Wanderlust

I wasn't sure how I managed to get the only empty cabin on the train, let alone find it, especially when considering how abruptly crowded the train was with other folks who were diagnosed with a serious case of wanderlust. And yet, here I was, sitting comfortably on the cushiony seats made of a particular red fabric that smelled like the inside of a musty car. But I had been on the train long enough at this point that my nose was almost immune to it.

I looked out the cabin window, my hazel eyes faintly reflecting off the glass. The English countryside was rather magnificent, with lush greenery as far as the eye could see. It didn't seem to end nor begin, just a sea of fresh grass that went on forever and ever. The countryside glowed a certain springtime green from the light of a bright sun in the blue-white heavens above. Just looking at it made my soul weave into the land itself, where peaceful farmers and countryfolk call home sweet home.

I couldn't help it. Wanderlust itself had brought me here, and it made the countryside beckon. It beckoned for a day bathed in cool sunshine and fresh spring breezes that soaked your senses in a warm fragrance. There was no escaping nor denying it, and I was completely okay with that.

But where was it I was going? Don't ask me. Ask my good friend, Wanderlust.

They knew. Wanderlust had picked out the destination all by themselves and I simply just tagged along.

The destination you ask? Well, according to Wanderlust, nowhere.

Yes. You heard me correct. Nowhere. Nowhere in particular, that is.

But that was part of the fun. Part of the adventure. Why Wanderlust so generously brought me along, and how unpredictable it can be.

The train eventually came to a halt at the station. Was this my stop? I wasn't sure, but nor did I care. I trusted Wanderlust as it guided me to nowhere.

I took my leather backpack sitting besides me and exited the musty, but quaint, train. The moment I stepped outside, my nose was delighted. The mustiness of the ancient train had surely blinded it, but the freshness of the air had never smelled so good.

"Where to next, Wanderlust?" I said aloud.

I pulled out my compass. The wind seemed to be blowing North. So that's where I was headed.

I crossed the railroad tracks and followed the wind. It kindly greeted my skin and tickled the blades of grass.

After walking on foot a few miles, the wind suddenly died down. The wind had brought me to the base of an old lonesome tree, the only one around for miles right here in the heart of the prairie countryside. It's rickety branches seemed to have stretched heaven-bound accompanied by a thousand green-hue leaves.

I looked down at my compass. It was pointing towards the tree, and then switched directions suddenly. It now pointed to the East.

A bold mountain range lied ahead. It looked like Wanderlust was up for a little challenge. And there was no time like the present to do so.

And so, I departed from the faithful tree, and thanked it for being here. It was almost as if it was a cheerleader that motivated each passing soul who were being guided by Wanderlust.

But now, I headed for the mountain peaks. They were bold statements that journeyed through the slowness of time. Yet, they also provided a picturesque landscape as well as a doozy of a challenge for any traveler. It was indeed all up-hill from here.

As I came steadily closer to the foothill of the mountains, the friendly sunshine became blocked and overpowered with dark and ominous storm clouds. However, this didn't stop Wanderlust and I, as we kept going. I welcomed the softer colors that the clouds brought, and the tranquil danger that they may bring.

The rain started up rather quickly as I began my ascent up the mountain top. My compass still pointing me in the right direction, and the wind picking up. The rugged pathway up the mountain was tough going, and the rain didn't make it much better. Yet, there was something about a rain-washed pathway that brings out the playful side in someone, and invites you to splash around with every step you take.

As I trekked higher and higher, mammoth bolts of lightning shook the earth below, and the underground applauded. Even though the heavens above were black as night, the lightning made them all the more enchanting. Mother Nature was to thank.

After a long and perilous journey, I had reached the finish line. Thanks to Wanderlust, we made it together.

The rain had stopped, and the dark clouds slowly started to dissipate into the air. The radiant sun could now be seen, as it proudly shown on the banks of the earth, its rays stretching out across the horizon.

The best view certainly did come after the hardest climb. I felt the mountain absorb the essence of my soul. I took a deep breath and smiled. I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of the cool mountain air.

I had Wanderlust in my soul upon this day of softened daylight. It led me on a remarkable and truly unforgettable journey. I could feel the adventure call over these beautiful vistas. A sense of easy discovery, gentle curiosity, and growing inner peace. It was something that I wouldn't trade for the world.

I felt grounded to the earth itself, and a sense of clarity in my mind.

"Thank you, Wanderlust," I said aloud.

The wind whistled. And it was then that I heard Wanderlust speak back to me. "No. Thank you."

Become one with nature. Appreciate the wonderful playground that we call Earth. And most importantly, let Wanderlust be your guide. Get lost with it and you will find yourself. It's okay to wander aimlessly, especially if you find yourself off the beaten path.

Fuel your Wanderlust.