Journal entry #2, 48hr. solo, Utah desert, 3/18/08

I woke up this morning and all I could hear was silence. Nobody around to tell me to get moving, and not having to listen to anyone else's worries. It's just me, a pack, sleeping bag, water, and clothing. This is a different, but exhilarating feeling. It's not weird, it's just different. This morning, right now, I feel no distractions. Finally!!! It's just me!

In the book, "The Dharma Bums", I read something last night that was saying the mountains are his buddha. They have been here for millions of years. They are peaceful, there is no rush, no judgements, it's all black and white, and slow. It took over 300 million years for these canyons to look how they do now, and I find peace and feel grounded, because of the patience of the dirt and the abundance of life here. The sound of silence!! Life and L-I-V-I-N is outdoors. There's so much to learn, I want to soak it all up! Next Fall I want to either find a job in Eugene working carpentry or construction, or work in northern Cali with Mike's friend, if that can happen. I don't want to go back to school yet. I have a lot of learning and reading I want to do before I go back.

About 30 minutes later with my handwriting looking much different...

Well that was tight. Trip just came to my solo spot and asked for a liter of water, because he used a liter for the dinner last night. While I was filling his water bottle up, he asked if I wanted to smoke (big surprise)! I just cracked up laughing and said, "ok". So, I'm pretty high, in the desert! That's nuts! It's actually a really cool feeling. There's a lot of life scurring around this morning. It's awesome.