An outdoorsman’s great escape

By LARRY WHITELEY

It is a May morning. I was at my desk writing a story about going camping. My wife was still sleeping. The small television in my office was on so I could check the weather for the day.

The weather forecast was a lot better than the news – sunny days, cool nights with a slight chance of rain. The news was nothing but the Ukraine war, corrupt politicians, and waste in government. Why can’t they show more good news? I turn the television off and go back to writing. There are always things to get done outside in the garden, yard, or workshop on a beautiful spring day. I thought about going crappie fishing or taking my kayak out and paddling around. A trip to Branson to go trout fishing sounded good too.

In a moment of absolute brilliance, I thought, why not go do what I have been sitting here writing. I rushed in and told my wife we should go camping. She said she would rather stay around home, but I should go and enjoy myself. I stood there for a few seconds with thoughts rushing through my head of being alone for a few days in the outdoors. I feigned disappointment and told her I would miss her.

The Escape

I packed clothes, fishing equipment, camping gear and food in the truck and was off on my great escape. I knew exactly where I was going. I would escape to where I had spent many years hunting deer and turkey. I would go to an open area on top of a hill I had often thought would make a great place to camp. I could see for miles looking over forested hills, valleys and big open skies to enjoy. The creek in the valley below would be the bonus.

The stress and pressure of writing deadlines, work that needed to be done around the house and what was happening in the world were gone as I drove up the hill. I pulled in by three trees. It offered a great view. I sat there for a moment. It was a different feeling than what I had been used to lately.

Giving Thanks

I pitched my tent and unloaded the truck. Then I sat down in my camp chair, looking around. It was why I had come. I listened to bird songs. Crows were talking to each other. I looked up and said thank you to God for this special time.

I spent my afternoon fishing the creek in the valley. I lost count of how many fish I caught. They were not big, but it was fun. I sat on the gravel bar. The sound of the flowing water was soothing. I took a nap.

When I awoke, the day was fading and I went back to my camp. The night skies were spectacular, with thousands of twinkling stars. Coyotes howled, and owls hooted. I stirred the campfire. The night was chilly and my sleeping bag felt good.

I got up before daylight, stoked the fire, and put on a pot of coffee. I sat there thinking about memories I had made outdoors with kids and grandkids. I wiped a tear, looked up again at the stars, and thanked God.

Back On The Trail

As morning came, I took off hiking looking for turkey signs, deer rubs, and deer trails. I hiked by some of my old deer stands. I would pause and think about memories of a grandson and me sitting together in them. I kept going until I got hungry and headed back to camp.

The smell of bacon sizzling in the skillet drifted through the morning air. A deer let me know they smelled it too. Birds were singing again. Squirrels fussed at me because I was in their home.

The day found me secretly watching deer and turkey go about their day. I saw an eagle, a fox, and a bobcat. I even found a couple of shed antlers. I was enjoying my great escape.

Before I knew it, night was upon me again. The moon was big and bright. My eyes got heavy from all my activities of the day. I could hear thunder and see lightning in the distant hills. Tree frogs croaked, and crickets chirped. Peaceful sleep came quickly.

THE

Music Of Rain

I awoke during the night to rain. It was making music on my canvas tent. There is nothing more relaxing than that sound. I drifted back off to sleep.

When my eyes opened for the second time, the sun glistened off raindrops still clinging to the leaves and grass. I looked to the horizon and saw a rainbow.

As much as I hated to leave, it was time to go home to a crazy world. This time will live on in my storehouse of memories. It had been a great escape.

Something To Think About

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul”

–John Muir