The summer vacation was finally here. It had been a crazy year for Sam. His classes had been challenging. His home life hectic. Busy and stressful, his life had left him needing a break. Sam loved canoe trips and getting back to nature. However, this year he felt stuck. No one was available to do a trip with him. He was confident but canoeing alone seemed too daunting.
When searching around the website that he typically used to plan his canoe trips, Sam got an idea. What if he did a solo backpacking hike. It would be physically demanding but he needed to get out. He needed a break from his everyday stressors. His kids were older, and they and his wife wouldn't miss him for a couple of days. Besides, he would be a better father and husband when he returned. So, he booked a site that didn't look too challenging and headed off to the national park.
He headed out early. He was too excited to wait for his family to wake up. So, he headed out on the road at a time that would get him to the trail while it was still morning. A big breakfast on the road he got out his pack, feeling how heavy it was, he realized he was in for a workout. He headed off down the trail. He was walking on the smooth path covered in pine needles for less than 10 minutes when he started to feel the weight of his everyday start to lift off his shoulders. He loved the outdoors, and this trail was particularly spectacular.
The path was wide alternating between hard packed dirt and pine needles. It followed a stream that made a soft gurgling sound as the water flowed down the cascading large rocks. Sam watched the leaves and twigs carried downstream by the flowing water. It was still early, and birds called out for their mates in the tree tops.
The sky was perfect. A deep dark blue dotted with small interestingly shaped clouds. When a cloud moved in front of the sun, the temperature was perfect. When it came out again, it was just hot enough to make the hike sweaty work. The trees were tall with most of the undergrowth naturally pruned by the local deer. When the sun was not blocked by the clouds, it shone through the leaves on the large maple trees making a vivid green diffuse light. When the sun hid behind the cloud, the sky was a little darker allowing Sam to see the details of the forest with more clarity. Birds and squirrel nests nestled under the canopy of the trees. Red squirrels chittered at his passing.
He had never done a trip like this before alone. It seemed that the forest welcomed him or at least was less disturbed by his presence. There was a light breeze and without conversation, he could focus on the noise it made as it blew through the trees and the sound of the fast-flowing water in the creek. Losing himself in the forest it was well after noon before it occurred to him to stop and have lunch.
When he stopped for lunch, he realized that he was over halfway to the site he had booked. This was good news as the weather had warmed and he was sweating. An apple, a granola bar and some water and he was back on his way. There was a large lake with several sites. However, Sam, seeking solitude had picked a small lake on a side trail. The lake only had one site so there wouldn't be anyone to disturb his retreat.
The side trail was a little narrower although still easy to pass. He realized the biggest challenge and he became aware of why this site was not more popular. The trail rose and fell over the large granite hills near the lake. Steep inclines and switch backs made the last part of the trail a challenge. Sam sweat and drank his water moving over the difficult terrain. The exertion again worked to help him let go of the stress of the outside world. While Sam enjoyed the workout, he was not sad when he crested the top of the hill and saw a small sign pointing to the smaller side trail that would lead to his site.
Sam descended the hill to the site. There was a nice clearing for his tent. He dropped his pack but continued down to get the first look at the lake. One of the most beautiful features of this park, these giant granite boulders often sat on the side of the lake. Half in the water and half out, the boulder's dark colour and smooth surface made a stunning place to sunbath and swim. Sam saw the leading edge of one of these boulders as he approached the lake. He hoped it would go all the way into the lake. The rock would be hot and the water cold. Enjoying a spot like this was one of the things he looked forward to most when visiting this park.
As he followed the boulder towards the lake, he was shocked. There was a woman there and she was stunning. He pulled up short. It was very unusual to run into people on your campsite this deep into the forest. Sam wasn't sure what to think. He did not want to startle her. All the same, she really shouldn't be on his site. He was not complaining but he wasn't sure what to do.
The woman heard him and turned to look. She had shoulder length brown hair tied up in a ponytail. She was thin and French looking. Her face showed some freckles around her slender nose, small mouth and big eyes. Her eyes shone out with a light green intensity that he almost found unnerving. When her lips parted in a warm smile, he realized, he was just standing there staring at her. He tried to look away but that felt even more awkward.
