GO CAMPING

I just realized from my first camping trip; 'Camping' is the actual exteriorization of 'Freedom'. I lived my one day life under the ceaseless sky and on the continuous land. Who does not love freedom and I love it even more with all possible insecurities. Yes, I was afraid of insects and bugs at night, flash floods in the river, collapsing due to weight on my shoulder, that's the fun, 'fear' and 'freedom' goes side by side and that's what makes you to have all the unusual experiences which one cherishes when there is no strength left in the bones.

Me and my partner in every move of my life, my husband, we decided to camp in the Pedernales Falls State Park located along the banks of Pedernales River, Texas.

Pedernales River is rocky and warm, perfect to wade and relax while watching infants and kids swimming. Aiming in heart to hit a single half submerged rock and smilingly participating in the fun of fellow waders, were the best of the time pass that I found to knock off.

As midday arrived we geared ourselves up for the hiking to the Camp site. For the first time we were hiking with weights of the backpack. Eventually, all of the weight got dissolved in our adrenalin rush and watching number of cars parked and people in the similar orientation was the biggest thrust to hike all the way up to our campsite. So, we started with the hiking boots on and water bottles by the side.

Every scene of the trail was enhancing our rocking day. You see, we were surrounded by the huge rocks, it was a crystal clear sky with the sun shining right deep into our heart, our face was as red as hot iron and we were sweating like we were showering. Notwithstanding the nature's encouraging company we savored the natural beauty and challenging terrains of the Pedernales trails. In fact, the trails were so arresting, there was not much left in us for the tantrums. The only cooling affect was the echoes of the Pedernales falls and sound of the river water. It was mystical. Just before being absorbed by the weariness we encountered the camp sight sign, God! that view was like water to a dying one.

We chose a piece of land for our one night home. The refreshing thing was all the camp areas were clean and shady, I could have slept on the bare land but the next excitement was to pitch our tent. After a while our sundome home was built, that was an achievement. After the set up for the night we rambled to have a look in the neck of woods. The place was almost full by the families, group of friends and couples. Everyone seemed so charged up, all were cooking and grilling. The station was screaming with the smell of deliciousness. We strolled into the jungle where down under the rocks the river stream was flowing echoing the trees as it rumbles. Ah! it sucked away all the fatigue and dullness out of us.

We had to cook too. I love cooking. We did not plan to party as it was our first try, there was more enthusiasm for using all new cooking utensils and other accessories we got for camping than eating. Almost everything was new. We did the same stuff that we do daily. We cooked, we played our boardgames, we snacked, we sat and relaxed, we did chit- chatting, made our bed. But the change of place made all the difference. The change of bare land, the openness and the change in the current of the air made all the world's difference. Gradually, the hubbub lessened and we realized the night is there to tuck us in the bed.

As we slipped into our sleeping bag we see the most beautiful sight, the grey sky, black leaves and some diamonds. How one could sleep with such an enticing view, but at last everyone does fall asleep. So did I. Night was yet involving. It started with the hint of heat and humidity by the midnight it was cold just less than chilly, tossing and turning for the sheet to cover ourselves, banging each other for space in sleep with some sense of the ongoing activities and giving our ears to the karaoke of the katydids.

The moment I fell for the deepest sleep, the morning knocked my head and as an early riser my nerves started getting active as dawn broke. That was one fun night. Morning of the rocks was ravishing. We were whispering as the world was still sleeping.

We wrapped our house and strengthen each other to get back to our made up life from this original beauty. Reaching our final harbor in this camping trip made me aware of the existence of the better option for vacations and to add quality to the life we are living far from the natural habitat. There is something for everyone, we just need to reach there and enjoy it.