Camping and Rejuvenation Trip

Yes, I did get away for an extended camping trip. It’s been so long since I have been able to do that, I really had to dig and hunt for all my camping gear! I forgot only a few things which were not essential!

The week before mom’s funeral, I exercised and slept! I was bone weary! I thought I was rested when I headed to Kansas for the services. How wrong I was!

I drove home Saturday stopping at grocery stores for final supplies. My car was packed and loaded. My plan was to sleep in Sunday morning. Har!

My eyes popped open at 4:45! After a quick stop at the donut “medicine” shop, I was on my way to the mountains by 6:00 am. No traffic heading up! Slow and gentle canyon drive, unlike later when the droves were coming down en masse and in a hurry!

My first two favorite camp spots were taken. Trailers were everywhere. It’s been ages since I’ve camped in July and this appeared to be an ATV gathering combined with back-to-school vacation trip. I continued deeper and deeper into the forest until I reached the end of the road. I had a distant memory of camping there years ago.

On the four-wheel drive road about 400 yards, I came up on an open campsite, down a steep drop, on the edge or the meadow and street WITH hammock trees!!! Humming birds were visiting my camp as I sat up the hammock. I slept in the hammock reading, sleeping, reading..etc. This spot was so cozy, like a warm embrace with Mother Nature!

For the next four days, I didn’t have a conversation or utter a word. I slept 10 hours a night for the next 8 days. Between hammock time, bike riding, and photography, I had a perfectly marvelous and rejuvenating experience.

Before going up, I asked permission. Grandfather Black Elk and Sun Bear talked about asking the nature spirits permission to visit their world. I did and felt welcomed. The first wildlife I saw was a black bear coming toward me across the meadow. Then it was a hawk, deer, moose, squirrels, “Thumper” the snow shoe rabbit playing around my camp and more. I felt welcomed!

I had no idea how much I needed to unplug and rest! For months, I’ve been hyper-vigilant watching details regarding mom’s care, coordinating three staff groups, etc. Always, there was something to be aware of. Now, there was nothing to grab my attention.

No planning or deliberating about future travel or life plans. I simply dropped completely into relaxing. Perfect!

I had many nice bike rides culminating in a 3+ hour mountain bike ride on Sunday to over 11,000 feet and gorgeous views.

Now, I’m settling into a different life without the responsibility I’ve carried the past 6 plus years. Whew! What a great and amazing journey!

Here are a few photo’s of my experience: