Peace in Nature

The sun shown brightly overhead as I swayed in my hammock. Fish jumped for flies and the only sound was the whistle-like singing of the birds in the trees. Dappled sunlight reflected off the water as I soaked in the beauty of the lake. And I remembered why I love backpacking.

DSCN0185

Pamelia Lake was it; the destination for our first backpacking trip in too many years. All of our time in nature used to be done as backpackers. For years we explored the Pacific Northwest wilderness on foot. Then the change began. We turned to car camping and then, once we purchased the camper, it was all over.

DSCN0184

DSCN0203

Last weekend it all came back. Both the joy and challenges. I reveled in the absolute silence, the starry skies, the ache of muscles well used on a long hike, both long conversations and comfortable silence as Jim and I shared a bottle of Southern Comfort around a campfire.

DSCN0153

DSCN0154

I also became reacquainted with the difficulty of gaining elevation with 45lbs on my back, the slightly claustrophobic feeling of being trapped in my sleeping bag, the dinners that are just not quite what we’re used to eating. I remembered that I don’t really like oatmeal.

DSCN0149

DSCN0196

I embraced the feeling of achievement from making it up those hills. I delighted in seeing how much both dogs enjoyed the long hikes and family cuddling in the tent. I thrilled at long afternoons talking with Jim from our hammock perches. I remembered that sometimes having to put out a little effort to get to someplace this serene is all worth it in the end.

DSCN0195

8 thoughts on “Peace in Nature

    • That would be fantastic! Of course, you guys are master hikers and would leave us in the dust;)

  1. Ah, what a great post. It makes me want to head out to the woods right now. I love backpacking too. There are always hardships, and difficulties, and soreness, but it’s such a unique way to experience the outdoors. You just can’t beat it.

    • Hi Bill. You are correct. Often the more challenging travel moments are the most rewarding in the end.

  2. What a beautiful place! I’m itching to do a road trip in the US and would love to stop here – beautiful pics too.

    • Hi Amy…. yep, it’s an amazing spot and, after not having been there for several years, I was thrilled to find it hadn’t become over run or spoiled.

    • haha… no worries there… we moved into car camping and then truck camper camping! What can I say? We do love our comfort but look forward to a few backpacking trips each year as well.

Comments are closed.