Adventures.
Certain significant and specific events are destined to become the highlights of passing years. At the actual time of the event, nothing might be further from the mind but the sensation of immense joy sustained in those brief but meaningful experiences.
Many years ago the bus company ran a weekend fixed fee, unlimited travel ticket. That made it possible for excursions into the surrounding countryside and even a visit to zoos and places of interest. Fully prepared for my adventure, as a little boy I had been eagerly laden with excitement, sandwiches and a drink. Impatiently I sat on the bus, anticipating the arrival to my chosen point of interest.
After one such childhood forage into the world of nature, sitting on the bus, I became aware of a constant and unpleasant irritation covering most of my body. On investigation, it was after pulling my trouser leg up that I could see lots of tiny little marks that were very itchy. Almost like an involuntary action, I could not stop my self scratching, even though it did nothing to alleviate the incredibly annoying irritation or the curious looks that I was getting. It unfortunately seemed that the journey home took forever, and as I squirmed on my seat, I felt uncomfortable for every bit of it. Upon reaching home, it was only after a vigorous shower and a change of clothes that things started to get better. The exuberance of a bus ride into an intriguing yonder had meant that I was far from careful with my trek into the awesomeness of a natural location. On reflection, would it have made a difference if I had noticed the tiny creatures hidden under the blanket of brown dead leaves, that were inches thick?
Pleasant times, one might ponder? Of course the awe of nature will forever be treasured in memories of the stillness and majesty of reminiscent cathedral structures, seemingly sculpted in the edifice of the top most branches, all meeting to form long naturally folding and unwinding avenues. At times, the motionless picture of beauty in many a countryside scape can be interrupted by a regular haunting call of a bird. As the time of day passes, instead of piercing glimpses of sunlight and colour, the atmosphere slowly might well begin to shift and change. Shadows could begin to merge into an ominous darkness. It is arguably at this point that things might be about to become really interesting. I checked my watch on one particular occasion and in the dim light of the tree lined landscape, it was difficult to see clearly. It signified to me that the day was drawing to its close and it was time to leave the forest, for the bus home. With confidence I set off along the trail until I reached a clearing where several avenues converged. I realised that I should have reached the bus stop, but I had already been walking for some time. The horror of my situation caused a sick feeling. How could I have been so foolish as to lose my way? The time was getting near to when the last bus was about to depart. Breaking into a flat out panic, running and sweating I made my way back to the clearing. The only problem then, was that I did not know which was the right avenue, to take.
Surely I thought, there must be something different in the avenue that I may have noticed. I peered into each avenue but the gloom was making it difficult to see anything. At least I knew which routes were wrong, but in my state of confusion I grew increasingly unsure about everything. In the end with time running out I closed my eyes and chose one of the avenues in part instinct and part random guess, but it was after walking for a while longer that with great joy, in front of me was the precious bus stop.
A sense of adventure has taught me, in life it may be necessary to have some downs in order to fully appreciate the happy times. There might well be some risks before the relief and a few skills learnt along the way. Adventures do not always mean the same to everybody, but for me the best ones entail meaningful and motivating revelations about the possibilities in life.
Many years ago the bus company ran a weekend fixed fee, unlimited travel ticket. That made it possible for excursions into the surrounding countryside and even a visit to zoos and places of interest. Fully prepared for my adventure, as a little boy I had been eagerly laden with excitement, sandwiches and a drink. Impatiently I sat on the bus, anticipating the arrival to my chosen point of interest.
After one such childhood forage into the world of nature, sitting on the bus, I became aware of a constant and unpleasant irritation covering most of my body. On investigation, it was after pulling my trouser leg up that I could see lots of tiny little marks that were very itchy. Almost like an involuntary action, I could not stop my self scratching, even though it did nothing to alleviate the incredibly annoying irritation or the curious looks that I was getting. It unfortunately seemed that the journey home took forever, and as I squirmed on my seat, I felt uncomfortable for every bit of it. Upon reaching home, it was only after a vigorous shower and a change of clothes that things started to get better. The exuberance of a bus ride into an intriguing yonder had meant that I was far from careful with my trek into the awesomeness of a natural location. On reflection, would it have made a difference if I had noticed the tiny creatures hidden under the blanket of brown dead leaves, that were inches thick?
Pleasant times, one might ponder? Of course the awe of nature will forever be treasured in memories of the stillness and majesty of reminiscent cathedral structures, seemingly sculpted in the edifice of the top most branches, all meeting to form long naturally folding and unwinding avenues. At times, the motionless picture of beauty in many a countryside scape can be interrupted by a regular haunting call of a bird. As the time of day passes, instead of piercing glimpses of sunlight and colour, the atmosphere slowly might well begin to shift and change. Shadows could begin to merge into an ominous darkness. It is arguably at this point that things might be about to become really interesting. I checked my watch on one particular occasion and in the dim light of the tree lined landscape, it was difficult to see clearly. It signified to me that the day was drawing to its close and it was time to leave the forest, for the bus home. With confidence I set off along the trail until I reached a clearing where several avenues converged. I realised that I should have reached the bus stop, but I had already been walking for some time. The horror of my situation caused a sick feeling. How could I have been so foolish as to lose my way? The time was getting near to when the last bus was about to depart. Breaking into a flat out panic, running and sweating I made my way back to the clearing. The only problem then, was that I did not know which was the right avenue, to take.
Surely I thought, there must be something different in the avenue that I may have noticed. I peered into each avenue but the gloom was making it difficult to see anything. At least I knew which routes were wrong, but in my state of confusion I grew increasingly unsure about everything. In the end with time running out I closed my eyes and chose one of the avenues in part instinct and part random guess, but it was after walking for a while longer that with great joy, in front of me was the precious bus stop.
A sense of adventure has taught me, in life it may be necessary to have some downs in order to fully appreciate the happy times. There might well be some risks before the relief and a few skills learnt along the way. Adventures do not always mean the same to everybody, but for me the best ones entail meaningful and motivating revelations about the possibilities in life.
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