Surviving
When I wandered into the woods, I soon realised I was all alone…
Haley Zega, 29
Pulling up in the pick-up truck in the heart of the Ozark National Park, Arkansas, I was off on a hike with my grandparents Jay, now 85, and Joyce, now 80.
I was only six, and while I don’t remember loads, it was my first time visiting the park.
My grandparents – who I called Mimi and Pop – picked me up from my parents Steve, 56, and Kelly, 56, one early morning in April 2001.
With the park an hour’s drive away, I remember being grumpy about being up early.
While I loved spending time with them, this was our first big hike together.
I had a typical relationship with Mimi and Pop.
They didn’t live too far from me and would frequently take me on fun days out.
And this time, the idea was to look at the blooming wildflowers in the Ozarks, while we hiked in the forest.
Members of the Sierra Club, my grandparents would regularly meet other conservationists to go out walking with.
Awarm day, I left my sweatshirt in the truck, hopping out to meet my grandparents’ friend, Clay. And it was time to get going. Covering 47,000 square miles, the Ozarks are renowned for stunning views and having bears and mountain lions, alongside other wildlife.
At the time of the hike, our trail was mostly unknown – it is far more popular now.
Following my grandparents along the track, I had no idea where we were going, but I remember taking in the sights and smells of the wildflowers.
With snacks and water along the way, I wasn’t having the best time. Being a typical six-year-old, I wasn’t too excited about being out in the woods.
Walking along, we found a waterfall below the trail.
‘I’m going to take a look,’ Pop told us.
The only route was to climb down a fallen tree, which Pop, an experienced hiker, could do. ‘I want to go,’ I asked.
‘No,’ I was told.
I couldn’t keep up with them
The craggy rocks were too steep for me.
Instead, I sat at the top of the rock, disappointed.
‘I’m not moving unless you carry me,’ I sulked.
‘If you just sit there, I’m walking away and leaving you,’
Mimi said.
But I didn’t budge.
When I saw Mimi and Pop disappear from view, I realised I wasn’t going to get my own way.
Only, as I trudged through the thick undergrowth, I couldn’t catch up with them.
And walking further and further into the woods, a realisation hit. I’ve taken the wrong path, I thought. I think I’m lost.
‘Mimi,’ I shouted. ‘Pop.’ But there was no reply.
It hadn’t been a long time, but something was wrong.
Adetermined child, I’ve always been quite self-reliant.
