# 15 km of wandering in the middle of nowhere and what I’ve learned.

There’s a fabulous quote that says “If you don’t do wild things while you’re young, you’ll have nothing to smile about when you’re old”.
For a long time, I think I forgot how “living wild” or “enjoying life” feels like.
But on that 15 km of mountainous trail, I know I was alive again…

After a whole day of trekking, we got stuck at the top of Mt Nebo with no vehicle, no rideshare and limited services. Though we had other options of getting back down, my wild self was stronger than ever at that moment for some reason. And we made an incredible decision to walk all the way from the lookout back to the foot of the mountain, which was approximately 15km.

“You’ve done no walk close to that distance, but this can be the day, Lyn” — said a strong clear voice in my head.

The first 3 km of the journey was full of interesting stories, small talks and stunning sceneries. Once we finished the 6th km, we were rewarded with the most surreal view of Samuel Valley under the golden sunset.

We were so indulged in the scene without noticing that time was passing.

Down went the sun…
It was only 5:30 pm when the winter night started to cover the forest in dark — dead silent darkness.

8km complete! Halfway to go!

6 pm. We’d been walking for 3 hours straight. I still vividly remember checking my phone every now and then to see how far we got left.
Believe me, that was the longest countdown ever in my life 😂

9 km completed. I couldn’t feel my legs anymore. They were still moving, but not under my control.

Walking literally on the edge of the road with cars running at 80km/h and the sole light source from my companion’s phone, my ears seem to work 10 times faster, trying their best to recognise a car coming from far away.

3 km left! I kept telling myself it just equates a walk to work that I take twice a day. I can do it!

On the other hand, I knew that I might need help. Could I walk for another 1 hour? Yes. Did I want to do so? Nahhhh. I started to think of hitchhiking, which just now I realise is illegal in Queensland. No wonder no one stopped for us back then.

The first time hailing a car on the highway felt weird. After a few cars, I started to get better at it. My hands were rising higher and higher, but my hope started to shrink. 3…4…6 cars passed us already.

“I’m not letting go of the hope” — that’s what I thought with my hand waving in the air for the 9th car.

The moment the car stopped, my heart stopped for a sec as well.

We had no idea who the person in the car could turn out to be. It was really a sink or swim moment…

Coming into my sight was the “Police” line along the side of the car. It was indeed a police car!

I was seriously stunned! I explained what happened and asked them for the ride to the bus stop. The two police seemed suspicious at first, but I think
our genuity eased them out eventually.

It was my first time (and hopefully) last time sitting in a police car 😂

Side note: We love OZ police!!!!

Just within more than 3 hours, so many things happened. I got so many first-time memorable experiences that could’ve been missed had I not listen to my instinct in the first place.

Others can say we lost it, but deep down I know I never regret that day.

Long live wilderness and adventures!

Moral of the story:
- There’ll always be some way out, no matter how bad the situation turns
- The moment you feel the most hopeless, don’t let go of the hope. Keep holding on it!
- Trust in the universe and humanity ❤

‍

‍