It was a breath of fresh air, so to speak.
Three days of amalgamation with the elements : living in a
tent that wouldn't close, barbecuing on an indifferent flame, forgetting to
bring sugar with our goodies, swimming in the near freezing water, trekking to
the dock in the pitch of dark with our flash lights turned off (hence falling
on the way), bathing in exactly 43 seconds cause after that the shower
dispensed cold water, the garbage bag torn apart by a nocturnal visit from an
attentive raccoon (or bear!) ..... :)
I have camped before. This time was something else, it was
nearly perfect. I felt welcomed, like I belong. I was home. The silence was
glorious. The lake understood me. The conversations concise, meaningful. It was
a resting place for every aching soul. The islands beckoned, the water seduced,
the colorful canoes enticed.
Who could resist such charms? I submitted myself to the
pleasures. Felt a calm rush through me. My heart overpowered my being and for a
few moments I felt at ease. My mind stopped talking.
The skies graciously presented a spectacular display of
millions of stars, arranged in a pattern that would be pleasing to my eyes. To
tell me I was special, they threw in a couple shooting stars into the mix.
The morning lake did justice to its name. Silent. Beautiful
and serene, it said so much by saying nothing : like a perfect companion.
A visit to an antique store and some souvenirs later, the
return to my seemingly 'normal' life commenced. But I was smiling.
That night back home, enthralled and exhausted, I lay my
tired body on the soft comfort of my California bed. Gratitude filled me, along
with a pleasant realization of how much I have. I closed my eyes. Sleep visited
in less than eight seconds.
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