Roaming earth & living free
(First published in Issue 9, June 2023) It has been almost a year since I sold my home and moved into my car. Living in a tent, at least for most of the year, was the best decision I ever made, or at least one of them. It gave me the opportunity to wake up in the mountains, in places I had only seen in pictures before. Now, I am the guy who takes those kinds of photos.
Two months ago, I returned from my bicycle trip through Norway, covering the entire country from Oslo to Nordkapp, approximately 2,100 kilometers (1,305 miles), in winter. My dogs, Ena and Max, were also part of this project. To be honest, we were equal members of this expedition.
I had already experienced cycling in winter back in 2016, so I knew what kind of weather conditions we would face. Cold winds, snow and endless white landscapes were nothing new to me. Still, every day brought new challenges and every day reminded me why I chose this lifestyle.
After completing this project, I needed to take a break. I needed to disconnect from social media, work and content creation. I needed to unplug myself from the life I had been living for the past twelve years. It was necessary for my physical and mental health.
So, the three of us, our pack, hit the road. The only thing I knew was that I did not want to spend hours and hours traveling long distances. I wanted to stay “around.” In a small area like the Balkans, you can find everything you need. Lakes, national parks, mountains, hiking and climbing trails, beautiful seas and wild animals are all there. They pull you toward them like magnets, like living documentaries.
Somehow, I found myself sitting there in the early morning, while the fog was still dancing above the meadow. I watched my dogs explore new territory or simply play with each other. In moments like these, I felt completely present.
I consider myself a happy person because my dogs are okay with everything. Whether we go on a twelve hour hike or spend the entire day resting inside, as long as they are with me, they are satisfied.
Over the years, we have formed a strong bond. Because of that, it sometimes feels uncomfortable when a new person tries to step into my life. This may sound strange, but I embrace it wholeheartedly. I am not alone. With those two furry companions, I receive and give unlimited power of love.
They are my family, my teammates and my motivation. Together, we have learned how to adapt, how to survive and how to enjoy even the simplest moments. A quiet evening, a warm fire, a safe place to sleep and their presence are more than enough.
If I can give you a couple of pieces of advice to reconnect with yourself, it would be this. Turn off your mobile phone. Pack your bags in your car. Take your tent with you. And just go.
It does not matter whether it is fifty or five hundred kilometers. We are living in a fast paced time, bombarded with unnecessary information every day. We have lost touch with nature and with ourselves. For the sake of your mental health, do not forget to be a vagabond sometimes. Sleep under the stars. Wake up with the sun. Walk without a destination. Let your thoughts slow down.
Read more from Hrvoje’s travels in the article Chasing the Light.
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