All is One

While the synthetic fabric of my temporary shelter did it’s utmost to defend against the pummeling of the autumn rain I remained untouched by either cold or dampness all the while wrapped like the sarcophagus of the Egyptian boy king, the high tech fiber filled sleeping bag was everything it was promised to be.

I listened to the rhythm of the rain, at times the ferocity of it’s assault seemed likely to tear the tent to shreds. I became increasingly aware that the other members of nature’s symphony were taking their cue and joining in the performance. From high above, the sustained cry of the eagles, prompted the acceleration of my own heartbeat so that now it too became audible. The chorus line of ravens with their wide array of vocal effects provided a complex rhythmic accompaniment as well as brilliant harmonies. In the distance the shrill call of the gulls was heard echoing through the fog.

The air was alive with the very energy that is at the source of all that is.

Preparation had been purposeful it had included voluntary seclusion, fasting, meditation (& prayer) – the inspiration for the excursion had come about by way of what one might consider inner guidance and was made possible by the grace of someone I hardly knew at the time; which could have made it’s occurrence impossible had I succumbed to the all too familiar concern for what she would “think” when I asked if I could camp on her land. I really had no idea why I was guided to undertake this adventure but the direction that I ultimately followed (albeit with some considerable reservation) was quite specific, though it offered no reassurance or rationale.  What I should point out at this time is that this wasn’t something that “normally” would occur to me in the way of an activity – prior to this guidance I didn’t own even the most basic of camping equipment nor did I feel particularly moved to get any, it just wasn’t on my radar.

Even if I got the idea that I would like to try some camping – say from listening to someone else’s experience or inspiration from a book or movie – I would not have “chosen” mid-November on Vancouver Island when the rain forest zone we live in was fully living up to it’s name.  As I considered this further I decided well, I’m really not sure about this, certainly can’t happen without the permission of the owner of the land so that settles it – I’ll ask her and that will tell me what’s to be. (I was convinced she’d likely say no and that would be the end of it – as we really didn’t know each other well at the time). Much to my surprise she said sure – feel free “our land is your land.” Huh – really (as I’m reading her reply I’m thinking I guess I’m going shopping for a tent). There still remained doubts once it became clear I was going to go ahead with this (at the same time there was present a noticeable excitement) it would not become clear as to what was to unfold until I was fully immersed in the experience.

There was no clocks, no phones; sleep patterns were completely different than that which I had grown accustomed to in my work-a-day life. I just lay there and absorbed all that was going on around me to the very core of my being. The intensity of the weather systems ebbed and flowed, if I didn’t “know better” it was as though this was the direct result of the respiration cycles of the two mountains that my campsite was wedged between. The rapid staccato like sounds of the rains that moments ago had reached their peak had diminished to the point of now near perfect silence.

I decided then to venture outside so I quickly slipped into the rest of my clothes. Though time had been spent with intent, I was not prepared for what I was about to experience. The following though linear in description were experienced completely and absolutely simultaneously.

I stood outside my tent facing the forested glade between my campsite and the river inlet, the trees were enveloped in a wispy fog-like mist that took on the appearance of tufts of fleecy cotton delicately suspended from the branches thick enough to take shape but still allowing the form of the trees to remain visible. The tops of the both mountains were rendered to silhouette by the blanket of dense fog surrounding them. The continuing cry of the eagles took on an otherworldly tone, though clearly audible; their source was for the time hidden from view. A fine mist continued to fall from the heavens; it sensuously caressed my face, which heightened the overall thrill of the moment. At once the mountain exhaled which resulted in the fog clearing so now the peak was in full view including the circling minstrels that had previously been invisible. The clouds parted just enough for the sun previously held captive, to hurl it’s rays downward which cast the still enveloped stand of trees a glow. The air was further electrified with energy I was no longer witness to what was occurring I was directly involved, I was inextricably connected to everything. I was overcome with emotion and wept as I was completely ensconced in the sheer grandeur; the absolute knowing of such magnificence. There was no longer any separation between that which I witnessed and that which witnessed, it was all one beautiful rapturous union. I had no fix on conventional measures of time during this experience; I can say that it was instantly awe-inspiring and humbling. I can also say that my view of the world and myself within it had been forever changed.

Finally, I would assert that I suspect I now know what it is to be “A Happy Camper!”

PostScript:

As I said, I was woefully lacking in camping experience – even still I managed to garner some wisdom whilst there that I feel is worthy of sharing (perhaps it will be of benefit should someone else find themselves answering the “call of nature”:

The overall lesson was “don’t take yourself too seriously”

1)   When praying – pray; When chopping wood – chop wood (unless you’re prepared to add fingers to the firewood)

2)   If you choose to split wood beside a large pit (currently full of rain water” a good percentage of your dry wood will end up in the puddle.

3)   I discovered that by holding the shirt tail of a wet shirt (while wearing it) over the rising hot air from the fire – that you can not only dry your shirt but turn yourself into a human sauna (or sweat lodge) however, if you are wearing synthetic “running pants” they will heat up considerably and continue to do so even when you step away (or jump as the case may be) from the fire which then results in a very “spirited dance around the campfire”

4)   It occurred to me as I put the tent together for the first time (in the pouring rain) that a “dry run” might have been warranted before getting out in the woods. This is especially applicable given when I unpacked it (yes for the first time) I couldn’t find any instructions – so was left with the vague memory of what the tent looked like hanging on the wall at MEC. (“Murphy” I’m happy to say is alive and well after the trip was over and I was putting the now dry tent parts back in their bags – the instructions fell out)

5)   Though a decent fire can be achieved (even while it is raining when you commence) the likelihood of realizing this decreases significantly if you try and start it with wet matches

6)   The degree to which you struggle to free yourself from rogue blackberry bush limbs determines how increasingly you will become entangled

7)   It may take awhile to connect with the more “immediately appealing” ambassadors of natures kingdom (i.e. deer, eagles, ravens) but you will have endless opportunity to appreciate the more minute subjects of the kingdom (in the form of mosquitoes, spiders, snails, even earth worms) whom not only won’t play shy but are willing to cohabitate in your tent.

8)   Though you may feel “lighter” or relieved upon making use of the outhouse you have not shrunk, so if you had to duck your head going in – you still have to duck going out.

9)   I discovered a variation of the age-old art of dowsing (when it comes to assessing where the most likely place for moisture accumulation will be within the tent) it can be determined by putting your dry fire starting paper there.

10)                  Ravens have the most incredible assortment of voices (including laughter) though this may be reserved for only those that can provide them with 4 days of ongoing amusement.