Life is difficult sometimes. We make choices and think we’re on the right path, but then life throws us a curve ball that knocks us off our path. A failed relationship. An unfulfilling career. Illness or injury. Or a global pandemic that keeps us away from friends and family and prevents us from doing the things that we love. They all take their toll.
My own solution has always been to spent time in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Where I live, I am surrounded by fields and forests that are teeming with wildlife. Birdsong fills the air and insects flutter softly from leaf to leaf. But as a girl who grew up by the sea, I do miss being near water. The gentle lapping of waves, the constant ebb and flow of the tide, the shimmering light on the surface – they are soothing to the weary soul.
Here on the Nemunas, I get the best of both worlds. The river moves us forward at a gentle pace, winding its way this way and that. Pine forests line the shore, providing a wealth of wildlife, as well as acting as a barrier from the “real world”. We spot the odd fisherman by the water’s edge but see few other signs of human life. Instead, we see eagles flying overhead and beautiful insects in the grasses when we go ashore. The air is filled with a chorus of birds and frogs. It is incredibly soothing.
This weekend, we hosted a group of ladies who came specifically to find solace on the Nemunas. I was delighted to be invited to participate in their conscious breathing and meditation sessions, as well as their two-hour sauna with our resident Sauna Master, Egidijus. Tensions were released, spirits were revived and smiling faces were restored. The whole group left the raft feeling completely revived – the river had worked its magic.
As for me, I am covered in mosquito bites and I fear my feet will never be clean again, but I feel free and peaceful. And I still have a long way to go!
Details of this tour onboard the Nemo can be found here. To see a map of the full route, click here.
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The Nemo on the Nemunas. 
Miežionys on the Nemunas. 
A damselfly by the water’s edge. 
Miežionys on the Nemunas. 
The Nemo Raft beside a grassy shore 
The Nemo on the Nemunas. 
A dragonfly rests on the Nemo. 
Group introductory meeting. 
At Netiesos Homestead. 
At Netiesos Homestead. 
At Netiesos Homestead. 
Group session at Netiesos Homestead. 
Group session at Netiesos Homestead. 
Group session at Netiesos Homestead. 
Group session at Netiesos Homestead. 
Group session at Netiesos Homestead. 
Canoeing on the Nemunas 
Luna finds some shade. 
A dip in the Nemunas! 
A dip in the Nemunas! 
A dip in the Nemunas! 
Group session on the top deck. 
Group session on the top deck. 
Group session on the top deck. 
Basking in the sun on deck. 
Luna gets some love! 
Tea and biscuits on deck. 
Relaxing on deck. 
“This is my home” t-shirt! 
A chat over coffee. 
Happy campers climbing Merkinė observation tower. 
At the top of Merkinė observation tower.
Like what you see? Then please subscribe for updates on my writing, photography & daily life. You can also follow on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram You can view more of my wildlife photos here and here.
June Molloy 