Backpack to a bluff above a fork of the upper Big Piney Creek
3/19/22
We go camping twice a year, my brother and I. If our boys can go they do as well. Usually these occur in the late fall and early spring. We met up at the Old South Restaurant in Russellville and had a great meal there...you should too. It was then northward to the upper reaches of Big Piney Creek. We entered the forest with 48°, clear skies and a goodly wind. By noon, the temp was probably around 60° or so. After making camp we had some luncheon foods with a view of the valley before us. Firewood was then hunted and gathered. We then explored the area below the bluff line. A very tall fall fell over the bluff. This was nice. Then was the nap time. Kelly snoozed away but I was unable to achieve slumber. The lounging in the hammock was still quite refreshing as the cool air caressed my loins.
I rose and pursued more natural studies. The creek above the falls reflected the lowering light as it tumbled over the edge. Beech trees were still clinging to their leaves and I pondered on this for a time. Kelly soon woke and joined me, He wandered off into the woods as I headed back to camp. I made assorted preparations for the evening while admiring the ridge across the valley. The sun would soon embrace the line at the top and disappear below it...but not just yet. And just after I thought that, it did. As the light waned the wind also did...that. The evening was lovely...very calm and quiet.
We began the mealtime duties. No woodland creatures proclaimed their existence at this particular time. I enjoy seeing a bat or two as the darkness progresses, but none displayed their insect catching prowess on this evening. At full darkness, the stars replaced the blue and we began the bushcraft style fire. Within minutes it blazed forth...for we were both skilled in this craft of the bush. For hours we circled the glowing ring and spoke of days gone by when we were both a bit more manly than we are now...but just barely. It was not long until we heard the local coyotes above, moving down the ridge...towards us. Within 15 minutes our headlamps revealed numerous pairs of eyes at the perimeter of the camp. I grabbed a flaming log and rushed in to defend our territory. They scurried away like the little girls that they were. Throughout the night they were heard whimpering in the distance, but they never returned. Kelly manned the fire until around 12:30, but I retired at closer to 10:30. My sleep was of decent quality...better than usual in the dark forest. The almost full moon rose about 11:00 and stayed with us for the remainder of the night.
I departed the comfort of my hammock as a Barred Owl called to me. It was 6:45 but the moon still provided excellent valley illumination. The temp was 38° but fell to 35° by sunrise time. Kelly slept in and fell out of his hammock around 7:30 in his usual bum like fashion. We piddled around and began packing up our expensive gear. The humidity remained low and no moisture was discovered on any surfaces, natural or man made. Soon, we exited the bluff and moved up the hill, eventually reaching the ridge top. We then drove at high rates of speed towards our dwellings. The time had was real nice.
