James H. Floyd, #5

CAMP (Y/N?): Y (1 night, solo carcamp)
MY ACTIVITIES: Hiking
NOTES: Spacious, quiet campground; Relaxing & Open Spaces around lake for fishing, picnicking, play

​I have a love / hate with solitude.  I LOVE being alone - my thoughts are free and the peace and quiet is so restoring.  But... it gets lonely.  I was having apprehension about being alone on this one night camping trip at James H. (Sloppy Joe) Floyd State Park. 

I do all the 'safety stuff' - don't tell "the world" where/when I am; do tell family where/when I am; do check in with Park staff (Rangers/Camp Hosts) and let them know my itinerary; aware of my surroundings; have protection devices including charged cell phone.  It is a strange world we live in that one has to be so aware of safety - I have lots and lots of thoughts on this as a woman.  To not think about safety is foolish.  But to hold back and not go, or have the time so filled with worry that I don't enjoy the beauty would defeat the purpose.  Probably more thoughts on this in future posts.  And the 'safety stuff' isn't the only reason I have love/hate with solitude - it is that my thoughts want out of my head sometimes (ha!).
I arrived late, after the Park Office had closed, so I went directly to the campground to find the Host.  It was midweek and the campground was quiet.  The Host was out and about, but a Ranger pulled up.  He said to go to my site (I knew the number) and just to check into the office the next day.  
I was car camping, yet I set up my canopy tent over the picnic table - a challenge seeing how it is 20 years old with the elastic inner string over-stretched and I was doing this by myself.  I may have done a little celebration dance once I got it finished.  :)  
Just in time it turned out, as a strong storm system was headed my way.  I spent the storm in the back of  my car where I sleep with my nose about 4" from a little green spider on the back of my headrest.  (We had an understanding.  After the storm, the spider was freed into the out of doors.)
I slept well and woke to a beautiful day.  I hiked the Lower Lake Loop as the sun was early in the sky.  I startled 2 fishermen as I walked out of the woods.  I saw ducks, turtles, a heron (I think), fish.  Later, I hiked the Marble Mine Trail to the old mine and boardwalk then back via the Jenkins Gap Trail.  
I was really enjoying my day and activities, and my solitude.  I walked the long bridge across the lake and spent the afternoon relaxing at a picnic table.  Warmth, beautiful day, relaxing, a small amount of other people out enjoying the area (fishing, picnicking)... THIS MOMENT is when I was truly alive and at peace with my solo journey and realized the value of my bravery to 'just go' the day before.  
This park is sweet, small but not too small, quiet, and welcoming.  One of my favorites.