Solitude
I just experienced a great adventure. My son and I, along with two of his best friends went on a camping/fishing trip in the Florida Everglades. It was truly a unique experience. We were transported to a remote mangrove island about 25 miles out from Everglades City, Florida and left for two nights and three days with camping supplies, kayaks, and a guide. The solitude was remarkable; no radio (except one Cuban station I tuned to on my mp3 player), no TV, no cell phone.
I have often thought of, even wished for, some solitude; it was different than I imagined. Although we were well equipped, the thought of a catastrophe overwhelming our resources lingered in the back of my mind. I became very aware of the present; there were moments when I could feel every cell in my body, my emotions seemed far away. I was relaxed. One day, while the others were fishing far away in another direction. I set out in my kayak, paddling out of sight of the camp; for more than two hours I drifted and dabbled on the glassy water along jagged mangrove shores enjoying the blue sky and gentle warm breeze all by myself. A rare event I will long remember.