breakaway

Nothing was better than cycling through the middle of a forest where you are the only soul and you probably rule that world. Since the time I heard about New Forest, I was so keen on going. I kept postponing my trip but finally one Friday morning I took off for Brockenhurst, to get off for a cycling trip to New Forest.

The station was quant for sure for a small village. I hired a cycle right outside the station. After the owner instructed me on how to use a cycle and maintain the speed, I took off crossing the rail tracks and into the village. I kept following signs leading to the forest and at the same time I follwed the instructions written on the route guide the instructor gave me.

I passed through the village, reached a small highway, nervous for cycling after ages and that too on the main road with the cars speeding next to me. Finally I followed a small gravel track towards my right from the road. Surrounded by trees this track finally lead to huge moor lands and meadow with one or two small farmhouses ruling them. The main highlight was the galloping horses on one side through fields. The wind could'nt be better. I felt like I was flying. Huge empty acres of land with fields, small tracks, galloping horses, the cloudy skies the warm sun, the end of the spring, and me being the only soul to enjoy this.

I entered another forest of tall tress which reminded me of the Nilgiris, though not blue and with no fragrance. There were streams running below small bridges. It was so quite; just the sound of the wind, the rustling leaves and my breath. My i-pod; my soulmate gave me the best music to enjoy. I couldnt have done this without it.

While on my way back I took refuge for a while on the bank of the pebbled stream, just to listen to the sound of life near me and the vastness of the sky above. I wish I had carried my sketching book.

This was New Forest for me. I got a chance to fly through reality. It felt perfect this time and it was real