My dearest friend Kimberly has this passion for adventure and has inspired some of the most enlightening trips. Her wish to attend a Lantern Festival was one such adventure she ignited.
In the middle of the Mojave desert we were dropped off by the bus loads. Thousands and thousands of people trekked through the softest red powder sand to this dried up lake bed. The walk to this location could have satisfied me alone. A sunset as vibrant as Crayola and the energy of all the excited people from every walk of life imaginable walking to desolate place to celebrate made the atmosphere intoxicating.
When we found our seats (yoga mats) and received a piece of paper allowing us to jot down our hopes and dreams. Our lanterns were laid out and the torch near by unlit.
Everyone around began decorating their lanterns with their prayers, artwork, dreams, hopes, fears and everything in between. A band played in the center and kids danced around. I felt connected to everyone around me. Women fighting cancer, couples in love, friends and adventure seekers all had a reason to be there and wish to make.
When it was time to light the lanterns an overwhelming emotion filled the air as thousands of hopes and dreams took physical form around me. To feel something so human and relatable is indescribable. Joy and hope became tangible and the lanterns reminded me, we are never truly alone. For at least one evening everything slowed down and we became alive.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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