Enchanted Weekend

Friday I left work at 4:15 and sped toward Fredricksburg. I arrived at Enchanted Rock National Area, approximately 17 miles outside Fredricksburg, at 5:45 p.m. and checked in at the ranger's station. The ranger told me that it was a 1.5 mile hike to where my campsite was. There were signs on the ranger's station to be aware of snakes. I asked how bad the snake problem was this time of year and the ranger jokingly said that there had been no bites that day and that if you don't bother them, they don't bother you. Besides, he said, "they only bite you once" to which I replied, "yeah, and I only die once too!" I made a split decision to drive back into Fredricksburg, rent a room, and stay for the night because the sun had gone down and I was unfamiliar with the trail and thought it would be bad for me to get lost in the park on a cold night. I checked into a motel 8 and went down main street in search of some dinner. I found a cute little historic house that had been converted into a restaurant with live music. There was a local singer/songwriter there and I ate steak, enjoyed the ambiance, and got to talking with the waiter. I truly felt as though I was meant to be at that precise spot when the waiter told me that he had lived in the BVI's. Well, as you know I am planning a trip there in June and my mother has been trying to get me to move there and live the island life. Patrick, the waiter, told me that locals HATE foreigners, the school system is incredibly bad, and that they only get paid about 15k. That did it for me! I am confident in my decision not to move there.

The next morning I was up by 6, had my complimentary breakfast, showered, packed my things and headed back to ER. Since I didn't know the terrain, I decided to take my tent, hammer, and backpack with waters, phone, ID, camera along the trail. It was a tough one and I was glad of my decision to make the first hike light. The trail went from rambling walk into the forest under the falling leaves to navigating my way through dried creek beds and up hills of rock. I had a great time the first time. It took me 3 trips in and 2 trips out to move all of my stuff in and out of camp. I was really wishing I had a husband and some kids to carry all of my shit! Needless to say, I downsized from a large rolling luggage bag and ice chest to an HEB bag for my food, waters in my backpack, and the clothes I had on my back. There was not going to be any need for changing clothes in the wild. All in all I hiked over 12 miles in two SHORT days.

Once I had camp set up I hiked back to take summit trail up the main dome of Enchanted Rock. It was a lot harder to do after hiking 3 miles, but I made it. I spent the afternoon reading and writing and enjoying the view. There was a girl who fell in the cave and broke her ankle and busted her head open and had to be carried in a gurney down the sheer rock surface of ER by 8 rescue men. I, of course, did not go into the caves. I am very accident prone and will save that kind of insanity for when I have friends with me who can call 911.

That night I ate my lunchable, read until dark, and went to bed. Since it gets dark at around 6, I was in bed early. As soon as the sun went down, the cold enveloped me. I spent the night dozing in and out of sleep broken by the feeling of rocks in my back, a blanket that was to small to pull over my head while at the same time covering my feet, and strangers mistaking my tent for theirs. It was very interesting to find that the insects that I always hear at dusk do not sleep through the night. At daybreak I awoke and hurriedly packed my camp.

Leaving ER I felt tired from the miles of walking I had done, but rejuvenated. While I was there I thought about my safety, survival, and the sounds of nature. Getting anywhere took time, patience, and a plan. I feel like that is analogous to life as well. Before I went on this trip I thought I would spend time meditating on life and my job and how to solve problems. What really happened was I paid special attention to the most important things life can put before you--staying alive and enjoying your time here. I guess if I have those two things covered then everything else is seriously, not an issue. Wishing you the best year ever.....Mel.