Cheap Therapy

Recently my husband, myself and my youngest child, 9-year-old Lane, spontaneously dashed off to Acadia National Park. After seeing the weather forecast on Tuesday for a warm, sunny weekend, we decided to take an overnight camping getaway. The two older boys both had to work and could not go along. A part of me felt that we can't go without the whole family, but the other part really wanted to "get away". Having had a hard winter (in many aspects of life not just the weather), I needed the sun, the clean, crisp air of early spring, the exercise from a long hike, and the adventure of a new place.

As the miles rolled under the tires of our overstuffed van, I felt my cares and worries fly out the window with each revolution. I was excited to see the National Park in my own "backyard" and I was eager to help Lane earn his next Jr. Ranger badge (btw a fantastic program put on by our NPS). After dozens of "Are we there yet?'s" , we pulled up to our campsite. Setting up camp is always an adventure, especially the first time for the season. Trying to figure out the pole configuration each time always gets us cracking up with laughter. Fortunately David and I are a great team and in no time we were "good to go". We jumped in the car again to check out all the highlights of Acadia on the Loop Rd. We played in tide pools on Sand Beach, heard the roar of the surf at Thunder Hole, explored beaver cuttings on Jordan Pond and picked up trash at Seal Harbor (a requirement for Lane's badge). After a hearty, one-pot meal, we sat around the campfire and read bedtime stories as the light faded. Lying in the tent, listening to the sound of the wind and animals in the woods, sleep washes over us.

I awake just as dawn is breaking. I can see enough to get a fire started up and enjoy my morning tea, alone, listening again to the sounds of the forest coming to life again. Peace and solitude---ahhhhh! Gradually other campers join in the sounds of breakfasts being prepared. We fill our bellies with pancakes and bacon, good fuel for our 4.2 mile hike up Cadillac Mt. The trail eases gently through the woods before gradually beginning to ascend. Ok Wendy, time to feel the burn. As we start to hit treeline, the views of the Mighty Atlantic appear, dotted with the many islands of Acadia. What beauty! I could stare at this for hours. The final push, legs slowing, breathing harder. The summit is at last gained. We plunk ourselves in the shelter of some rocks to enjoy a snack as the wind was blowing at gale force speeds. The 270 degree view of land, water and sky allows me to let go and enjoy the moment. All too soon, we must descend to camp, to life, to reality. But for now, my head is clear; the sun is soothing to my winter-white skin; I have sweated out life's poisons. Therapy this good is usually costly, but I had it all for a tank of gas and a $10 campsite.