I sat under the shade of the great oak trees as the midday sun beat through the slight gaps in the leaves.

It has been a long day and the stop to rest was much needed. An early start meant that I had been walking for 6 hours already and the view around me had hardly changed. The same dense forest and winding trail spotted with roots which seemed to trip you the second you took your eyes off them.

I sat now taking in my surroundings and I am in awe. I can’t believe I has walked all morning and hasn’t stopped to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings. The river babbled gently in the background far enough away to be out of sight but still within earshot.

What struck me the most was the number of creatures which call these woods home. Birds of all shapes and sizes dive amongst the branches high above me and squirrels jump and swing through the branches looking for food. The chirp of birdsongs have been something that long brought me peace and it does so again now as I sit on the padded moss under this mighty tree. Do I really have to leave? Can’t I just see out my days in this paradise?

Unfortunately I’m on the clock and can only stop for so long but maybe now as I continue I’ll take more notice if the brilliant landscape before me as the vibrant wilderness welcomes me as a guest into it’s home.