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The day finally came. Kay and Tes were more than excited. This was THE trip of the year for them. Kay and Tes are young adult girls who were best friends since high school. They have slightly different characters and that's what made them a strong duo. But what units them the most was their passion for social media. They are influencing bloggers or as we call today Vloggers. Indeed, they established wonderful pages on several platforms with different pictures and videos showing their daily activities.
And this event in particular was a bit special. Lego Meritus is a natural reserve in the deep South West of the country. It was a hidden touristic gem where it is said that you will have an experience of a lifetime and may be able to witness one of the best panoramic view ever. Nevertheless, it is still not a mainstream sight due to several points:
First, its geographical location, which was approx. one and a half hour by car from the nearest village : St Altius, which was also 35 minutes from any train or bus station. In addition, the reserve was open only during spring and summer to avoid any weather disaster.
On a separate note it is an approximate 10 km hiking trail, so this was not the ideal destination for all kinds of tourists.
One strange thing was that despite being a free entrance reserve, you needed to register your name in advance, and you were allowed to enter only once per year. These limited information and odd instructions made things even better for the two adventure seekers.
Kay and Tes were looking forward to this day for more than two months. They left their hometown three days ago, and had an interesting journey to St. Altius, the nearest village to the reserve. Not going through much more details, Kay and Tes made it to the reserve entrance. The scenery was already breathtaking: Tall and colorful trees, cool wind, uncountable types of flowers. The quiet noise of nature was not disturbed by the Human Empire. Tes was dazzled. She already made a couple of pictures and small videos: ?Oh my! I will change all my profile pictures today! My stories will be packed! ?. Love your brother Kay! He is the best internet surfer ever! He always finds us interesting suff to do!?
Like mentioned above, this location had not a strong notoriety. In fact, there was a maximum of a couple dozen people there. Well, win-win situation for both girls, their posts will be even better without the high traffic of tourists making unintentional ?photobombs?: ?This will be awesome? Kay said, ?I can't wait to go inside! Save some battery Tes!?
?For sure, Kay-Kay!? Tes replied as they reached the entrance counter. There was only an electronic tablet with a checklist on it. Eventually, the girls clocked on their names, entered the pin they got as message on their mobile phones, and were let in. A start sign on the floor at the beginning of the walking path indicated the beginning of the hiking trail. Next to it was a big signboard entitled: ?Give these instructions 3 minutes of your time and enjoy nature!? Here were the instructions:
Welcome to ?Lego Meritus? natural reserve. The trail you are about to enter is approximately 9.5 km long with an easy to medium difficulty.
The trail is a circuit that goes deep into the reserve and ends back on the east exit, just on the other side of the trees on your left. The map illustrates the same?
?Just simple safety rules? nothing important. Come on Kay-Kay! No time to waste, Let's go! go! go!?
The girls entered the reserve, excitement filling their faces: ?Ok, Chatting mode off! Camera mode on!
Let's take our first shot here at the entrance Tes!?
?Let's do it as a boomerang with the start sign visible behind us!?
And they both spent one of the best few hours in the wonders of nature, where the loudest sounds were actually birds singing in the trees. They secured very beautiful pictures and videos: They took many trendy shots such as portraits, panoramic pictures, selfies. The nature itself offered wonderful background for all sorts of camera shooting. In addition, you can find man-made complementary stuff, such as swings, decorated trees, small flower rugs. Everything to make the experience even more astonishing. Kay and Tes were truly impressed by the professionalism and the care they witnessed: The walking path was ideally drawn and clearly visible, signs were placed everywhere to make sure that hikers are on the right way.
?Too much stuff to capture!!?, ?Let's do a boomerang on the swing! Or perhaps a normal picture would be better!?, ?Is it better if we retake this picture with pop art effect??, ?What do you think could be a suitable caption for this picture Kay?? They felt so much excited to the fact that they became confused every time for selecting the best way to capture something or for choosing the ones to be posted. But to calm down their overwhelm, they always finish by repeating the same sentence ?Let's wait for the panoramic view, and then we choose?.
They made a little revolt when they crossed out of the walking path and climbed a small rock to capture a funny boomerang on Instagram. ?I don't think we should go outside the path, Tes! The red ribbon here clearly indicates that!?. ?YOLO!? replied Tes, ?this is not too high! Besides, I have an idea for a boomerang! Hold the selfie stick and I will jump off the rock! This will be hilarious, seeing you taking a selfie and me jumping in the background!?
?Hahaha, you are crazy, Tes! Let's do it! Climb up!?
Approximately two and a half hours down, Kay and Tes finally reached the sign they were waiting for: ?Panorama View?. The sign leads to a small pathway next to the original hiking path. The girls took a deep breath; the same one an actor takes before earning his Oscar award. They even stayed more than ten minutes taking and retaking pics and videos there. They were about to experience THE feature of their trip and of course they should make the best out of it. Entering the small pathway, Kay suddenly became quiet. She was simply astonished, and proud of the accomplishment she is making today. On the other hand, Tes was filming this road to heaven while signaling what was about to happen shortly.
Just two minutes into the small pathway, Kay and Tes ended up in front of a cave. The entrance was blocked by what it appeared to be small adjacent rooms very similar to toll collections we see on the highways. As much confused as they were excited, each girl entered a separate cubicle like it was instructed.
It was a very small elevator-like space, with an electronic tablet and two doors: One door leading to the cave, and the other is the entrance door obviously. Kay stood there waiting perhaps for something to flash up on the tablet. Suddenly, an automated voice filled the area: ?Welcome to Lego Meritus' Panoramic Area, please select your name.? So did Kay. ?Please say the secret expression to get access. Alternatively, you can insert the same on the tablet in front of you.? An empty text box appeared on the tablet with a button underneath stating: ?I forgot it?.
What?! Secret expression? Kay was thinking to herself. Is there anything like that? Is it maybe like a coupon for VIPs? Or should visitors get it by the entrance? Kay waited a bit, perhaps for another instruction. She searched for some help button, but nothing. Finally, she broke the silence and started saying random things like: Lego Meritus! Lego Meritus Panoramic View! Enter Panorama! She even tried to enter some on the tablet. Not a single interaction. Confused and a bit worried, Kay opened the exit door, maybe she can seek the help of someone or see what Tes was doing. But the automated voice stopped her: ?Caution! Exiting the door will cancel your access to the panoramic view!?
Back inside, Kay tried to call for assistance, maybe some staff will hear her and reply. Still nothing. Annoyed, not knowing what to do, Kay decided to take the risk. She clicked on the button ?I forgot it? while closing her eyes and turning her face as if she was cutting the wire that might defuse the bomb or explode it. The automated voice started talking again: ?Don't worry about that, you have come so far in your journey, and we will not let you go without granting you another chance?? A feeling of relief popped up on Kay's face while hearing this, but was directly vanquished by confusion. ?? You can redeem your access by sacrificing ten red ribbons you collected during your trip. Kindly insert the ribbons through the small pouch on your right?. A small cavity opened on the right with lights indicating to put the ribbons. Fifteen minutes ago, Kay was all over the place, but now she is not understanding a single act. She ended up by pressing again on button: ?I don't have enough? to see what other options she could have. ?Too bad! We are truly sorry, but we are sure that you will have a better luck next year! Enjoy the rest of your trip!? And the exit door opened by itself. Not knowing what to do, Kay simply got out, to find Tes waiting outside.
She was hoping to get some answers from Tes, but she also was pretty furious and on the verge of crying: ?What is this nonsense inside? Did you understand anything Kay??
?No, Sweety. Not even a clue. What happened with you??
?Just Bullshit! I got inside and this pathetic voice started asking me about a secret word or something like that So I pressed on the button ?I forgot it? and than this same damn voice asked for some red ribbons! I got out of the cabin to ask someone for some help, but there was no one. So I went inside again, but now I cannot access anymore since the screwed voice tells me try again next year every time I tried to select my name!?
?Aren't the red ribbons the ones we found all the over the trail, Tes? Aren't these suppose to alert us from possible danger? And what about the secret expression??
?I don't know Kay! I don't know! I was waiting for this moment for ever to come and find this bloody dilemma here blocking us to go further! It's unacceptable! There should be someone here for assistance!?
?The end of the trail should not be far from here, let's go find someone there?.
Well done Fellas! You made till the end!
We are pretty sure you enjoyed your time in Lego Meritus natural reserve!
Thank you for coming! See you next year!
?Give these instructions 3 minutes of your time and enjoy nature!?
Welcome to ?Lego Meritus? natural reserve. The trail you are about to enter is approximately 9.5 km long with an easy to medium difficulty.
The trail is a circuit that goes deep into the reserve and ends back on the east exit, just on the other side of the pine trees on your left. The map illustrates the same.
Make sure you brought some snacks and water. You will probably require some on your way.
All over the path, you will find red ribbons. We place these ribbons daily to as a collection game for you on your way. Collect as much as you can find, and make sure to claim them on the exit in exchange for interesting souvenirs. The ribbons are mostly easily accessible, so you won't have a problem collecting them.
Have fun and enjoy your trip, and please make sure that other people also enjoy their time.
Off you go! we will meet again at the finish!
"God, how are you so creative and masterful to create such beauty?" As I spoke, I looked out into the adjacent field to see a mountain lion walking through the tall grass, completely oblivious to my alerted senses and watchful eyes. That big cat walked off into the trees in the opposite direction of my camp site. I decided it'd be a perfect time to get up, grab a quick breakfast and break camp for the day.
My Mom and Dad taught me about the mountains growing up. They were avid outdoors people too. Well heck, they taught me everything I know!
"Daddy, why can't we just live up here. You and Momma already know everything there is to know about these mountians."
Mr. Anderson looked confused and quietly decided he would call Momma and Daddy that night. I recall what they said to him. "Well ya know, we've always taught her to think for herself. And this is how she does just that." Daddy, with slumped shoulders finally said, "O.k., o.k. Mr. Anderson, we'll talk to her." Daddy shaking his head in agreement. "Yes, I understand."
I tried to pay more attention in class But still dreamed of those mountians close enough that I could stare at them from my desk in english class.
I sure miss Momma and Daddy. It was so terrible when they both died in a car wreck on their date night 2 years ago when I was in college. That was the hardest thing I've ever had to go through. When I came back home for the funeral, I stood at the same kitchen sink that my Momma stood at washing dishes and staring out the window above the sink. I saw something familiar and stepped outside. I decided to go see what was in the old shed on the south-west side of the field. It's yellow paint faded over the years. I spotted something in the back. It peaked my curiosity enough to push my way through some clutter in between me and this mysterious object leaning against the shed wall. I used the coller of my shirt to shield my nose and mouth from the layer of dust and dirt sliding off as I tried to uncover what it was. I finally unveiled it to see Daddy and Grandpa's old fishing boat. It's a smaller, flat bottomed metal boat. I remember hearing about this boat and some of the many days spent fishing in it. I was so happy to find the long since forgotten treasure I just giggled with excitement. There was so much built up clutter piled around that I had to push aside to get to it. I managed to pull that boat out and in to the bright sun of the day.
No leaks even with me sitting in it. "Well I'll be, no leaks even after sitting for all this time!"
I couldn't help but think about taking a float trip down the Shiloh River. I've fished on that river before with Daddy about 10 years ago and didn't think it was to fast or windy then. I went into the house and saw my Auntie Pearl in the livingroom sifting through some things in an attempt to get them situated and put away to be stored.
"Hey Auntie, You'd never guess what I found in the old shed in the back yard. Grandpa and Daddy's old fishing boat!"
"Oh yeah, I remember that boat. I just found a picture of them fishing in it from must've been 15 or 16 years ago. They loved to float the Shiloh River in it!"
"yeah I've heard some stories about those days on the river. You know what? I think I'm gonna take her out tomorrow morning. See how far I can get and might even bring my fishing pole and see if I can still catch anything outta that river."
"I better get off this water and find some kinda shelter til the storm passes." I grabbed my paddles and maneuvered the boat to the shore. As I reached for my lunch box, I stepped out of that boat and tied it's rope to a thick based tree. I floated 5 miles before noon. I was pretty proud of myself for putting so many miles in. I took shelter near an out cropping of a cliff close to were I had been landed and decided to hunker down underneath its shelter for lunch.
I brought out my baggy of homemade deer jerky that my buddy Mike gave me. The taste of the jerky reminded me of the list I wrote at age 13. And said with a grin, "Huh, this brings back memories." As I sat looking out on the trees, the rain slowed to a trickle. I sat a few more minutes and noticed a small puddle with 4 or 5 monarch butterflies fluttering around it landing to take sips of the fresh, cool water.
"According to Daddy's map, it's going to be a challenging stretch of river." As I voiced my pep talk, the birds seemed to stop chirping. I knew that's an immediate que to look around and be on alert. I whispered as though the once very vocal birds knew what I was saying to them, "O.k. little ones, what are ya trying to tell me?" I stopped for a moment to stand still and listen. I didn't hear or see anything, so continued on. I got back to my little boat and untied the rope. As I pushed off, I looked around one last time for any sign of danger lurking . Still didn't spot anything, so began my float further down the river. I floated 2 miles and that's when the ripples and fast moving sections started. I grabbed both paddles and began to paddle in the opposite way of the visible rocks and rolling water.
"Keep your head about ya. Don't let her flip over." That old seasoned boat did great for me.
After managing through that section, I said to the clouds, "Wow, you weren't kidding. That was intense!" I kept floating a ways and taking in all the beauty of the surrounding mountains. I looked at the map and saw a nice camping spot marked with a big red dot. "Hey, I could dock my boat about here." pointing at the map. "that's only a little ways ahead."
I got back onto land and tied my boat up. I brought my lunch box and fishing gear with me. And found a trail probably made by deer walking through this area and navigated my path using Grandpa's old compass. Breaking through some over grown shrubs and branches, trying not to find the prickly end of a thorn.
As I walked along the river I decided it was a perfect time to drop my line in the water an see what bites. "I'm gettin hungry for dinner." I laughed "Fish sounds great right now. Perfect chance to try my old lures." I tied one on my line and started casting. Remembering all the times I've used this very same poll and reel throughout the years. I was brought back to the feel of the line shooting out and the waters resistance as I reeled it back in. Some movement just below the surface caught my attention. I thought, "One more cast and I'm sure I'll get 'em." Now focusing on the rhythm I was taught growing up. "Oops, he barely missed it." I swear I could hear my Daddy whispering to me "Try it again."
That hit and tug of the line diving out of my reel told me that dinners on the hook. Through my adrenaline rush I mumbled "Don't lose it, don't let em get off that hook! Reel him in steady." I managed to get that nice sized trout onto the shore. "YES! I'm eatin good tonight!"
I brought my catch to a small camp site only 20 feet from where I caught my fish. I've never camped in this particular spot before, but it looks good enough for the night. I found some small sticks and pieces of kindling around camp that I needed. I was able to get the fire going right as the sun began it's retreat. "
What a great way to end a day. Even with the sudden rain storm slowing me down."
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