A Solo Trip to the Woods: My Hilarious Misadventures

Embarking on a solo trip to a charming, tiny cabin was an adventure filled with excitement, but my enthusiasm was momentarily disrupted by a couple of vital items that somehow slipped my mind when packing. Regrettably, this innocent oversight turned the simple task of falling asleep into an utterly exasperating predicament, threatening to sabotage the tranquility of my getaway.

Forgot to pack 2 crucial items, nearly ruined my solo trip to a cabin. Struggling to sleep without them.

By your friendly neighborhood beauty and fashion expert

The author sitting on the bed at Josef, one of Unyoked’s tiny off-grid cabins in the UK. The author sitting on the bed at her tiny cabin in the woods.

Oh, how I thought I had it all figured out when I embarked on my solo trip to a cabin in the woods. Little did I know, I was about to experience a comedy of errors that would leave me both laughing and regretting my life choices.

Before I dove headfirst into this adventure, I diligently packed my bags, making sure to include everything I thought I needed for a seamless stay. From clothes and books to food and water, I was ready to take on the wild.

But alas, even the most prepared among us can make some critical mistakes. And boy, did I make a few!

Let’s start with the weather. Who would have thought that my cozy getaway coincided with a September heatwave? The cabin turned into a sauna at night, and I found myself longing for two essential items that I had conveniently forgotten to pack.

The author wheeled her belongings in a wheelbarrow to the cabin. The author wheeled her belongings in a wheelbarrow to the cabin.

A portable fan would have been a lifesaver, quite literally. Imagine me lying in bed, sweat dripping down my face, desperately yearning for a breeze. The only solution was to prop up a fan on the mattress, allowing the cool air to dance around the cabin and caress my exhausted body. Note to self: always invest in a portable fan, especially during heatwaves.

But the fun didn’t stop there. The morning sun took it upon itself to serenade me at the crack of dawn, casting its golden rays through the windows with reckless abandon. You might be thinking, “Why not just close the blinds?” Ah, my dear reader, if only it were that simple.

The blinds weren’t great at preventing light from coming into the cabin. The blinds weren’t great at preventing light from coming into the cabin.

The so-called blinds in the cabin were mere decorative ornaments, allowing sunlight to infiltrate my sanctuary. As a sensitive sleeper, I was dragged into the world of wakefulness before my alarm even had a chance to chirp its annoying tune.

Oh, how I longed for my precious sleeping mask! It may sound ridiculous, but that silky wonder had the power to transport me to a land of dreams, shielding my eyes from the malicious sunbeams. If only I had spared a bit of space in my overstuffed backpack for that blissful slumber accessory.

The view from the cabin. The view from the cabin.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It wasn’t all bad. The daytime view from the cabin was simply breathtaking. Imagine stepping out onto a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, fields that stretched for miles, and majestic trees swaying in the breeze. It was like a scene from a romantic movie, except I was groggy and sleep-deprived.

In the end, my overzealous preparation for the daytime activities overshadowed the importance of a good night’s sleep. Lesson learned, my dear friends: always prioritize rest when venturing into the unknown. Don’t be like me, struggling with heatwaves and morning sunbeams.

So, whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure or simply planning a staycation, remember this cautionary tale. Pack a portable fan to beat the heat and make space for that magical sleeping mask. Trust me, your future well-rested self will thank you.

Until next time, my lovelies, sleep tight and dream even tighter!

Note: All images courtesy of Maria Noyen/Insider