Solivagant

Are you ever afraid of hiking alone? 

I was just asked that again this past week.

That was a very valid question and one I've been asked more than once over the past few years. I'm comfortable in my Forest Skin. I'm happy in the woods with nothing but trees and wildlife surrounding me. 

I know the land around me more intimately than those who own their land. [Yes, I have permission to hike it any time from them.]

I have fair knowledge of the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. There are only now two trails that I have not explored.

It isn't so much the hiking as it is being immersed in trees and the forest. 

The woman I met this past week had asked me that question and from her body language I knew she needed an answer.

"When I first came to this area to live, my husband and I often rode together and then at night we hunted with our hounds together. I learned that the forest was not a fearful place at all. After a few years, my husband stopped going and in order for me to enjoy things, I kept going by myself. There was no waiting around for others to join me. I just did it."

I'd like to think that the forest is my best friend. It is so full of magical and interesting things. Despite the bugs and wild creatures. I don't fear them either. Maybe I should. Generally if I am out alone on the neighbor's land [700 acres with two valleys], I can avoid other humans. They are generally trespassers. I can disappear down deer trails. 

While hiking the reserve, I don't worry so much about others. Generally a hiker or rider will just say hello and walk on by. Other times we both stop and converse. Charlie is often a game changer. People are curious when they see such a short legged dog hiking along the trails.

I've come across bears, coyotes, and most all of the forest animals at one time or another. I'm curious and watch them as they watch me. 

The forest and trails are simply places of curiosity and wonder.

I do carry a pistol when hiking the neighbor's land. And recently I added a personal locator device. I carry a backpack with items in case I get stuck in the forest for some reason. 

Most of all. I know my way around the forests and understand the lay of the land[s] after exploring them for the past 26 years.

However apparently there are those who think that a woman my age shouldn't be a forest creature.

I say to them. Why not? 

This past two weeks while recovering from the side effects of a strong medicine, I haven't been able to squat to peer at tiny things in the landscape. My new way of dealing with that is to simply sit down in the dirt and mud [or rocks and brush] and get eye level with what caught my attention.

I'm dirtier than before but have found a way to get around some difficulties. 

Here is something I found! A fungi called Deadman's Fingers! So tiny yet so awesome and cool.

Xylaria polymorpha

Knock off Lego person for size:

For reference, a lego person is about 2 inches tall.

See? 
The Forest is kind to me. If I am patient, I find amazing things.

Solivagant:
a lone wanderer
Alone Going