She was proud to come from such strong Oklahoma stock, where her parents had been born and raised. Her mom and her mom’s sisters were half Irish and half Oklahoma Native American and raised in both countries.
It hadn’t felt like it six months ago, but Bébhinn knew she would survive the death of her father, just like she would thrive in life, and kick this mountain trail’s ass.
She’d already walked through a stunning valley before reaching Tyrrau Mawr. She was three-quarters through the most challenging portion of her day—the ridge to Cadair Idris. According to several hiking blogs she’d read, it was easy to veer off path, and adhering strictly to her printed map was a must.
“They weren’t kidding.” She’d had to backtrack a few times, but she was close to the summit now, where she planned on taking a break to eat, use the restroom, and take some photos.
As she closed in, the view of Llyn-y-Cau lake made her gasp. It was that lovely. She had seen the painting by Richard Wilson at the Tate Britain gallery in London when she was around ten. It hadn’t changed from what Wilson created in oil in 1774.
It was an otherworldly vision, but alas, she had to pee, and her bladder waited for no man or vista. The moment her feet planted on the summit, she found some scrub to squat behind, making quick work of her business. She made a face as she tucked her wet wipe in a Ziplock, tucking the clear bag in the side of her backpack.
“Disgusting,” she muttered to herself. Better than chancing leaves and grass on her privates.
She walked to the edge of the summit ridge to take some photos and paused. She would have sworn she saw movement out of the corner of her eye. Just a shadow, but out of place. She swallowed down her unease and continued to take pics of the stunning lake far below, but mentally, she was going through all the scenarios in which something significant moved behind a row of trees.
“Come on, Bébhinn, quit being a weirdo,” she whispered. The shadow could have been a red deer or even one of the hundreds of sheep roaming the mountains. Why was she making such a production over a shadow? But wouldn’t those animals have made more noise?
“Shake it off,” she berated herself. First outing without the protection of a man, and this was the front she was giving.No thanks.“Shake. It. Off,” she said once more.
She put her phone away and stretched before finding a soft tuft of grass to rest on while she drank water and ate a pouch oftrail mix and a few of the protein balls she’d made for the trip. The next leg would be as tricky and amazing as the previous one.
She’d keep following the ridge around Gau Graig and Pen Y Bwich-coch. Then it was a short descent to Dolgellau, where she had reservations at a cottage Mags had found.
“It better not be shit, Mags.”
She put the weird shadow away from her thoughts, determined to enjoy the rest of the day.
7:47 pm
(A fancy cottage thanks to Margaret Morrow) Dolgellau
Another great day! I know it’s only the end of the second day, but I feel like I was made for walking trails. LOL. Feet are holding up well—no blisters. I’m grateful you got me started on Salomon shoes.
Did I tell you that all my friends bought them too? Gray and Mags are runners, of course, and said they loved theirs. We talked them up so much that Blair bought a pair just to wear to her yoga classes (in the tiniest size they make for women—she’s such a precious wee thing).
I miss my friends after two days apart. Seems a little clingy if you ask me. That’s another great thing about spending spring break alone. I feel like since you left, I’ve become dependent on having them around—even Daniel and Jonathan. If that’s not a 999, I don’t know what is. (Mom still says an emergency at the office is a 911—you American transplants…what can be done?)
Mom, Raven, and River have been cleaning some of your things out of the flat. I hope that doesn’t hurt your feelings.
It was my idea.
She needed to let go of a few of your things, Dad. I fear she’ll never truly let you go if your place stays exactly as it was before youdiedleft. She needs to make it her space. She needs to learn to be on her own.
We all do.
I just wanted to make sure you knew that even if we pack away your belongings, we will never pack away our memories of you.
I already talked to Mom tonight. She was still with her sisters (which means I spoke to all three of them :)). You would know what a huge thing that is if you were still here. Mom has isolated herself from the family for months now. I bet Raven and River are ecstatic.
I know Bran and Pat are, since you know they can’t function when their wives are hurting.
Anyway, enough of that heavy stuff. This trip is as grand as we knew it would be. I can’t wait to plan my next one! For now, I’d better get to bed. No crappy cot tonight. Mags clearly loved abusing my credit card when she booked this place. I’ll just say it’s comfortable and leave it at that.
I miss you. Talking to you again is nice.
Bébhinn
eight
