June 19, 2008
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One Sleepless Night
Although I had originally planned a 2 night solo camping adventure, I'm home after only 1 night. I had a few minor technical difficulties, one equipment malfunction, and in my impatience I'd left behind a few minor supplies I could have used. No one big thing went wrong that brought the adventure to an end. And I learned a lot that will help me when I do a section of the AT next month, which was the point of this adventure.
One thing I learned was not to be impatient to go because you'll forget things.
Another thing: hiking and being outside multiplies the hunger level. And I didn't even do a lot of hiking compared to how much I'll be doing on the AT.
I did wear my fully loaded Kelty pack during part of the hike, though, and I was happily surprised at just how comfortable and easy it was to manage compared to my experiences with ordinary book backpacks with even 1/3 the weight. I know carrying 30-40 lbs of gear will take a toll - seemingly in hunger pangs - but at least it won't be misery to wear.
Another thing: It's a real pain - literally and figuratively - to sleep, sit, eat, dress and undress, and everything else, either in the confines of a small tent or on the ground. I know millions of people around the world live with little or no furniture, but I never remember how much more comfortable it makes our lives or how much we take it for granted until I go camping and don't have a place to sit, or a way to lean back, or a table to set things on. (The campsite actually did have a picnic table, and I ended up using it, but it was a constant reminder of how on the AT I wouldn't have a table.)
And as an adjunct to that... I'm a 45 year old woman with some extra built-in weight. The ground is a lot harder than it was 30-40 years ago and getting up from being down on the ground isn't as easy as it looks anymore. Those of you in your 20s... you don't know. Even being relatively strong and healthy as I am, there are aches and pains and stiffness - none of which I ever could have imagined when I was in my 20s. So getting up and down off the ground takes a little more time and effort and pain tolerance than it used to. I can do it, but... you know... just give me a moment.
And now the last thing I'll tell you about: I had a night of fitful sleep. Partly due to the strange environs, which I expect for the first night or two away from home. Partly from sleeping on the ground, because even with my Therm-a-rest mattress, my camping bed was significantly flatter and firmer than my Sleep Number bed here at home. And my back and my hips didn't much like it. But even that I expected.
The unexpected reason I had a sleepless night was because there was this VERY loud, VERY persistant whip-o-will that called and sang all freakin' night long! omg! Shut the frak up, you stupid bird!
In most species, it's the male bird who does the calling and singing, and they do so to proclaim territory and to tell all the female birds, "Here I am, ladies...come and get it."
I swear I've never wanted a bird to get laid more in my life than I was routing for that damn whip-o-will last night.
Comments (4)
I hope next time goes better for you. Good idea to have a trial run. Maybe you should write a list of all the things to take everytime you go camping....and check it before you go....of course extra things can be brought depending on the trip but you should have a "can't go camping without" list. I actually make a list every time we go on a trip....even for our one nighter tomm. in atanta...I'm making a list so I don't forget stuff.
@DaddysgirlRobby - That's a great idea. Often I do that, but this time I didn't and look at the consequences! I'll definitely write it all down for the next trial run next week, then check the list twice.
Hugs - this is definitely upping the adventure quotient! Maybe add earplugs to your list? I've noticed that with the males of most species just getting sex doesn't shut them up because then they have to tell their friends they scored.
Even with a good ground pad, be sure to form the earth beneath your pad to suit your hips before lying down for the night. Think about the impression your body would make on a soft mattress or a thick foam pad then sculpt the earth beneath your body to match that imagined depression.
If you are fitful in the early morning darkness, get up and walk around for a few minutes...preferably with a minimum of clothing, maybe just shorts and tee (less if you are so inclined). Appreciate the night sky. Study the outline of the trees, their dark tips in bold, dark relief against the slightly brighter sky. Take a piss. Nothing feels better than a piss in the middle of the night in woods that you do not share with another human. Then...then return to your sleeping bag, chilled, lungs full, reassured that all around you the world is as it should be, and enjoy your restful slumber. Works for me.
Peace...nice read...thanks,
J
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