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MUSINGS ON LIFE
I think; therefore, I muse
 
DIANE HUGHES • NASHVILLE, TN
WRITER, EDITOR, CREATIVE PROFESSIONAL

Stars, fire and rain

11/4/2012

6 Comments

 
Picture
I stood by the campfire, holding a mug of hot tea and looking up through the trees. The sky was clear, and the stars were out ... twinkling like tiny sparkling diamonds flung across the night sky.

And to think, I almost missed that moment.

It was my husband's semi-annual Beginners Backpacking Trip, an event designed to give those who've never backpacked the chance to learn more about it. While I frequently come along for these outings, I almost sat this one out. I'm too tired. It'll be too cold. I just want to relax at home.

A check of the weather forecast on Friday night predicted mild temperatures and a slight chance of rain early on Sunday. Still mulling my final decision, I began (somewhat begrudgingly) to drag out my gear and clothing. In the end, I packed my bag and hit the road with my beloved on Saturday morning to meet up with our fellow hikers.

At the trailhead, we eagerly set out on our journey, hiking past creeks, over suspension bridges and through colorful fall foliage before arriving at camp. After pitching our tents, gathering firewood and collecting water, the four of us sat talking as the evening light began to fade. I kept an eye on the horizon, waiting patiently for the sun to sink just low enough before I started a fire. 

At last the time seemed right, so I retrieved one of Michael's handy homemade firestarters and got to work, carefully arranging small sticks and twigs of kindling. Shortly, the fire was blazing, the sky was growing dark and the stars were coming out. It was a beautiful night.

We made dinner and treated ourselves to hot tea and cocoa. After dinner, we sat chatting and laughing by the campfire until at last we decided it was time to turn in. We set about cleaning up, tamping down the fire and putting away the food before making a final visit to the nearby facilities. (Yes, that means outhouse.) As we returned to camp and prepared to douse the fire, we heard a sound and stopped to turn an ear.

"Is that rain?" asked one of our companions.

We realized it was and laughed as we said goodnight and made a mad dash for the tents. 

Minutes later, snuggled and settled in our sleeping bags, Michael and I lay there listening to the raindrops pattering against our tent. It was like nature's music, a little lullaby to send us off to dreamland. 

As I lay there listening to the rain before I drifted off to sleep, I was grateful that I didn't miss this opportunity.

Grateful that ... 

I saw stars. 

Made fire. 

And heard rain.

*  *  * 
Can you recall a time when you challenged yourself to do something you really didn't want to do? Have you recently had an encounter with nature that made you stop and think? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.
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6 Comments
Tracey
11/4/2012 09:44:35 pm

Thanks for sharing, I really wish I could have gone after reading blog!!!

Reply
Diane Hughes link
11/5/2012 04:46:05 am

Tracey, you are always welcome to join us! It was a nice hike.

Reply
Laura Zera link
11/5/2012 12:06:35 pm

I really want someone to make one of those Star Trek transporter thingys, because I'm like you sometimes. I want to go, but the effort of getting ready/packed/whatever to get there is the thing that stops me. Usually whatever it is I eventually go out to do is so worth it that I'd have hated to miss it. But still want transporter thingy.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
11/5/2012 12:12:58 pm

I know, Laura. Getting there is half the battle. I really dreaded the packing and prep work more than anything. But it was so worth it.

BTW ... I'm still longing for the day when we can have that Star Trek medical tri-corder. Then I won't have to Google my physical maladies trying to determine if I have indigestion or a liver tumor. I can just scan myself!

Reply
carin link
11/5/2012 12:29:16 pm

I know just how you felt. The hassle of 'getting there'. But that night air, those stars, "nature's music"... can't beat it. It's always the simple stuff... Lovely post, Diane. Thank you.

Reply
Diane Hughes link
11/5/2012 12:31:38 pm

Thank you, Carin. Speaking of the simple stuff: I've been missing your colours. Was happy to see it in my inbox this past week. :-)

Reply



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    DIANE HUGHES

    I write, edit, photograph and muse about life.

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