I got asked a question today by a friend and I’ve been thinking about it a lot. For the fun of it I figured I’d share my thoughts. The question is “What’s it like at night when you’ve set up camp and finished another exhausting day?”
Honestly, it is sometimes the hardest part of the day. I find setting up camp very therapeutic but once I lay down I feel most alone, particularly if I’m camping away from others. I get a lot of time to think on the trail but there are distractions and outside stimuli but alone in my tent it is just me. My body is exhausted but my mind continues.
Early in the ride these nights were filled with self doubt but not anymore. The support of my friends and my own accomplishments at this point have given me confidence. I know there are rough days ahead but I can handle them.
These days my nights are filled with thoughts of my friends. I must always fight the urge to use precious phone power to call or text people. I want to know what is going on in people’s lives and feel out of the loop, it can be lonely. I’m not envious of what others are doing but I am genuinely curious how those I love are doing. I miss regular FB chats, lunch dates with coworkers, and everything in between.
I don’t know if this is what my friend meant when asking this question, but this is how I’m answering it.
PS if you feel like sending me updates on your life via email I would enjoy reading them.
Wandering Oak 