[FM] Skinny Dipping with a Stranger

A few days ago, I had an experience which I [31 M] can still barely believe, but which I’m dying to share.

I drove a few hours into the wilderness last weekend with a backpack and a few days of food, in search of myself. It’s been a rough year for me, going back and forth with a woman to whom I was once married. I’ve been searching my soul for the resolve to either break it off or re-commit.

I’m not a religious person, but, in the rainy solitude, deep in the forest, I broadcast a silent mental message to the universe: “my heart is pure. deliver to me a clear sign so that I can move on with my life, one way or another.” I set out with this intention on an 11-mile trek to some natural hot springs.

I had been completely alone for a few hours when I spotted a young woman up ahead. She was riding a mountain bike and wearing a small day pack. In a racing mood, I overtook her on the uphill journey. We exchanged friendly smiles, and I noticed she was quite attractive – flowing red hair framing a friendly face, with hourglass curves accentuated by tight yoga pants and the fact that she was riding a bicycle, a view from behind which admittedly motivated me for the chase.