Lost In The Woods

18 February 2023

Have you ever been to a certain place in the past, but you have forgotten the right direction after many years? I did a plethora of times. And what about those good memories we treasure back then but as years pass by, we simply forget them? There are also times we literally got lost in our lives: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. What have you done to get back on track?

There are really a plethora of things and life situations we can associate with getting lost. This was formed when a memory of getting lost came to mind. It happened when I revisited the Sweet Gum Woods after five years. Since I've been there, I was confident that I'll be able to trace back the right trail.

In my mind was the memory of my friends and me sitting on one of the benches near the entrance to the trail (the photo below). I thought it was the right direction to the Sweet Gum Woods, so I headed that way. I didn't really mind recollecting my thoughts about those episodes from five years ago. I just followed my instinct at that moment and traced the Tai Tong Trail without any doubt.

From the distance I could hear some voices and I thought they were coming from the hikers on the trail. I traced down the winding paved concrete path but the convenience ended when at the next moment, I was already walking down the dirt paved path. A lot of questions formed in my mind about whether I am following in the right direction or not. Although there were signs, I didn't mind them at first.

I questioned myself: First, why am I alone on the trail? Second, why am I walking on a dirt-paved path? Lastly, am I really in the right direction?

As I recollected the past, I remembered that we walked on a concrete paved path, not a dirt path. The way was like a road and spacious, not a narrow paved dirt path in the woods. I looked for arrow signs, but all I saw was an arrow directing to the Nature Trail. "Am I not in the nature trail?" lol, that was in my mind.

I was alone to the point that I even wanted to sing a song or shout in the middle of the woods. No one will care because no one was there. However, as I checked the time, it wasn't appropriate for a lady to be alone on the trail, and it was getting late. Besides, my goal for that day was to visit the Sweet Gum Woods and not any other trails in the area.

There were really times in our life when we get lost for some reason. Some of those are stubbornness and pride. We tend to follow and believe what we think is right, without asking or acknowledging other people's perspectives. Because of our pride. We thought we are doing the right thing even though there are signs indicating that we aren't. Because we are stubborn.

In the end, I got lost because of not asking others about the right direction as I thought I was right and I can manage things by myself. However, those experiences have lessons to learn. And you certainly know what they are.

Was it a waste of time?

Technically, it was. However, instead of worrying about getting lost, I let myself be immersed in the beauty of nature. The tranquility of the place, the greenery, the chirping sounds of the birds, beautiful flowers, and rusty leaves on the ground, were simply pretty mind-restoring.

Even though I knew I was lost I kept walking hoping to find another way to the right trail because it was quite a long way tracing back to the starting point. I came across an intersection with signs to other trails and in the middle was a resting spot. I found it relaxing and I even thought of resting for a while before resuming my journey.

I like finding comfort in nature in whatever way. However, time never stops and it keeps running so I better move and find the right way. Heading to the right side was a stairway down to whatever that place was there. I was deliberating with my mind whether to follow that trail or go back as there was no other way since the left side was closed for some reason.

I went down to check what lies down the stairway, but I couldn't see any sign. Until I stumbled upon a father and a son going up the stairs. Although I was uncertain if I could get some information from them since not all Hong Kong oldies speak English, I tried my best to describe the Sweet Gum Woods so I'll be understood.

That's when I learned that that way was heading to Yuen Long, the next town from the Tai Lam trail, and not the right way to the Sweet Gum Woods. It left me no choice but to go back to the starting point, the camping site of the nature trail.

At around four in the afternoon, I was still in the middle of the woods and way far to my ideal destination. The father and son just stayed at the resting place and seemed to have no plan of walking farther. Again, I was alone on the trail while heading back to the camping site. At those times, I felt nervous, and even the scratching sounds of whatever creature in the bushes made me freaked out. Just show me some lizards, not venomous snakes, lol. I jogged and paced faster as I don't wanna be left alone in the woods when it gets dark.

I heaved a sigh of relief when I spotted the concrete path, an indication that I was way closer to the camping site. Although panting heavily, I continued jogging until I can already see the camping site and campers.

Lessons?

There is nothing wrong with asking for directions, you know? 😅 As a traveler, I should be good at locating direction, unfortunately, I'm not. So if I travel solo, either I get lost in direction because of following the wrong map or become lost because of not following the right direction, lol. Stubborn, am I?

However, with the determination to find the right way, I was able to get back on track without losing my pace. And guess what? I even stayed until night in this forrest. Of course, not alone, because there are a lot of visitors and hikers that day in the Sweet Gum Woods. You can click here to read my travel blog about Sweet Gum Woods.

What if I continued walking on that trail? It would have been another adventure and I would probably not regret it. I found out that the trail is going to Yuen Tsuen Ancient Trail. It is a great camping site on weekend. You can see it here.

Happy weekend everyone. Wherever you are, don't get lost out there!

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