Patti and I have had some nice adventures the last two weekends. She/we/I figured before I can marry any woman I’d better road test her camping skills. Last Saturday we spent a not so secluded wildlife charged night at Rannaker Conservation Area. This past Saturday we went to Cuivre River State Park for her first backpacking foray and mine in too many years. Graciously the rain only began after the tent was set. Though the rain continued until morning we enjoyed a comfortable evening. Our meals included beef stroganoff, hot cocoa and peasants eggs for breakfast. The tarp/vestibule was set so we could cook our meals tent side from our sleeping bags. It was nice hunkering down for the length of the evening. The real joys were the isolation and fall colors. Walking in the thick of the forest and seeing all of the yellow, orange and reds was worth every step. Only having to hike for just an hour both directions simplified and made the initial backpack burden more than tolerable. There is also a practicality and near thrill of only having what you carry in. Keeping our stock minimalist there was some lingering excess overflowing from so many car camping trips in between times backpacking.
Patti had mentioned that we have been unable to post pictures from our trips until they are developed. So I thought I would post this simple contribution to the Blog.
To finish my first mission I have to say after these past couple trips Patti is a real trooper and I will have to keep her. I knew she would be. If I’m an honest man I might have to say the greatest joy was sharing such times with her. She keeps the tent that much warmer. Now if dog would carry his share that will round out the whole package.
2 Comments:
Sounds nice, and it's always nice seeing fall leaves. The sound of the rain on top of the tent, for me, was always kind of soothing (although it sucked going out to take a piss) Camping really makes you appreciate the beauty of nature, the sound of birds in the morning and crickets at night, a sky filled with stars, however, after being wet for a few days, it makes you appreciate a La Pizza pie, Gm 1 WS-06, and a heating source that doesn't require you to go into the woods every two hours.
Post some pics. No digital camera?
I can't recall enjoying the leaves more than during that hike. I agree about the rain. I'm just drawn to spending time in a tent. Must be primal or something. So it was fitting to be "trapped" within for the whole evening. The rain so long as it stays on the outside does have a pleasant sensation. Hope to find you in the woods again sometime. Possible when you don't need said heating source.
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