“Despite the cold, the atmosphere and camaraderie couldn’t have been warmer.”
already an impressive cake.
The scenery became more diverse but remained equally beautiful on our way to camp: jagged black mountains dusted with snow above us and endless fields of gold dominating the landscape below. On arrival, our tents swayed in the bitter winds.The plummeting temperatures were a reminder of the nomadic families’ harsh outdoor existence. I felt privileged to be invited into their world and to share the experience with my new hiking buddies. Without the group, I would never have found this remote part of Kyrgyzstan.
GOOD TO SHARE
After a piping hot stew, we all huddled around the campfire. The freezing temperatures encouraged the group to drink any available liquids for extra warmth. Tea, vodka and even vodka tea were all gratefully received. Berdiba spontaneously broke into a traditional song and received a cheerful round of applause. He then asked me to sing an English song. I hesitantly obliged with an alcohol-induced version of When I’m Sixty Four by The Beatles and the entertainment had begun.
Despite the cold, the atmosphere and camaraderie couldn’t have been warmer. Mod cons and zero communication with the outside world were temporarily forgotten. I took comfort from the lack of technology available. My happiness and fulfilment had come from being present with people and my environment. This experience wasn’t about turning my back on modern living but rather a reminder to disconnect more often. The art of conversation without distraction was making a comeback – and it felt good.
The fire’s dying embers signalled bedtime. Before returning to our tents, a few of us gazed upwards and noted the brilliant stars sparkling against the dark heavens. Perhaps the best thing about a group adventure is connecting with people through a series of shared experiences. It would have been a shame to keep the glorious night sky all to myself.
Fast forward to 2021 and the world has changed. I’ve returned to hiking solo and I’m loving it. I now have the confidence to take on all sorts of trails beyond Epping Forest and occasionally attend a local Meetup to catch up with walking buddies. With international travel looking difficult for some time, I’ll keep on discovering great hikes in the UK – and see what else I can find out about myself.