18 July 2009
Alone, But Not Lonely
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
Dear friends, I’ll be away from my desk from today, Saturday July 18 through Friday July 24 doing a solo camping trip in the mountains. I need to clear my mind and soul of domestication, if only for a time. Although I do 99% of my hiking alone, plus my Sweetie and I go camping in the summer, I’ve been feeling a need to be in the wild for several days and nights, completely alone. I’ll probably be hiking to 11,500 feet and doing a somewhat traditional vision quest. Just me and the wild. I’ve not done this for a long time.
There are black bears and mt. lions in the area (no grizzlies), but according to a local ranger there have been no attacks in the area for a long time, if at all. Both bears and lions in the area tend to be shy and avoid humans. It will be about 38 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night, so warm clothes. I’ll be taking a microlite hammock and rain fly as it is the monsoon season here in northern New Mexico. Since my pack weighs around 35 – 45lbs I’ve been prepping for the trip by walking with a weighted pack and rowing for upper body strength. I use a lot of common sense in the wild. Nature is astoundingly beautiful, but also deadly. I’ll be dropped off and picked up several days later and will be totally reliant on myself. 
So I go into, what I call, a “wild mindset” or ”survival mindset” even before I leave.
I’m always stretching the boundaries of my safe ‘known world’, either physically, emotionally or mentally. It’s what keeps me plugged into an exciting world that reaches for the Unknown, seeking new experiences and more creative ways of living. That’s evolution, a grand experiment which I hunger to be part of every day. It’s not enough to ‘know’ something with my mind; I must become what I desire. I cannot live out my days a wild wolf trapped in a cage. I’d either die of despair or my wild hunger would drive me insane. Once the female animal remembers who she is, she does not willingly forget. She fights ruthlessly to protect her acute animal intelligence. People may think they know me, but they only know me to the breadth of their own experience, which is true for us all. Only one or two have glimpsed the feral being I am. My sweetheart, the kindest soul I’ve ever known, understands my deep need to ‘be’ wild and is both supportive and caring. I love him for it with all my heart. He understands that there are times I look at the world through eyes so wild that I’m thrust into a river of primal passion. I cannot even swim because I’ve become the current. I’ve become Life in love with Itself, compelled.
Although I’ve lived in rainforests and handled some of the world’s deadliest snakes, although I’ve swum in seas where I had to always watch for deadly sea snakes, saltwater crocodiles, sharks and more, I was younger when I did those things. Although I’ve had many adventures since, it’s been some time since I walked alone into the wild for days and nights and come face to face with Robin, stripped of all busyness and pretense. It would never be enough to live off the memory of my affair with the wild. I must BE wild, always. I have this one Life, this one moment so I live each day as if it’s my ONLY. I do the things I love, the things I fear, the things that turn me to Life. I listen to my heart and to the hungers that arise from the pit of my soul. I shamelessly salivate for Life. I will be alone on the mountain, but not lonely. I will talk with the trees, the wind and rain. I will talk with the stars in the dead of night and speak with the Infinite Intelligence that bore me into existence. And I will know who I am.
I humbly ask if you will hold me your thoughts and prayers for safe keeping.
You will still be able to leave comments and I will eagerly read them when I return.
Thank you my very dear friends.
Love,
Robin
PS This post is dedicated to: Robb Kloss of Musings of Aotearoa (Click) who will also be atop another mountain halfway around the world in the southern hemisphere…at the roughly the same time as me (one week later). Please keep Robb in your prayers for he goes ‘into the quiet’ in the middle of winter. Aroha my Wild Brother! I am with you.
Related Posts:
I’d Rather
ME: When the World is Not Looking
This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog: http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
44 Comments so far...
Lydia Says:
18 July 2009 at 3:19 pm.
You will definitely be in my thoughts as you undertake this vision quest. May the wild open up to you, embrace, guide, and protect you. Have a perfect time.
Diane C. Says:
18 July 2009 at 5:12 pm.
Great pictures, amazing how you got that bird to pose on your hand. Your trip sounds exciting and rigorous. I like how you say you will be alone but not lonely. I’ll be thinking about you, and I look forward to recounts of your adventures in the mountains.
gene Says:
18 July 2009 at 5:21 pm.
WOW, that is truly amazing! I wouldn’t mind going on a journey like that, an inner journey like you are about to go onto!! And I think you are the second bravest woman I know, ok no, you are the bravest woman I know!!! Will keep you in my thoughts!!
Enjoy the journey!!! Come back safe!!
ZuzannaM Says:
18 July 2009 at 6:18 pm.
Dear Robin
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Be watchful for the places you are hiking.
Make sure no bears or wild animals around. Keep peace in your heart and LOVE for the Nature. God will guide you-He is the light in darkness.
Thinking of you when you are away~
Peace & Love,
Zuzanna
Ophelia Rising Says:
18 July 2009 at 6:44 pm.
How lovely, Robin. I am so happy for you that you are going in the wild, to be wild and re-connect and de-domesticate. 
My thoughts are with you, and I send you all the love in the world. Be safe and happy, protected and free. May the grace and insight of the mountains fill your soul, as I know it will. I love you, dear wild sister.
xoxoxoxoxo
Tammy/Cricket Says:
18 July 2009 at 8:09 pm.
Hey Robin! You will be in my thoughts during your journey. I’m so glad you are keeping in tune with yourself and doing what you have to do. I will be looking forward to hearing all of the details.
Love you much Robin,
Tammy
Kit Says:
18 July 2009 at 8:46 pm.
Oh, Robin, what a spectacular post! I am transported in an oddly intimate way, like looking far into the distance only to realize I see myself reflected into infinity.
Of course I will be thinking of you. How could I not? Such an experience isn’t confined by time and place, only framed by them. May your heart find just the power and beauty it needs.
Kit
Hawkbow Says:
18 July 2009 at 9:31 pm.
Hello Robin, great writing as usual. Hope your moccasins find firm footing and the cleansing winds carry your soul through the wild country on eagles wings.. Hawk
Robb Says:
18 July 2009 at 9:32 pm.
Kia ora Wild Sister,
Oh my, once again we connect from across the miles, as if you were standing here by me sorting out gear, making plans, nervous, excited, laughing. Your week of wild solitude ahead of mine will serve to Inspire me, to smile and laugh deeply, and be there with you in Spirit.
I could write forever my thoughts and feeling on venturing into the wilderness alone, but will refrain here and instead just wish for you all the Glad Tidings of the wild. I know you are prepared both physically and mentally, and that you go with the knowledge your loved ones deeply understand what this means to you, and that you are completely prepared to accept the gifts Nature will bestow upon you.
John Muir once said of himself, “I have not found yet in all my wanderings a single person so free as myself”. I wish Muir would have met you Wild sister. Travel free, step lightly, and come home renewed to share your knowledge. Kia kaha!
Aroha,
Robb
Angie A Says:
18 July 2009 at 10:02 pm.
Oh my gosh, sounds way to scary to me and yet you sound like you are so looking forward to this great adventure of yours. I truly hope this trip becomes everything you expect from it and more.
I wish you love and peace and cant wait to hear all about it when you get back.
You are such a brave women. I could never ever do something like that even if I had been preparing or training for a year. If I ever even came close to snake out in the wild, I think I could faint.
The thought of not having a real bathroom complete with vanity mirror and my electric hot hair brush, alone scars me.
So of course you are in my prayers until we hear back from you.
Angie A Says:
18 July 2009 at 10:06 pm.
PS… I am thinking that at this very moment you are in your tent for the night and I bet those nights are so long out there.
Ok….I am worried.
Hope to hear from you soon.
rich Says:
18 July 2009 at 10:20 pm.
run free, wild child.
keeping a good thought for and sending light and love.
Julie Says:
19 July 2009 at 7:17 am.
Even knowing you were planning this, I am still SO envious, anew, at reading this. …and so very VERY happily EXCITED for you!!! Every ounce of me knows exactly what you are anticipating, and I am coming back alive, too, vicariously through your experience. Enjoy, dear Robin! Relish and thrive and luxuriate, so that it sustains you for the coming months. Much happy love to you! ~ Julie
Nards Says:
19 July 2009 at 8:08 am.
Godspeed Robin! Our thoughts and love go with you! ~Nards and “The Boy”
earthmother Says:
19 July 2009 at 9:23 am.
I, too, have been feeling the call of the wild. I have not done Vision Quest for seven years, and in light of all the changes in my life these past 365 days, I believe it’s time once again.
My thoughts, prayers, songs, and spirit shall be with you in the Natural World this week. Perhaps my mountain lion will pay you a visit. 
Run free, wild woman!
Evita Says:
19 July 2009 at 11:01 am.
Hello Robin
You are such an inspiration to me. I love this idea of just picking up and really immersing oneself in nature and all that she offers. So I will definitely keep you in my thoughts, although I know you will be well taken care of.
And I am happy to tell you that I will be spending some time myself in nature, not to the same degree as you though, but close 
Markus and I are actually taking off tomorrow for two weeks for “up north” to a cottage. It is wild up there too, and very secluded and we will be doing lots of hiking ourselves, stilling our minds, and just being.
I have been needing this myself so much as well, so I cannot wait to go and get there and just immerse myself in the great Canadian wild
I look forward then to catching up on how your trip went and will be in touch early August
Wilma Ham Says:
19 July 2009 at 3:39 pm.
I would call the city life wild and making us behave like trapped animals, untrustworthy and dangerous.
Living in nature, protected by the love who you are, you will come to no harm.
That is living how we are meant to be, to fully embrace the Creator’s creation and live in harmony.
Show us the way, Robin.
A. Zuck Says:
19 July 2009 at 4:40 pm.
What an adventure it sounds like you are embarking on and you are certainly in my prayers. I hope you come back safe and sound refreshed and with more perspective than ever to share with all of us. I haven’t been camping in years, but it is really time I go.
Alone, But Not Lonely | family adventure holidays in uk|singles adventure holidays Says:
19 July 2009 at 7:14 pm.
[...] Original post Share and Enjoy: [...]
earthtoholly Says:
19 July 2009 at 7:23 pm.
Robin, I’m so sorry I missed you before you left. Of course you will be in my thoughts. I would say “be careful out there” but you already know that. You are a brave soul who needs to be free, so go, refresh, have fun and return safely. Sending hugs your way… 
)
Mihaela Lica Says:
20 July 2009 at 2:31 am.
Wish you a safe trip, Robin, and I will certainly keep you in my thoughts. Can hardly wait for you to come back and share your experiences. Be safe, my friend.
guitarmusings Says:
20 July 2009 at 9:54 am.
I will be thinking of you as you are in the wild; knowing that you are in a good place. I just got back from trip to the wild. You’re last post inspired me to do so. Saw my first bear and it was exciting! I hope you get what you need out of trip.
Liara Covert Says:
20 July 2009 at 5:50 pm.
As you trust yourself to embark on this stage of your journey at this moment, know that we are all with you, through every twist and turn. We are all on the way home together, preparing to awaken to the truth, to divine nature and all we are but temporarily forgot in the name of love.
Nick Grimshawe Says:
20 July 2009 at 7:45 pm.
Hi Robin,
Enjoy you trip. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sure you will be fine. I look forward to hearing you experiences when you get back.
Nick
Eric S. Says:
20 July 2009 at 9:45 pm.
Robin, I hope you enjoy your hike into the wild. I certainly understand the need for centering solitude. As far as I’m concerned the mountain wilds are the best place for that indeed. My Mother lives in Questa, not far from you, and I love to visit the area. One of these days, I’ll get the opportunity to really explore the area and find some of the better wilderness spots.
Be safe, be strong, and enjoy nature in all it’s beauty.
Angie A Says:
21 July 2009 at 12:26 am.
Are you having fun yet?
Plastic Mancunian Says:
22 July 2009 at 9:53 am.
Hi Robin,
You’re a brave soldier and I wish you all the best. I’m sure you will have a positive and rewarding experience.
Cheers
PM
Lisleman Says:
22 July 2009 at 10:03 am.
The words “wild woman” has a completely different image than yours in today’s world. Maybe that says something about our culture today.
all the best.
Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
22 July 2009 at 5:31 pm.
Oh my goodness I can’t wait to see the photos (I hope you took your camera) and from this moment I am praying for your safe return how well would I do..I’m afraid of the dark.
Blessings, safety and strength
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
JJ Loch Says:
23 July 2009 at 9:52 am.
Have a beautiful commune with nature, Robin. I hopped over from Robb’s blog.
Loving nature has sure made a difference in my life. Book one has been released where I provided many nature photos and I just finished book two and await its release next year.
God loves us.
Hugs, JJ
Robb Says:
23 July 2009 at 1:21 pm.
Kia ora Wild Sister,
Last night as I gathered my gear for my own journey, I thought of you and smiled and had a lovely warm feeling wash through me. I hope you were by a small campfire just sitting there Listening. Enjoy! Wild Sister – Earth Planet Universe. Kia kaha!
Aroha,
Robb
Sandra Says:
23 July 2009 at 4:09 pm.
Robin,
This is one of the most poetic posts you have ever written. I wish you peace my friend.:-)
Vaya Con Dios,
Sandra
Lance Says:
24 July 2009 at 3:14 am.
Robin,
While I’m just posting here now, know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. And I see what you’re doing as hugely important. Too often, we just continue going through life, not taking time to quiet our minds and our hearts. You are intentionally doing this, and I am moved at your making this a priority for you. Alone is place we should be more often – as in the alone of connecting with ourselves – so we’re not so “alone” like many are in daily life even though surrounded by others.
May this time bring you a continued clarity into your life…
Lynda Lehmann Says:
24 July 2009 at 5:04 am.
I can feel the wild pulsing of your Being, crying out for itself. You must BE what you long for. I understand that.
I wish you a safe and comfortable trip. But not TOO comfortable, for the adversity is part of the journey.
Looking forward to your return…
And PS, I like your line about people knowing you only to the breadth of their own experience! How true in all aspects of life!
Fare well, Robin.
timethief Says:
25 July 2009 at 8:00 pm.
Your request reminded me of Warren Zevon’s song:
Shadows are falling and I’m running out of breath
Keep me in your heart for awhile
If I leave you it doesn’t mean I love you any less
Keep me in your heart for awhile
You shall always be in my heart Robin as we are attuned to each other in the spirit world.
May you approach each day, each hour, each minute of your life walking in The Beauty Way, with gratitude in your heart and love filling your spirit with its own power and truth. May you return home safely and filled with wisdom and a new sense of direction and purpose.
All my relations
Dorothy Stahlnecker Says:
26 July 2009 at 1:43 pm.
Robin I’ve been thinking and praying for your safety and I just read your post to my husband who is an ultra marathon cyclist and he said we have to meet her someday and I told him I knew we would.
blessings and hope you had a great time.
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com
Mel Says:
27 July 2009 at 3:50 pm.
Querida Robin,
You may have returned earlier than expected, but think of this: You may have needed to go back sooner, as your new life begins earlier.
All my love for you, dear friend, and believe me when I say, you are always in my heart.
Take care,
Mel
soulMerlin Says:
3 August 2009 at 1:01 am.
Hi Robin ~ This is such a beautiful post – I hope your journey along the pathless path brought you to a new sunrise of your heart.
love
henry
