Camping Trip

Once again I made time for myself to escape to be with nature.  This camping trip was to Pershing State Park in NE Missouri.  There were very few campers there and no one was in the tent area where I set up camp.  Heaven on earth, I was enjoying the great outdoors without the noise of people. 

I was not alone however.  Each night Ricky Raccoon and his family would come to visit.  It was like they were invited guest that were summoned at dusk each night.  While I was sitting no more than 15 feet away they explored every aspect of my campsite, making themselves right at home on top of the picnic table.  While in my tent for the night, they partied the night away. I could hear them running around and making their weird noise, like a cat purring that is mad. 

The trails at the park were nice.  The boardwalk trail, about a mile in length was enjoyable.  I was disappointed on my hike on the Ripian trail. It was supposed to go about 6 miles and come out in a National Conservation area.  It was like no one had been on the trail all year long.  Weeds, trees, mud and all types of obstacles made the trail hard to follow.  At one point a large tree had fallen over the trail.   After trudging my way around the fallen tree through the heavy brush I was not able to pick up the trail again.  So…. I headed back, disappointed after just a mile hike along Locust Creek. 

As Thursday morning approached, a soft gentle rain began to cascade down through the canopy of trees and fall with a slow rhythm upon my tent.  Oh how pleasing a sound that was.   I found myself drifting back and forth from sleep to being awake, with such wonderful dreams along the way.

I was proud of myself on this camping trip.  No trips to Wal-Mart were needed.  Lol   Can’t wait for my next outing with nature.

Enjoy,