I had to get away from it all. The hectic schedule of every day life. The computer, the phone, the fax, the cell, the chores. The basic monotony of every day living. I went online and did something I had wanted to do for a while now. I rented a cabin in the Smokey Mountains.
My drive was long, but uneventful. I stopped at the small village that was before where my cabin was located and picked up some basics for my week-long venture. My goal was not to go into town for any reason, simply to enjoy the solitude.
I traveled up a winding dirt road to my secluded little shanty I would be calling home for the next few days and unloaded my belongings. The sun was beginning to set, and I could hear the crickets chirping away and watched as a few early lightning bugs starting their mating ritual. I chuckled as I remembered the old television show 3-2-1 Contact where they cartoon lightening bug lays in wait in the grass, frantically blinking to attract a male. Once he comes and then cums, she promptly eats him.
After unpacking the car, I poured myself a glass of wine and went out to the little deck that overlooked the lake. It was so peaceful. I simply enjoyed the sights and smells and was thrilled to see the stars as the started to peek out in the black velvet sky. I could hear a dog howl in the distance and decided to go to bed so I could rise early the next morning.
I awoke bright and early the next morning. Deciding to go for a short hike, I grabbed an apple and my camera and headed out the door. I ventured out to the woods that surrounded the small cabin and followed the small winding path that cut through the tall, fragrant pines. I took shots of the beautiful wildflowers, a rabbit nibbling some greenery, some interesting rock formations and an old twisted tree that looked like an old man's face. The birds singing in the trees, seemed to announce my entrance onto the small dock at the picturesque lake. Feeling this was a lovely spot to enjoy my apple, I sat down on the rickety dock, and taking off my shoes and socks I dipped my toes in the cool water.
From the corner of my eye I could see a little boat come around the bend behind some tall lake weeds and cattails. A man and his dog, I thought to myself, grabbing my camera I took a shot of the tranquil scene. The man, spotting me waved, and I waved back. The dog, a beautiful golden retriever, started to bark and leapt into the water.
"MAX!" the man yelled as he helplessly watched the large dog swim towards me. Realizing that the dog was determined to visit me, the man sighed and paddled his craft towards the shore to retrieve me from his friendly dog. Unfortunately he did not notice the large mass of weeds that grabbed hold of his boat, causing it to get stuck. I heard him curse as Max made it to the shore ahead of him and run to the dock, I set my camera down and jumped up, trying to move out of his way as he shook himself off and sprayed me with water. I heard a splash behind me and figured the man gave up his struggle with the weeds and took his mutt's route to the shore. I glanced over my shoulder and saw it was true, but I was not ready for Max to jump on me in greeting. The large dog's weight was too much for my small five-foot frame, and I toppled into the icy water, right on top of his master.
Not expecting to take a plunge, I ended up with a mouthful of water. I felt strong arms grab me around my waist and pull me to shore.