Yes, I could stay another two days in the comfort of a home and a roof to keep me dry, but I am torn between giving in to comfort and embracing the life I am choosing to live.
I checked the weather, and the Adirondacks have a 50% chance of rain. My optimism focuses on the other 50%—the chance of no rain. An hour into my drive, the skies open up, and the weather app now shows constant rainfall for the next two days.
I am visiting my friend Amy, where I can still change my mind and stay dry, but again, I choose to push forward. The decision-making process on the road is tough. I forget how exhausting and draining it can be. There is so much to consider with very little control.
From Amy's house, I have about three hours to the Adirondacks. I set my Google Maps settings to avoid highways so I can drive through the beautiful country roads of upstate NY. Even with all the heavy rain and low clouds, I feel the peaceful beauty around me. Here and there, I pass through small farm homes with a rustic look and rich charm.
I stop for a break to reassess my vision of camping in the woods. It no longer feels safe. I opened iOverlander to find a place for the night. I still want to drive for a while to charge my Jackery and see how fast it takes. I found a place in the little town of Fort Plain along the Mohawk River and the train track. My night is filled with the soothing sound of the train passing by, and my early morning sounds are the two peacocks that appear from nowhere.
I plan to drive to Ferris Lake Wild Forest to check it out and get a sense of the area. It is only an hour away. Ten minutes into my drive, I get a warning on my dash that Cyclone Debby might affect my route. Well, rainy days are library days.
By early evening, the rain stops. Time to check iOverlander. I found a spot in my direction on the Erie Canal, at Lock Number 20. Only when I arrive at my destination do I understand what "lock" means (from Google: The Erie Canal has 35 numbered locks that act like elevators to raise and lower boats as they travel along the waterway). That is cool! I take a much-needed walk along the canal, fascinated by this engineering concept.
Good morning, my sunshine! It is such a pleasure to enjoy you this lovely morning. But first, I need to find a place to charge my Jackery as it is losing power too fast, and I didn't drive enough yesterday to charge it.
The drive to Ferris Lake Wild Forest is absolutely gorgeous. Green mountains fold into each other, creating an endless landscape of beauty.
I pass a small campground on the side of the road and quickly turn around. I hope for a shower. The owner is a bit puzzled by my request but doesn't pass on my offer to pay for it—one less thing to take care of today.
At this point, I lose reception. I know that will be the case as I travel through the Adirondacks. I have two options for a spot to camp. My first attempt is on a narrow dirt road which is muddy from the last two days of rain. After a few minutes, I reversed slowly. It just doesn't feel right to go further.
My next option puts me on a well-maintained dirt road. After twenty minutes, I find the first campsite and feel like I have won the lottery. The spot is just above the gushing river. Its loud, roaring flow takes over the forest's silence. Metaphorically, that is what my inner self feels like lately—gushing emotions of anxiety and joy.
The fact that I am truly, with all my heart, open to embracing a spiritual life does not mean I am yet able to eliminate the old inner voice of doubt and insecurity. I am holding the main ingredient for enlightenment—awareness.
I set up camp and walked along the dirt road against the current of the river to find its calm force and the forest's silence. I breathe deeply, finding for a while an open heart and a peaceful mind.
As the sun sets off into the far horizon, it creates a beautiful light in the woods, which is one of my favorite moments. It's as if all the colors, potent with their pigments are vibrant, even though the light is dim. The white ripples on the rocky river create a stunning contrast that is bold and beautiful. What a magical night...
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