After five hours on the road, we finally arrive. We are surrounded by towering trees, the sound of rustling leaves, whispering winds and an impressive array of chirping from the multiple species of birds that are indigenous to these parts of the woods. A Blue Jay has landed next to me as I write, hopping from one section of the campsite to the other, bobbing its head up and down in quick bursts, and curiously inspecting the nature of our intrusion.
Atop the storage cabinet (a convenience provided at each campsite) is a handcrafted fairy made out of fabric, a silk petal from an artificial flower, twist ties, yarn and a foam ball for its head. I am convinced it is a Voodoo Doll left by the previous visitors. Vivien also found a small stone etched with a hand-painted image or symbol of a sun or star; and on the backside: an eye, or what looked to me like an eye—more evidence of their witchcraft. Alright, I don’t really believe these objects were part of some arcane ritual, but you never know.
We took a trip to the local market up in Garberville to gather a few things that we did not get back home: perishable foods, dairy, eggs, meat, produce and ice. On our way back, we also stopped by The Legend of Bigfoot, a small shop located at the side of the road that sold various gifts and wood carvings that ranged from small bears that could be set on top of a desk to large, intricate sculptures of totem poles and gnomes that stood over eight feet tall. Vivien wanted to get a knife for herself and her brother, like the one Robbie and I had bought last year. Unfortunately, the only ones they had available were made out of pewter, engraved with nature scenes and animals. Though the selection is quite limited, I am debating whether I should get one for Joe to thank him for taking care of Suki while I am gone. With enough time ahead of me, perhaps I’ll just wait and see what else I might stumble upon in the other surrounding tourist shops we may visit during the coming days.
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The sun has begun to slowly fall, shattering the treetops and their massive trunks with hues of yellow and orange. Soon, it is to be followed by a short descent into the distant horizon until the blackness around us is total. Firewood is ready to be burned, stacked like a game of Jenga in the center of the fire-pit. Vivien and Robbie have begun to cook dinner. I think we are having burgers, but I am not quite sure. The charred smell of the smoke intertwining with the fresh scent of wood and earth is a refreshing reminder that all we really need are the simplicities that life has to offer. On this note, I think I will just sit here, eat my dinner and enjoy myself—let it all sink in. Though the luxury of our high-tech society provides us with great comfort, nothing is more humbling than a life in the great outdoors. At least for the time being…
Totally sounds like the start of a wonderful week, and even thought I did not begin this yearly adventure with you, your detailed written views completely engulf me. I arrived there 3 days later, but that alone was a blast!!!! I loved it!! next year!!! yay!!!