Wild Woman - Hunter Moon - Utopian Dream

As I was on my most recent Vipassana meditation course here in Peru, there was a beautiful full moon.  It reminded me of a full moon I was blessed enough to witness, last year when I was in the Northern hemisphere - California.

The night of the Hunter Moon last year, I felt moved and inspired to write a poem....

Here it is:

Wild Woman - Hunter Moon - Utopian Dream

Wild Woman Who Walks in The Light, howls to the Hunter Moon,

Singing her primal song, dreaming of a utopian world, 

On one full moon night.

Calling out for peace, love, forgiveness, healing and 

Balance 

Everywhere on the planet,

As the moon reflects its intense bright light.

Summoning up divine energy from the source, 

Bringing forth catalyzing shifts and changes, 

To Mother Earth.

Blowing away the negative destruction, 

That’s caused her disease.

Burning, flooding and destroying, 

Anything that stands in the way of harmony and natural order.

Removing the virus

That’s caused her pain and suffering.

Without all the elements, 

Life on earth ceases to exist. 

Clean water to drink, 

Fresh air to breath,

Natural places without rubbish, 

Are gifts we can’t take for granted. 

Change needs to happen right now!

Finding sustainable solutions, 

Renewable energy resources, 

Changing the direction the environment is going 

To be a more natural and clean place to live.

Earth Mother needs our love and kindness, 

To heal the wounds we have inflicted upon her.

Oil companies, gas and coal mines removed, 

There’s nothing left for you!

Wars that don’t need to be fought will end, 

Blood that doesn’t need to be shed will cease, 

Lies that don’t need to be told will stop; 

Pulling the plug on this dysfunctional world machine.

Poverty, world debt, profit and gain at the cost of another - over, 

The haves and the have nots, will live with equal abundance; 

Fair trade once and for all.

Removing the oppressions, 

Borders, chains, barriers, constraints, bondages and obstacles,

 In the way of a unified world of peace.

Pulling back the the veil, 

That’s separating us from one another; 

Reminding us that we are all one, connected aware 

Everyone and everything is affected by each others actions.

The illusions we're being shown to

Manifest as the human condition - completely disappear.

A sacred birthing of a spiritual revolution is happening, 

 The evolution of consciousness is about to give birth.

Journeying into a new paradigm, we will experience 

A healthy, happy and harmonious world.

Where all beings remember who they are; 

Whole, divine, innocent and aware of their life’s purpose on the planet.  

We’re all in this together!

Present to love, honesty, integrity, caring and respect; 

As our heart’s open 

Experiencing the collective awakening.

Light will illuminate the planet, radiating good vibrations everywhere

Removing the darkness, that shadows our perception,

Clouding our minds, with doubts and fears that are not our own.  

People will laugh, sing, dance and celebrate being alive, 

Because there is really nothing to fear.

Truly free 

As we reclaim our power, 

Understanding we’re the creators of our destinies.

Mastering our minds, 

By not letting the stresses of life weigh us down, 

Life is precious, fragile, gone in a flash... 

Don’t get stuck in the mellow drama, ‘she said this’, ‘he done that’

Breath, feel, forgive and let it all go.  

Negativity will completely disappear  

The bondages of our own creation dissolve,

As we wake up and align with the divine;

Causing us all to take responsibility,  

For creating a more beautiful and harmonious 

Utopian World.

Side Note: The significance of the first line "Wild Woman That Walks in The Light".

Woman That Walks in The Light is the spiritual name that was given to me, by a Lakota Sue woman as she was leading a Sweat Lodge Ceremony I attended in Alaska.

Embracing Shadow Coexisting With Light

Hades - Persephone: King & Queen of The Underworld

Embracing Shadow Coexisting With Light

I’ve been to battle with my ego,

Pulling and taring it apart.

Dissecting and investigating the abyss, 

As I dive deep into the darkness where it lives.

My soul cries to be free of it,

Released from the bondages, 

And shackles it’s bound me with.

Fighting doesn’t work, 

I’ve discovered through this experience of unfoldment.

Passive surrender, is the path of least resistance;

Watch it dissolve as it looses its power and hold.

When the light grows stronger, so does one’s shadow,

Accelerating the process of evolution and enlightenment.

As I embrace the shadow within,

My soul, guides me with how to use it.

Transforming, Evolving, Empowering, 

 To have a larger capacity to know 

The full spectrum of myself. 

With all aspects; light and dark

A delicate shade of grey.

The way out, is by going in, 

Generate love, acceptance, forgiveness, feeling compassion. 

Courage in the face of fear,

There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

For this shadow side is, 

My greatest teacher and a part of Me.

No need for battle,

There’s nothing to fight.

The path of love is the only way,

Remembering the divine self 

In each and every day.

Where innocence, healing, light, and joy resides. 

With this awareness there is no duality,

Only Oneness  

Purity, Harmony and Equanimity.

This Worlds Our Playground

It's been a very long time since I last posted on my blog.  I've decided that due to where I'm living in the amazon jungle and  how slow the internet connection it is better to not keep it going in the way that I was last year.

So I'll be using it to share my poetry with my friends and loved ones...

Enjoy!                                        

                              This Worlds Our Playground

Society the enslaver of human consciousness

keeps people locked in the labyrinth of decay.

The human soul rots here, 

filled with darkness and fear.

Forgotten its purpose of why it came here.

Our existence; choice to experience life with love.

Light shinning through, the reflection is you.

Eyes are the looking glass touching each soul, 

there’s no need for class.

The human condition started with fear

imprisoning joy, happiness and dreams

creating false images, nothing is as it seems!

I must have enough, more money, more things 

for enough is never enough when it comes to stuff. 

Acceptance of what is, be grateful for all

it’s the gatekeeper; 

to the garden of love and paradise in peace.

Remember boundless love for all is here in this wonderful place.

Where all things are possible

trust in yourself, believe it is real.

Free the mind from the chains and fears 

that steal the essence of your spirit,

Follow your heart and you will see 

the powerful creator you can be.

Creativity breaks through inactivity

leave the rest to synchronicity!

Dream, believe, wait and receive 

the bounty of abundance the universe wants to give.

This worlds our playground open your eyes and look around. 

Climbing my 1st Mountain, Vallunaraju, Huaraz June 2012

Sunrise at Vallunaraju part of the Cordillera Blanca - I didn't take this!

Soon after my return from the Santa Cruz trek I decided it was time to climb my first mountain.  After dreaming about this endeavor for many years, I felt ready and inspired by being in Andes to experience the true alpine rush of summiting a mountain! Vallunaraju in the Cordillera Blanca mountain range.

The adventure began in Huaraz at the agency where I hired a guide and the gear I would need for the 2 day trip.  I hired a private guide because none of my friends here wanted to do this mountain a second time round and hiring a guide is imperative when climbing a mountain alone, but how I wish I could have shared the experience with someone I care about or love.  Renting sleeping bag, stove for cooking, crampons (sharp teethed bits that attach to hiking boots making it possible to hike on the glacier), ice axe, and a rope that would keep me attached to the guide (in case of falls or crevices) and we were ready to go.

Laguna at the beginning of our trek up into the valley

The valley where we hiked up to the moraine camp

Leaving very early in the morning by taxi to the trail head we began our long and tiring hike up the valley to the moraine camp.  The packs were really heavy because of the equipment we were carrying but we took it very slowly and steadily.  The slope up the side of the valley was steep and challenging, especially because of the altitude, however with some rests along the way we made it in about 2 hours.  A couple of climbers had already arrived at the moraine camp and following right behind us was a large group of tourists about to arrive making camp to ascent the mountain the following morning.  Edwin (my guide) and I decided it would be better to hike an additional 30 mins further up towards the glacier because it would give us a better head start for the morning ascent.  This was a good idea because I'm not a huge fan of lots of tourists and the idea of summiting with a group of strangers didn't inspire me one bit.  We made the camp on a huge rock slab, it was very hard and cold underneath but luckily I had a good inflatable ground mat to protect my kidneys from the glacial chill.  We were only meters away from the glacier, it was freezing cold and hot drinks and food were greatly appreciated that evening.  The altitude was 5,000 meters or thereabouts (can never get a clear answer from a local...even a guide LOL) which made it impossible to sleep.  Being so cold and desperate to sleep I just stayed in my sleeping bag, patiently waiting for 1:00am for when the alarm would go off and we would get ready to begin the slow hike up the mountain to the summit for sunrise.

Camping on a slab of granite at the glacier

The glacier close by to where we camped

View of Huaraz from the camp

After hitting the snooze button a couple of times, it was 1:30am and time to get up and at it.  Not feeling very hungry because of how early it was, I just drank a cup of coffee with milo and ate some mouthfuls of chaufa (fried rice with chicken).  I knew I would need the energy for the upcoming 4 hour climb to the summit but it turned my stomach to force food into myself so I abandoned the idea of eating because I have to! Off we went to the beginning of the glacier and there were 3 people already there before we arrived.  I was a tad disappointed because I'd hoped we'd be the first to start, my ego got plugged in.  A French couple with their guide and it was also their first time climbing a mountain.  Neither of the couple had a headlamp which we thought was a bit strange and off they went in front of us, the guide leading their way.  As we walked Edwin and I caught up with them and overtook them as they were moving much slower than us.  We continued along in the dark with the only light ahead was what the flashlight threw on the glistening snow.  The stars were amazing, so bright and twinkling like diamonds in the huge black sky.  The chill in the air and the wind howling through the hood of my jacket was intense.  Most of the glacier was covered in a nice fresh powdery snow from the night before and was soft under the crampons.  Some parts of the glacier were more steep than others and I had to use the ice axe on the more technical parts and also how I placed the crampons into the ice.  It was quite challenging at times but most of the accent was quite mellow and just walking with some gradient.  I was getting quite tired along the way and feeling really nauseous from the altitude which was very unusual because I'm usually good with altitude.  Stopping to rest along the way, I actually vomited but it helped me to feel much better (better out than in).  Must have been from the instant coffee and milo, what a gross way to start the day!


The pictures I've attached to this post were not taken by me but other people, sorry they're not my own creation but it gives you a sense of what I climbed and seen.

This is not me... but this is the mountain I just climbed

The hike upwards seemed to go on an on forever and felt almost like it was never going to end and the  when I thought I was almost there, more to walk.  Finally, after 3.5 hours of walking we made it to the summit of the mountain and how relieving it felt to lay down on the snow to rest at the top.  I was exhausted, even the guide looked tired but that could have been because I'd asked him many times, how long more until we reach the top...? The other people that were behind us earlier must of turned back because when we summited we had the whole mountain to ourselves.

Sadly, soon after summiting I discovered my camera wasn't working.  This was due to the batteries needing to be changed...Prior to me starting the climb, I had bought 2 sets of new batteries but neither of them would work, maybe it was the altitude? Peruvian quality at its best! I was devastated and felt quite upset, my first mountain and I have no pictures to show for it.  I go of my upset within moments and chose to be present to the wonderful view.  This is all I needed to do, remember to stay present and not react because I'm experiencing one of the most amazing things ever in my life - I'm at the top of a mountain in the Andes of Peru. 

Surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Blanca range

The panoramic views of all the surrounding mountains were spectacular and the sun was just rising in the distance.  All the magnificent colors in the morning sky.  What a way to start the day.... mountain top sunrise!!! 

Sunrise from the summit of Vallunaraju 

The glacier I hiked on to get to the summit

Huge crevasse in the glacier 

Santa Cruz Trek, Huaraz June 2012

The past four days I've been out in the Andes exploring and adventuring with a group of 6 friends and a dog.  It began on Tuesday when we all met up very early and traveled to the trail head of Santa Cruz to begin our exploration, camping and trekking adventure.  Santa Cruz is one of the most popular treks in the Huaraz area and I now know why it has a very good reputation! It's just a 4 day trek which is a nice length for people who don't want to take a guide because it's totally doable without one.  The amazing mountain views of the Cordillera Blanca range, waterfalls, rivers, beautiful flowers and trees along the trail were breath taking.  Each day we were in awe of the fantastic panoramic beauty of the Andes!

The gang, all except the dog... ready for the big 4 day hike 

Lucy 

Full backpacks with tents, camping stoves, sleeping bags, food, warm clothes and more to get us through the next days with full belly's, fresh drinking water and warm nights ahead.  We decided to not take a guide and carried all our own stuff which in some ways was nice to have the freedom to go at our own pace, but we also had to carry some weight which got somewhat challenging as we climbed to higher altitudes.  Some of the group were novices to the mountains which added some stress to the experience, no prior experience with altitude or camping made it a bit more difficult for myself and friend Allie as we were the only ones that with prior backpacking experience in the mountains.  Another issue was with one of the rented backpacks, was total rubbish and was not designed for mountaineering so the person couldn't carry a fair load of the weight; meaning the rest of us had to carry extra.  All in all it was fun once we got into the groove and people adjusted to a challenge of backpacking!

Day 1: It was as fairly mellow day as we just hiked to before the first camp so it was just about 4-5 hours of hiking.  The whole group was very excited about the upcoming trek and as we walked there was lots of joking, laughing and overall jolliness.  Later when we made camp, cooked a nice meal over the gas stove and had some hot drinks as we sat by a lovely camp fire talking.  We were all really excited to be out in the mountains and enjoying the great outdoors, so spirits were high with anticipation of the days ahead.  The stars were amazingly bright that night and how much I loved admiring the fabulous night sky.  Especially this time of year because it's winter now in Huaraz so there are little to no clouds with spectacular views of the stars.

      Allie checking the map...think we need to go that way!

Day 2: We left a little late in the morning time 11am, which set us back some for making the pass later on the same day.  It was definitely a more challenging day for all of us, one of group was sick due to the altitude and we were all getting fairly tired due to the uphill walking, weight of our packs and doing our best to push ahead to reach the pass before dark.  As we approached the area where the pass was supposed to be according to the map, we were all a bit puzzled as to where the pass actually was.  It just looked like a huge rock face with no access point through the mountains.  Anxiety began to rise in the group because it was getting late in the evening and the pass was apparently another hour away 4,750 meters, plus an additional 1.5 hours to get down the other side to the next camp site.  Allie and Alfonso, the only ones that had any energy left decided to hike up towards the top where they thought the pass may be and to see how long it would take without packs.  The rest of us just hung out, relaxed and took in the wonderful sites of the surrounding mountains until they returned.  In the meantime a donkey herder came along and said where the pass entrance was and how long it would take to reach the next point.  Our call was to stay put until early morning to get a good start with rest and full energy before we cross over the pass.  On A & A's return we made a group decision to hang tight until morning, set up camp and knowing exactly where the pass was we were more confident for the hike the next day.  After we set up the camp and got ready to cook some food and boil drinking water we discovered the gas stove wasn't working.  Panic set in because we were all a little hungry, but most of all cold at such high altitude (4,550 meters) and not being able to make hot drinks was a big problem.  Also the prospects of not being able to boil water for drinking the following day was a really serious issue because doing the pass is challenging enough and clean drinking water is a necessity! I was doing my best to relax and not worry about it but it was hard because in the mountains if something goes wrong there's no-one else around to help.  To switch off from the drama I watched the stars and observed 2 shooting stars which gave me hope and happiness that all things will work out.  We snacked on peanut butter and crackers and afterwards all hit our sleeping bags early, to wait until morning and see if we can get the stove to work then... nobody slept that night because at altitude it is much harder to sleep, especially at 4,550 meters!

Allie, Sole and myself - The Girls!

Day 3: Was definitely the hardest of all the days because we had no cooked food the night before, no sleep and had to wake get up very early in the freezing cold to make a head start on the pass.  The tent was frozen and had ice on it, so it was really cold getting out of the sleeping bag especially with the lack of inspiration because we wouldn't have a hot breakfast or drinks to warm us up.  The stove was still in bad shape and not working, so breakfast was granola and some cookies.  Off we went to do the pass 4,750 meters and it was actually one of the easier passes I've ever done and it was over quite quickly and soon we were heading down the other side of the mountains.  Downwards was definitely a bit quicker and easier!  Wow the mountain views keep getting better as we go further and further, also the morale of the group improved  after we completed the pass because the hardest part was over.

We finished the pass...now it's all downhill from here!

Along the path, going down the other side of the mountain we met some alpacas and how proud and powerful they look in their natural habitat.

One of 4 Alpacas we met along the way 

When we reached the next camp there was a local man there, he was the cook for a European group that were climbing one of the mountains there: Artesonraju peak.  He took a look at our stove the tube was blocked and fixed it right there and then.  He mentioned that a lot of tourists have issues with the stoves here and that he's had to help with the same problem before.  This was a boo boo on the tour operator we rented the camping gear from for not letting us know of this problem before we left the shop and it could have been pretty serious if we hadn't of had help from that kind man! We were all happy again that the stove was working and we had a yummy lunch of spaghetti, hot drinks and enjoyed a good rest afterwards.  Off we went with full bellies and more energy as the trail was much easier now we'd finished the pass and the downhill walk for hours.  The rest of the day the trail was excellent, with lots of open meadows and pretty scenery.  I stayed a bit behind the rest of the group, shooting pictures, enjoying listening to the sounds of the running water of the nearby river, the rustling of the leaves as the wind blew through the trees, birds singing their joyful songs as I walked peacefully through the mountains.  Being in the mountains is definitely one of my favorite places to be is in world! Surrounded by nature, the fresh smell of the earth, flowering blooms on the trees, the alpine air and surrounding peaks.

The kind man that fixed our stove

I'm taking a nap, Lucy by my side staying warm...shattered after our morning hike

Finally reaching the area where the campsite was at 5pm, it was more isolated and really serene by the river.  Everyone was bubbly and joyful for having made it before dark and setting up camp with the daylight.  We cooked a yummy meal of ramen noodles (the last of the food) and had some cookies for desert with milo.  It felt great to be on our last night too because the following day a nice hot shower, real hearty meal and good nights sleep were things to look forward to.

Our camp on the last night trekking the Santa Cruz trail

Lucy exhausted from our big day

Happiness 

Day 4: The final stretch to make it to the trail head and return to Huaraz, exhausted, fulfilled from the trek, ready for a hot shower and clean comfortable bed to sleep in were real motivators.  We made it to Cachapampa in very good time, where we ate a simple lunch of rice, egg, papa fritas (fries) and drank lemonade.  It tasted like an amazing feast because we'd been eating such basic food during our trek!
While we waited for the taxi to arrive to take us back to where we pick up the collectivo (mini bus) to Huaraz.  All feeling exhausted but thoroughly fulfilled from our adventures in the Andes.

The final push on Day 4

We made it Lucy and no injuries in the group - hooray!

It felt like being in Eden during my time in the Andes and how blessed I was to have experienced this with some amazing people.  The sharing, fun, laughter and playfulness as we done the Santa Cruz trek together.  Shared moments like these make my decision even easier.... this is where I want to live on a more full-time basis... Peru has everything I need and love which is why I'm coming back here to live later this year.  There is nowhere else I'd rather be! To have access to the Andes, all the beauty and  freedom to play in the mountains.  While still having access to the amazon jungle, desert, and pacific ocean (with good surfing) all within a days travel time of each other.

One of many waterfalls we seen 

Pretty wild flowers along the path

Mother and young foal, wild horses along the trail

Very similar to my last name :)