Gouffre Rû d’Enfer (Occitanie, France)
Every step counts. I often say that to myself as we make our way up the mountain. Every step counts. And so I pay attention to every single step and walk very consciously up the windy and steep path. It’s a meditation where I have to bring my attention back to the moment whenever it slips away somewhere else.
Every moment counts. I wish I could keep something of these moments, recall them at a later time and experience them anew. But I know that as soon as this walk is over, everything is gone. Every image. Every experience. All I have left is the memory, from which I can piece together stories that depict an experience.
There are many of these experiences, most of them small, that make me feel very happy. Like the fascination of every waterfall, feeling the power of nature, hearing the sound and having the breathtakingly beautiful landscape around me, being in it and being a part of it.
I am happy in this place. Here I realize what a gift this way of life of ours is. It is the most beautiful path we have had on our journey so far. Rushing waterfalls. Deep gorges. Mountains dressed in the most beautiful colors of autumn. A blue sky. Forests with enchanting paths. Gravel. Stone. Foliage. It is wonderful. The song of birds. And we are part of it. This experience a part of me.
Activity: Walk to the Gouffre Rû d’Enfer.
Distance: 11,55 km
Elevation: 700 m
Total Time: 4 h 30 min
Start/End: 42°43’59.7”N 0°33’11.6”E