I understand it may be a little unusual, but I love walking in the late afternoon, evening and, when possible, night. It might be an introvert thing but the light softens, the world slows and grows a little quieter and you can enjoy some sense of solitude. Being in motion outdoors is good pretty much anytime but later in the day works best for me. Plus, you have the chance to see sunsets and starry skies.
I’ve actually been wondering about a related point for years: I just feel physically and mentally better as the light begins to dim and we head into evening. Even when I am stuck at my desk grinding out work, I can feel myself settle and relax. Thinking about it, I actually feel more secure at night. Maybe it is an introvert, or shy person, thing or perhaps it is more individual?
My eyes are fairly light sensitive and I love quiet, so that’s part of it. But there is also research showing our personal circadian rhythms are partially genetic, rather than just a serotonin, melatonin reaction to light and dark (the old lark, night owl discussion). I would definitely like to know what is going on here. When I mention this, people either seem to not really understand or start to get a little nervous…
Night wanders
When I was living in Kyoto, I used to like walking along the Kamogawa River at night. Despite running through a major city, it was always peaceful with usually not a soul about. Unfortunately almost no stars but it was still a great way to release stress. Now I’m back in New Zealand, I regularly walk the local golf course. Great stars, plus lots of huge trees, soft grass and various rabbits, possums and other night critters.
If it’s not already obvious, yes, I like stars. Visually, they are all sparkly and pretty and stuff but they also seem to hold a deep sense of mystery and vast, unknown potential. What amazing and unimaginable things might we one day find out there, or might find us here? The closet Trekkie in me is always inspired by the night sky.
One of my favorite memories is night walking along the coast of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand (gorgeous and undeveloped 25 years ago) and then lying out on some still warm boulders gazing up at a diamond-studded sky as the waves pounded against the rocks. I had been living mostly starless in Japan and then Bangkok so it was amazing, and a little overwhelming, to finally be in a place with no light pollution.
Safety first
I wrote above that I feel more secure at night but if you’re going to be out in remote areas in dimming light, you need to make a few preparations. It seems obvious but it is really easy to underestimate how long you will need to return and to get caught out in rough terrain without things you figured you definitely wouldn’t need, like a torch, snacks, water and possibly compass.
On another walk in Thailand, I didn’t leave enough time to get back, lost the path in a very brief twilight that quickly turned into a dark, almost moonless night and ended up stuck in some quite dense, fear-inducing jungle. Luckily I spotted a large boulder before it got too black and spent the night camped up there. Just me and a few thousand, thankfully, mostly easy-going red ants.
It turned out well in the end – great sunrise – but it could easily have gone the other way. Once the Sun came up, I realized the ground dropped away rapidly on the other side of the boulder. Even walking the ’burbs, you’ll be surprised by how directions seem to become more fluid and everyday things grow rather mysterious. Take care out there people.
Post script
I’ve since written a follow-up to this post: So, I Like Walking in Stormy Weather….
Leave a Reply