Surviving the Heat: A Walk to the Almost-Dry River

Hello everyone!

How are you all doing today? As you can see from the cover photo of this post, the sun has decided to cook me slowly… although, to be honest, “slowly” is probably not the right word. I feel more like I’m inside an oven with the fan switched on!

I’ve tried looking for some shade, moving a few metres every five minutes and positioning myself behind every tree I could find, but it’s still incredibly hot. At this rate, I’m going to end up in the supermarket’s rotisserie section, somewhere between the roast chicken and the potatoes.

I didn’t really feel like spending the whole day indoors in front of my fan, watching it spin while hoping it would somehow lower the temperature. Poor thing is doing its best, but it’s mostly blowing hot air around. It feels more like a giant hairdryer than a fan!

So I thought to myself: “Come on, let’s go to the forest and into the mountains! It must be cooler there.” Well… how can I put it? It is slightly cooler, and there is occasionally a little breeze, but the difference is not exactly spectacular. I was expecting a refreshing mountain climate with a cool wind and birds singing. Instead, I found a natural version of a sauna, with cicadas providing the background music.

After that, I decided to try to reach the river. Although, I’m using the word “river” with a great deal of optimism… These days, it’s no longer really a river, but more like a tiny stream slowly making its way along, probably wondering whether it will survive the heat.

At this rate, all it needs is a little sign saying: “River temporarily unavailable. Please come back after the rain.”

It’s rather sad to see the water level so low. Even the fish must be wondering whether they are still living in a river or have been transferred to a children’s paddling pool.

Fortunately, the area is still pleasant, especially because there is some shade. And these days, shade is the ultimate luxury. We don’t simply look for it anymore—we compete for it! As soon as a small shady spot appears, you almost feel like putting your name on it and making a reservation.
So, I’m still going to enjoy this walk along the edge of this tiny stream. After all, seeing nature instead of concrete and buildings in the big city feels wonderful. Here, there are no car horns, no engines, and no neighbours drilling into the walls first thing in the morning… just peace and quiet, the sound of the wind in the trees and a few insects that seem to be suffering from the heat too.

The air is also much easier to breathe than in the city. Well… at least when a cicada doesn’t suddenly decide to start a concert right next to me! But despite that, it’s very relaxing. You almost feel like you’re on holiday, even if the river has disappeared, the sun is turning you into a gratin and every step brings you a little closer to being perfectly roasted.

Anyway, I’m going to enjoy this walk, look for a little more shade, dip my feet into the tiny stream and pretend I’m relaxing beside a cool mountain spring. With a little imagination, anything is possible!

Take care of yourselves, drink plenty of water, avoid getting roasted by the sun and, if you find a really cool shady spot, don’t tell anyone about it… keep it a secret!