I slid down a few rocks but honestly it was fun. My bags are right where I left them and I instantly ate the other half of my sandwich as soon as I touched flat grassy ground.

Surprisingly, my hair was still in the Dutch braids from two days ago. Wow, had it only been two days? Feels longer. It’s so hoooot and the sun is shining. It’s October man, why does it feel like summer!? I think I’ll take a dip in the river.

I start to take off my clothes carefully, as if someone might see me. Then I realize, there’s no one around! I strip off my shirt and peel my leggings. I even take off my underwear and bra. Skinny dipping time!

With a shout I run into the river, sinking up to my hips. I whoosh out a breath, adjusting to the shock of cold water. Then I dunk my shoulders and come up shivering. Next I squeeze my eyes shut tight and dunk my head under. Ahhhh so refreshing!!

I clamour out of the river and head back to my bags, drying myself off with my blanket. I dig through my suitcase and tug on some shorts and a tee shirt. The sun is starting to set though and with that comes the evening chill. I yank a hoodie over my head and snuggle into the little crevasse. Tomorrow, I’ll walk again.

My Fitbit says it’s around 8pm and I decide to power on my phone and figure out where I should walk to tomorrow. But then I get a shock.

My lockscreen wallpaper is filled with notifications, texts from my parents, from school friends, even missed calls. Guess it takes two and a half days to get noticed.

I open my phone, ignoring all the notifications and open the GPS. North east should dump me onto a beach. Sounds cool.

I power off my phone and settle in. I’m tired from all that hiking.

Peace and love,

Nala