The Moutains Are Calling Me! Memories Of My 2 Month Trek In The Mountains

about 4 years ago (Edited)

It's now 1 month since quarantine and although I feel so lucky spending it on a beautiful piece of land, the mountains that surround me are calling to me.

Almost 4 years ago I went on a 2 month trek in those very mountains, with my 2 daughters (my youngest was yet to grace us with her presence), a horse called Solas (Irish for Light), a friend and her son,and her horse. So at this stage we were busy organizing everything.

Getting the supplies we needed so that we could be total self sufficient and just walk with the horses for as long as we could. We never planned how long we would go for, but it lasted 2 months as we discovered my friend was pregnant and that the further north we went, the less fresh water there was for the horses and for us.

The trek was also a fundraiser, we wanted to raise money for the local Kids democratic space and also for Syrian Refuges. I have always loved horses, but had no real experience being around them, except for admiring them from a distance and then going to say hello.

My eldest though, has been obsessed with them since she was 3 years old and still is as a soon to be 11 year old. She is always asking me when she can have a horse, to which I reply when we have enough land for them to run around on.

I am not a fan of horse riding, I am all too aware of the fact, that when they are ridden there backs really suffer a lot. But I have had to put those feelings aside, as my daughter was spending most weeks helping out at a local stables in exchange for riding lessons.

But back to the Trek, I agreed to do it on the condition that we would only walk with the horses and that they would carry the kids, when they got tired. The horses would help us carry or tent and supplies. I remember spending ages working out what was a comfortable weight for them and how to pack so that the weight was distributed evenly.

I ended up making some saddle bags, by sewing two medium back packs onto the legs of denim trousers, that could then be draped over the hind legs of Solas.
We started the trek in May, but at this point both me and my friend both had the horses that we would be walking with. My friend had bought hers and the man she had bought her from, offered me her daughter, not to buy but to look after. I was delighted as I had no intention of buying a horse, as afterwards I would have no space to keep her.

So in April 2016, I spend most of my days with the horses, getting to know them and letting them get to know me. I remember the first time I met them. I just went into the field that they were in and sat down under a tree, letting them decide whether or not they wanted to meet me first.

I had a book with me and began to read it, after about half an hour they both came over and bend their heads down to nuzzle me. I was so happy with this first encounter and from there I just worked my way up until I felt like they were both comfortable with me, then I began walking with Solas and learning how to lead her.

I learnt so much from Solas, she really taught me how to be fully present and to stand in my power. There were times on the trek when I had to lead her, as the track was very small and only one person could walk ahead at a time. So unless I was feeling confident and sure of myself, she would refuse to let me go first, instead trying to get ahead herself. But once I took a deep breath and rolled my shoulders back, anchored myself to the ground, then she was happy for me to go first and check out the track that lay ahead.

So I sit here, looking out at the mountains, dreaming of those days that me and my girls roamed freely on the mountains. Living so close to the earth and finding so many beautiful spots that are only accessible by walking. I long to be able to roam freely again. I imagine we all do.

Be Well everyone.