SS~ FRAMEWORK PHYSIQUE #15 : CARRYING WEIGHT
This article is a limited edition. Unlike most this is a story-time directly from my own experience. A random affidavit of my own encounters if you will... Enjoy.
Warm...moist....fresh.... These words described the air deep in the blue ridge mountains. Though the day had been filled with heavy showers and drizzle. The overcast could not contain the great shine of the sun. Its power shined through the branches and leaves, illuminating the sap of the trees. So many areas were still untainted by society. The initial plan was to drive up to a specific area and set up camp with the remaining hours of daylight. Once I was fed and took in some silence and knowledge. I would get into bed and rest up for early morning calisthenics before my hike. As I continued up the street I noticed a tree was down. Plans were already beginning to change organically. Myself and a couple neighboring campers were able to move the rotting trunk and limbs. As I continued up the mountain I noticed the road became less and less drivable. After about another quarter mile it wasn't drivable at all. The weak would turn back. Find a nice warm bed and lodge. Rethink the plan and area and give the rain a day to let up. Luckily I'm built by god. I must remain adaptable and find comfort in “what is” . Thoughts of turning back never crossed my mind.
As I exited the vehicle I placed my bag on the ground and my other bag next to it. I removed a cooling towel from my bag and tied it around my head. The rain began to pick up. The goal was still set in place. Find a place to set up camp and water source before nightfall. A water source was found about .25 miles away. This meant anything 100 yards away was free game. I found two trees on a slanted form of forestry. Though the slant was noticeably going to affect my slumber. It was the perfect distance from the street and water source. I pulled out my tarp and tied it to the two trees. I used sticks as stakes to place in the soil. I tied the remaining corners down to those stakes. I then placed my second tarp on the ground beneath. I placed a single man tent on top of that tarp. I was all set. After lunch some neighboring campers and I set up a community area for conjugating. We started a fire and had a delightful conversation about religious controversy, camping memories, and hacks for living outdoors. After hanging the remaining food from a tree for safety. We all went our separate ways to our sleep quarters. Lights are not an option in the woods. So a head lamp is key for nocturnal mobility.
As I got into bed the rain poured and poured above me. Luckily my tarp and tent kept me warm and comfy. The cool wind from the rain swung under my tarp at just the right amount. The quiet sounds of nature were unmatched. I felt no worry about animals or their actions towards me. I was more concerned with neighboring campers and our food(livelihood) being all in one spot. An animal is not concerned with you . He is motivated by necessity . In a rich green rainforest it has more than enough necessity. It is man who is motivated by things outside of God's beauty. But because of who I am built by. I slept like a baby. No problems, all growth. How freeing it is to know that you can seek refuge anywhere. How powerful it is to know you & the animal have been given endless places to rest. I woke up early and still completed my early morning training and hike. An unforgettable evening spent in God's masterpiece.
The next day I awoke to the knowledge that my biggest challenge would not be the wilderness. But the other men inside of it. But that's another story for another time........;-)