This must be a vivid dream. Stumbling into a beautiful and vast forest filled with some of the biggest trees and most luscious shrubs I’ve ever seen. A faint and beautiful hymn echoing across the humid and wet air makes me wonder if it’s all in my head or indeed I am not alone. Perhaps a seemingly friendly inhabitant is close-by. I hope they are as friendly and humble as the sound of their voice. I stumble out from a brush of intwined leaves, and notice a puff of smoke far off in the distance, leading me astray.

Approaching this beautifully made, wooden cabin feels all too familiar. A waft of herring catches my nose and makes me smile as I knock on the Alder made facade. I’m met at the door by Belle Aldine, a builder of all sorts of things here at the park, including the cabin, so I’m told. Belle welcomes me with open arms, and insists on pouring me a pint of what seems to be a wheat ale made with lemon balm, sage, and gooseberries all foraged nearby. Sipping this delicious ale I can’t help but notice all the impeccable wood carvings on the wall, all floor plans of other structures in the park.

Belle leads me into the common room where I’m met with joyful noise and an array of characters all sitting on beautifully carved stoops drinking what I can only presume is the same ale? Belle proceeds to introduce me to Pierre Boone, who catches me off guard with the tooth wedged in the head. With a big mischievous smile and nod, Pierre welcomes me to the humble abode, and asks if I’ve ever taken part in an Oppskåke before. Within the next few hours, Pierre has poured a delicious raw ale for everyone to sample and critique very bluntly - I might add - until we are all swept on our feet by Rosie Martinez for an afternoon of song and dance. While I’m frolicking about, I sense the familiarity of Rosie’s voice to the hymns of the park I thought were in my head earlier that day.

Soon afterwards, everyone says their goodbyes, naturally going about the rest of their days, which leaves me in a bit of a daze, plotting my next move. Luckily, Belle senses my misdirection and immediately persists if I have seen the shores on the other side of the park. Apparently it’s a sight unseen, and I would be remiss to not catch a glimpse before my departure. Not a moment later, I’m off with a pint of ale, and a map of Humble Park courtesy of Belle to reach this treasured shore. I hope I can make it to catch the sunset. - Ø