Trekking guru Wendy calls out to the three hyper community kids she is minding: “Stop now, stand still, and listen up!” They have been doing weird, wonderful and sometimes dangerous things with the trekking sticks she has lent them.
“Have you all filled your water bottles, got your hats and boots? Now, we need to map where we are going”  
With her stick, she traces a sand map of where they will walk in Mirima National Park, saying:
 “stick with your buddy, watch for cheeky snakes, we will head this way, turn right near the dry creek, go round this ridge, rest in the shade here, further up stop for another drink and snacks here , see the rock paintings and the big cave around the east side, then come back this way.”
We map out where we are aiming to go, then if we get lost we can find our way back to the car”
Now knowing the delights that will draw them forward as well as the risks, the kids and adults move off confidently.
Outlining the trek helps us to walk together, knowing the way gives the freedom to dart off on our own with the security of understanding where the path back is.
Sand mapping, checking a GPS map, using a topographical map, enhance the experience to be had.
If we rush off without proper preparation, a trek can be a ‘is this all there is?’ or one where we are compromised by what we encounter.
Such is life also – taking the time to plan ahead, check what is needed, being aware and alert means we experience all the sights, sounds, smells, feels of where we go- memories are made of this.
Be truly present in the moment