Let me overly romanticize the past: There was a time when I did not live on fast forward. Or maybe there wasn't. Regardless, I believe each age and stage has its unique gifts and challenges. Mine just most often seems to pass in a blur. Alas, this was supposed to the be final episode of back-to-back-to-back planned summer weekends. But this being a full month later, that's not at all how things have gone down. And life won't be unplanned for the foreseeable future. So in this episode, I capture another full weekend. A weekend of camping with 11 friends--old and new--right outside of Shenandoah National Park.
We left Friday after the close of business in no real hurry... which was a good thing because we sat in gobs and gobs of traffic heading West. Usually I-66 cooperates post commuting hours. Usually isn't always though. So we sat and endured. Ate. Sat. Cried. Became frustrated. Endured. Ate. And sat some more. I contemplated walking. But opted for safety in route along the four-lane highway. I tried not to let the how much longer, how much farther, how much more, are-we-there-yet mentalities consume me and gave my car-mates my best self--remembering that we were in no real hurry.
The was a short hike to the cabin, after the forever long car ride. As we strolled up, we were greeted by the rest of our team. It was already past 10:00 pm, but that didn't stop anyone from starting up the fire. A.B.P. and H.M.O. got dinner going just as soon as others had the fire going. The energy levels were low after dinner and a little getting to know one another (for those who didn't). I opted for bed somewhere around there. And was joined by many others. I've been working for a fair amount of time now... and frankly don't feel like I'll ever adjust to just how lame the 40-hour work week makes me on a Friday night... even in the midst of friends.
Saturday was a new day. Full rested, we got up early. Multiple rounds of French press coffee were made and consumed. Then B.A.H. went to work over the wood burning stove, preparing some of the BEST(!!!) pancakes ever and a million pounds of bacon for all. After over indulging, we took off for a hike to Dark Hollow Falls where we enjoyed weather just as perfect as I'd wish for any weekend outdoors. Once we made it to the Dark Hollow Falls, we enjoyed the waterfall (and weather) a bit before turning home.
Boyfriend and I were in charge of lunch, which was delayed until about 4:00 pm due to length of our unplanned hike. We served Braai Brekkies--a grill cheese variation stuffed with red onions, tomatoes, cheese, and chutney and cooked over the open fire. These are a group favorite we've served more than once before. Then we played our own variation of Spoons... with forks. There was throwing and multiple Chinese fire drills involved. Like children, we entertained ourselves for hours. Until we realized it was dark. And probably should get a fire going. And maybe have dinner because why not? At midnight, we celebrated S.N.L.'s birthday with dancing around the campfire. Those in charge of desserts for the birthday (and weekend) did not disappoint.
Sunday was short-lived; after a hearty breakfast of 26 eggs and multiple loaves of toast and far too much cheese to accompany both the eggs and toast, we cleaned up and scurried out of town. And already, everyone is asking: When is the fall trip?
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