I woke up here four days ago. I'm not sure where I am, but I'm comfortable. It's isolated here, lots of animals, no people. I don't remember how I got here, or where I was before I did. It's strange, almost like a fresh start. It doesn't feel like punishment, just isolation. The weather's been perfect. I spent the first day trying to remember where I was. Nothing came to me. I'm pretty sure I forgot to eat, not that I have any food - or shelter for that matter. It seems that all I have is a pocked knife - and, of course, this journal and pen. The pocket knife makes sense, guys carry them. But, I'm in the middle of nowhere, and I have a pen and journal. I considered the possibility that I was a writer. But then, I don't remember what my interests are, or anywhere I've ever been. I'm pretty sure I passed out the first day.
On the second day, I awoke confused. Still, I didn't know where, or who, I was. But, I knew that I needed to eat. I spotted a path in the clearing. I'm in the woods, maybe near a mountain. I hear a brook or stream nearby. The path is to the northeast of the clearing that I find myself in. I have no tools still, but I am confident enough to follow the sun. Anyway, the path led through the woods. I found some berry bushes - raspberries, I think. At this point, I'm certain that I'm not a horticulturist. I also found some mushrooms. When I get back to the clearing, I gathered wood and made camp. I figured that I should, at least, build a fire. To my surprise, I was able to start the fire with two sticks! The berries were great, the mushrooms - not so. But, it was food, and I needed some.
I woke yesterday not remembering when, or how, I fell asleep the night before. I remember worrying about the mushrooms. Yesterday, day three, I explored. I took the path for a while, after starting a campfire, for what seemed like a mile and a half. I didn't get too far. By the time I returned, I was drained. I don't feel itt, but I'm sure not right. How does a man not know where he is, not have any injuries, and not even know who he is? At this point, I'm feeling pretty useless. But, I want to get control of my situation, so I assemble a bed out of moss and leaves. Odd, how I feel so at ease with nature, almost habitual. Maybe that's who I am, but it doesn't feel right. After another meal of berries and various non-fungal plants, I retire in my new bed.
Clearly, I feel much better today. I can think straight. I can remember where I was yesterday. I can remember how I went to sleep last night. I've got big plans today. I'm going to build a shelter. It's apt to rain sometime. I want to be ready. I'm in the woods, so materials shouldn't be a problem. Big question - how long will I be here, and what weather do I need to prepare for? Whoa! That was weird! I swore I just heard someone else talking. I'm going to go check it out, maybe get some answers. I may nor need to build that shelter after all.
Evening of Day 4
I've been thinking today. Why do I have this journal? It seems rather out of place, considering my surroundings. When I heard the voices this morning, I thought I might be able to find some answers. I started after the voices, out on the path I hiked yesterday. There is some water. I'm pretty sure it comes from a mountain nearby. Where it empties, I don't know. It was pretty mellow at the point I found. I followed the path to the south. I think, for about two hours. When I found the brook, I stopped. When I got out there walking, I forgot about the voices I thought I heard. The brook was about four feet in breadth, and only inches deep. There was evidence that it had been much deeper at some point. I've got a feeling that the water is quite deep somewhere along the way. That'll be good if I'm here long. I'll need the protein source from whatever fish I can find. I spent some time, two or three hours, down at the water. It was nice. There was an abundantly large raspberry bush nearby, and I used that as a food source. I also at some fern. It was quite good, although not too filling. I brought some back with me, figured I'd try to grille it over the fire. While at the brook, I realized that I'd need something to hunt with. I found a newly broken oak branch that made for a good start of a spear. While taking in the incredible scenery, I peeled away the bark and formed the spear. It took more work than I'd thought it would to straighten. When I got to sharpening the tip, I realized that some precisely shaped stones would be useful to my survival in this forest. When I scoured the area, I found one rock that kind of looked like a pear. With some careful craftsmanship, I should be able to turn it into a spearhead. The chiseled end of the shaft that I have now will work for a bit. I found a few nice pieces of slate that should be useful. I'm thinking I can use some of the small ones for arrowheads - if I can figure out how to make a bow. I found some larger ones, eight to twelve inches across, that I can probably use to cook on. The really nice one I found was about eighteen inches wide by about thirty inches long. I hope to be able to use that as a work surface.
I returned back at camp with my hands full, and the realization that I hadn't started on shelter. And, it was nearly dark. I've decided that any work on shelter, or even the fire, would have to wait for morning. As I'm writing this, I'm noticing a duck taking flight. I think this is the same one I'd seen at the brook earlier in the day. In fact, I think he visited me the other day, as well. I'll have to take note next time I see him. As far as I can remember, he's the only wildlife I've actually seen. I've seen, and heard, evidence of other wildlife, but I can't say I've seen any others.
The solidarity is nice. It seems that most people would love the comforts of a community, or at least a companion. but, I rather enjoy the quiet. I don't remember who I was five days ago, but for now, I'm all by myself. Sure, I could love, and I could enjoy someone else's company. But, for now, in my position, I'm happy. I just hope that there isn't someone, somewhere missing me, and that anyone that cares about me knows where I am, and what I'm doing.
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