Mammals & Signs

I just spend 4 days hiking Hinchinbrook Island. It’s a very popular multiday hike. It’s off-season now as its pretty steamy in North Queensland. I chose to do a Sunday – Wednesday hike to avoid the weekend crowds. I strategically planned for as much solitude as possible. I was craving it. I believe there was reception at certain points but I opted leave my phone off the whole time. I got dropped off by a boat on the north end of the island, I was the only person on that boat (score). I had four day to reach to pick up point at the southern end of the island. The trail is only 32km in length and cuts through a wide range of diverse ecosystems, making every kilometre new and exciting. The landscape demands your attention. There were plenty of “GoPro down Jess, this moments just for you” occasions. And there were plenty of stupid GoPro videos too. This hike was only thing I absolutely wanted to do on this trip. Nothing could stop me. Something compelled me to do this hike, like it needed to be done at this exact time. And I was about to find out why.

There is something about smelling like week old dirty socks, shitting in holes, skinny dipping in creeks, sleeping on the ground and drinking from the source (as pure as water gets!) that makes me feel alive. Really alive. I don’t just mention these things to prove what a badass bush women I am or grit my teeth deal with them as these things are necessary parts in “conquering” this trail. To me, this existence feels like the most natural thing in the world. Like I have come back to myself. No resistance whatsoever. It reminds me that yes I’m human and with that comes all the human qualities but also I am an animal, part of nature. It’s why being in nature feels so good! We are nature! People are often too caught up in their worries to remember this. Plumbing, deodorant, technology, clothes and other modern conveniences can’t change the fact that me and you baby ain’t nothing but mammals.

On the first day, I had just scramble over the headland and I was heading up a hill into the scrub. My hand brushing the bushes hugging the slim track. At the very moment I randomly looked at my right hand. I saw this perfect little heart shaped leaf on my palm. This wasn’t a heart-leaf tree. All the other leaves were leaf shape.

I wasn’t walking slow. I only have one pace up hills and its fast. Like stairs, life is too short to walk up stairs. I also wasn’t deliberately fondling leaves searching for a heart shaped ones. I just happened to look at just the right moment to find this little gem in my hand! What are the chances… I don’t believe in co-incidences. Too many like this have been appearing in my life lately to ignore. This was a sign. The message was clear. I am on the right path (quite literally and metaphorically). I am exactly where I need to be, doing exactly was I should be doing. Everything is going to be OK, no need to worry. Keep following my heart and all will be well.

I forgot my toothbrush on this trip. After having a mental whinge to myself about how not brushing my teeth is a little psychological disturbing, 10 minutes later while walking along a secluded beach I found a washed up toothbrush. I picked it up because save the ocean and all that. This just goes to show that sometimes the Universe leaves me profoundly meaningful signs and sometimes it just takes the piss out of me. At least it’s listening! Thanks Universe I appreciate the offer. I am not putting that toothbrush in my mouth. I am a grub, but not that much of a grub!

Jess