I think I’m in over my head. The world is big.
No, really, BIG. Really, REALLY big. I mean, DANG. The mountains in the distance, the Macintosh Hills that I’ve seen all my life? I thought I’d reach them by evening, but they don’t seem any closer. Meanwhile, I take a look back over my shoulder, and Lareindo is almost completely lost in the haze of the scrubland. I haven’t moved while moving farther than I have in my entire life.
But that’s part of the adventure. That’s why I headed out in the first place. If I’m going to just sit in one place for the rest of my life, I should at least have stories to tell and eventually impress my grandkids with. “When I was your age, we’d WALK to the Crystal Empire. And by gum, we LIKED it that way!”
Anyway, so far the journey’s been… eh. To be expected, I suppose, but it’s still kinda disappointing. Walked, saw shrubs, walked, saw shrubs, rinse and repeat ad nauseum nauseam nauseum. Hot, but not too bad, and what isn’t this area this time of year? Could use some more cloud cover. Looked pretty at first, but it’s beginning to wear.
Not a lot of ponies on the road once I got a good distance from Lareindo. Seems like most of them take the train. Can’t say I blame them; there’s not a lot of places out here for them to stay otherwise. Everypony I did see had some kind of tent. Maybe they’re backpackers, too? Didn’t talk to any, but exchanged friendly nods.
Speaking of tents, I hope mine’s good. Should’ve tested it first, but oh well. Began wandering off the road once it got dark, found a good place to camp. Spring for water, which also meant slightly healthier plants for dinner. Don’t taste that bad, actually; a little tart, but in a good way, like they’ve got a mild bite to them. Ate a good amount. Setting up camp was sloppy, but the tent looks fine, and I think I’ll do alright as long as no pegasus out here decides to kick up a windstorm in the middle of the night.
Under the stars right now, writing by lantern light. Beautiful’s the only way to describe it. Simply stunning. Never been far enough outside Lareindo this late to see the stars like this (some of them actually have colors, not just white), and I’m surprised at how much I can see. Moon’s full, so that helps a lot, but I can still see enough to walk by, if I wanted. Luna sure does a good job with the nights.