h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I decided to do today's journal in a particular style. As mentioned yesterday it will be about the Russian Forest..an experience of mine from the past.

1.Arrive in St. Petersberg mid June.

2.Stay with family, met on previous trip, as was then called Leningrad. (prefer that name for Romantic reasons).

3.Go west by Lada about 50 miles with family, to wooden cabin they built in forest.

4. (Feel overwhelmed by sheer vastness of forest..last 40 miles, nothing but forest.)

5. After hearty supper, sit outside reading in clearing in forest, until 1.30am.

6. Early morning visit to forest. Well it's everywhere. Everything festooned in lichen of many shapes and colours..mostly greens, almost turquoise, greys and browns. Many many birch, berioska the tree dearest to the Russian soul. Talking of the berioska to a Russian can start tears to their eyes....it's that powerful...(at least the ones I met). There is an endless gloom..and I mean endless in the forest..it can quickly send you crazy..but in a poetical way..if you're lucky. It's a bit to do with Death.

7. Go swimming naked in lake in forest.

8. Collect bark from forest floor covered in lichen to take home to England to make present for girlfriend.

9. Drink lots of Russian beer and vodka, with dried salt fish.

10. Go fishing in lake at 3am with the father, (he's a policeman..and brings his gun. Catch brown trout.

11. Cook trout over camp fire for breakfast. Family persuade me to join them in a few shots of vodka to wash down.

12. Catch 2 hours sleep.

13. Leave forest to return to St. Petersberg.

I missed this when you posted it, but came looking for it now I've got 5 minutes as I remembered you mentioned you were going to write it, and I was curious.

It sounds like a wonderful experience. Swimming naked in a lake I'd never have the nerve to do that. Bet it was quite a liberating experience.

Lovely journal entry.

Deb

Thanks Deb.

Yeah I've been skinny dipping on and off most of my life.

I like the thrill of maybe being caught

(Only happened once in fact).

Probably best one was somewhere on the shore of Loch Lomond. And as myself and friend swam out, this gigantic eagle came out with us, high above, staring down...

Those were the days...