Made On Earth: Don't Cometh For Me

I already know this tale will divide the tribe, so let it be known upfront: don’t exile me just yet.

At least let me finish speaking before the torches are lit.

And if this rattles you, an upcoming "zama-zama" post might require a lie-down.

Ready thy nerves for that one, Beryl. I suggest a fainting couch nearby.

I’ve never been one to blindly follow fear-mongers -especially those birthed from hysteria, forwarded messages, and a cousin’s friend’s neighbour who once “heard something.”

That said, I was always cautious. Sensible. The sort of person who paused when the drums of doom began to beat (usually accompanied by grainy photos, voice notes, and the phrase “just saying.”)

But it turns out it’s rather difficult to make a wise decision when one must first establish whether the danger is real, or simply premium-grade panic dressed up as concern and shared seventeen times before breakfast.

Since I took to hiking, something deeply inconvenient has happened: I’ve become fearless. Not reckless - fearless.

In all other areas of life? Overly cautious.

On the trail? Fear must loosen its grip.

Because, realistically, it is far more likely that you might stumble upon a snake, trip over a root or slide on loose rock than suffer harm at human hands.

Nature carries risk. So does living. So do stairs.

And yet, here we are.

Lately I have visited trails that have been labelled “unsafe” - urban trails, suburban trails, trails trending under "Do Not Go There" - and, much to my shock and secret delight, these so-called “unsafe” trails turned out to be little hidden gems.

BUT - feeling safe is highly subjective. If you are convinced doom lurks behind every bush, you may not share my experience.

I speak only of what I have heard and what I have lived.

To go, or not to go—that's your call.

Which brings me to point number two. There’s a trail living rent-free in my head:

"Made on Earth."

I’ve heard whispers. Rumours.

“Closed.”

“Incidents.”

“Re-opened.”

Enough background noise to file it under "Probably Not Safe, The End."

But… it’s me.

So I Googled.

And people either love it or swear they’ll never go near it again.

So—has anyone done Made on Earth recently?

Loved it?

Hated it?

Survived it?

Let me know. And yes. I’m genuinely asking.