Leaving and reflecting

Shortly I will be leaving Denmark and return to Patagonia. After having spent almost 7 months here, things have started to become a habit. Me being here is a normal thing not just for me but for everyone around me too. I am not just a visitor stopping by for a short while, but a fully integrated part of everyday life around here. It means the goodbye will be very different this time. I see it as the end of an era and the beginning of my future I feel I am facing. Coming back Luis and I will go live on our lot on the outskirts of Puerto Natales city. An inspirational and extremely beautiful site we bought last year, with views of the mountains, the fiords and in the closer distance the city laying on the shores of The Señoret Canal. 

Luis found a small motor home he is refurbishing and insulating to become our very first home. It's going to be very exciting and a step away from civilization and the comfortable way of life.

This week I finished a 3 month project that rewarded me by winning a contest in Chile. The Capital Semilla project that honours the most promising entrepreneurs in the start up of their new business. The winning price is a sum of money that I have destined to buy the mountain equipment I need for Camp DEFY – a mobile camp of 4-season tents and outdoor cooking equipment we bring along as we advance in the trail. This is the best thing that could happen and in a way it justifies the limbo I have been in during 2012 and 2013 being away from the mountains. 

I have been tested on my faith. I have learned to let go of my strongest desires and give in to acceptance of the circumstances. And to believe that everything is exactly as its supposed to be, despite the little stones and the odd changes of direction on the way.

Putting in the effort

You might wonder how it is going. The short reply to that question is: EXCELLENT. I was able to enter the gym on June 1, and since then it has provided me with the daily minimum of 2 hours of practice, training and work out. The knee is really holding up good, and advancing on a daily basis. I can’t begin to describe how happy that makes me, and how good it feels finally to be able to work with my body again.  We are slowly reuniting. Kristians, my Physical Therapists, orders are still no walking or road biking, but lots of muscles strengthening exercises along with cardio on the stationary bike. I still need to lay in an uncomfortable stretch for 15 minutes each day, as I still lack the full extension of the leg.

It really takes dedication and a lot of hard work. But having passed a long time in a restless and passive state that part is not a problem at all. So far everything is working out as it is supposed, bringing to me an almost extreme state of hope. I dare to start dreaming about a return to the mountains. And I have worked out a program that will lead to be able to welcome DEFY Patagonia´s first guests in January 2014 as their guide. I dream about the nights in camp looking up at the stars, about the strenuous hikes up the mountains, the observing of everything around you that converts the symbiosis of nature into true miracles, the load of heavy backpack containing all your essentials, all the marvellous creatures that surprises you, the green colours of the flora, the mid-stop cup of tee. Just being really and observing everything and every detail around you – with 2 good legs to carry you wherever you want.