I was facing an extra long weekend. With limited options because I am still healing from my torn glute muscle, I was considering what to do.
A solo camping trip quickly came to mind.
Normally I would have planned an action packed weekend summiting or scrambling new peaks.
I had just finished a chapter in a book that quoted the famous line Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? from Mary Oliver’s Summer Day.
Scrolling social media while trying to read a book was probably not the kind of answer the author had in mind.
I have been chipping away at a fun bucket list that I wrote in 2024 (Ride my bike on a country road, be a tourist in Saskatchewan).
Camping is always on my summer lists too but I don’t seem to get around to it. Training for my ultras always take over my summers.
But with running off the table now, I decided this is the perfect opportunity to finally say yes to the things that usually get pushed aside.
Solo camping along the Icefields Parkway
I snagged a lovely spot on the river at the Mosquito Creek campground. My timing was perfect because the campsite got crazy busy over the the next four days.
I hiked, read, and explored new-to-me areas along the parkway. This little solo camping getaway was just what I needed to slow down and reset. I know I’m not alone in thinking there will always be time to do this or that. Sadly that is not always the case. So do all the things that bring you joy.
Mary Oliver’s question echoed through my mind more than once out there. I don’t have a concrete answer yet, but I know that part of my “one wild and precious life” includes moments just like this in nature.
Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? I would love to hear from you in the comments below.