It becomes quiet as I get further from the city. A single bird call is set apart from the wind. A trickle of life down in the valley. The green breathes here. Away from a world of sensory over-stimulation your nerves are heightened. Your awareness is more keen to the environment. It's pristine elements jump out at you. It is cleansing the further away I find myself. Up into single track trails that are no longer maintained. No group hikes here. No baby strollers. Even the critters are startled at the presence of a large mammal. They are not accustomed to this and seem to fuss just a little more and it may be my imagination but they almost seem curious. Nature seems to be watching me. Waiting to know if I can survive. That is the only game here. To prosper.