Not all hikes are lovely and other camping thoughts...

July 7, 2008

We're home now after camping 3 nights at Crocker Pond, in the White Mountain National Forest. A rustic and kind of buggy small campground overlooking Crocker Pond and Albany Mountain. A really lovely spot if you've got bug repellent and can boil water for cleaning up.

This past weekend was the first time I've had a really rotten hike. And here are my thoughts about that experience. As written in my 4x3 inch travel notebook while on the trail and later at the campsite. Tomorrow's post will be a little more upbeat.

Not all hikes are lovely.
Not all hikes are awe-inspiring, mountain conquests.

Some are buggy, boggy, bushwacking trials, or trails, of endurance.
Toe-stubbing, foot tripping, leg aching treks.

PMS at all the wrong times.
Lots of sweating and no shower at camp - ugh!

Weary tears of fatigue and frustration.
Unable to discipline myself to reach the summit.
Too tired to care.

So pathetic compared to my seven year old son,
whose energy is boundless and sense of adventure undaunted.

Seven hours of hiking, four hours too many.
Shaky legs, sweaty body, tie-erd feet.

Walk on through, rushing water.
One more creek crossing, end in sight.

Andie on July 8, 2008, 2:37 p.m.

Awwww. You are so right when you say "not all hikes are the best". We took one as a family last year that ended up with a total of 16 yellow jacket stings. The kids had the little buggers under their shirts, up their pant legs...apparently we stepped right on a nest and didn't know it till we all started shrieking. It was terrible.

Sigh...Your next one will be better. a.

reply

Addy@Used Travel Trailer on Aug. 24, 2009, 1:24 p.m.

Well not all camp plans go out well either. You must be ready to face the unforeseen. I remember my first camping with my family. We didn't expect that our van would fail on us. We were lost and needed to hitchhike for a repair man. But it was fun. Scary yet we felt the adventure there.

reply