Camping Solo

I've always wanted to go solo camping but never mustered the grit to go.  Being alone bothered me. Recently, I had an experience that thrust me into an opportunity and I discovered that being by myself does not mean that I am alone.

I was excited that the Outdoor Expo was going to be held this year. The Texas Avid Outdoor Expo is traditionally held in the Hills of Llano County.  Camping in the landscape is alluring and peaceful.  Among the Expo, attendees were liked minded adventurers who built and showcased vehicles that are self-reliant for camping and exploring the world.  This was my GAME!  

But a week prior to the event my wife opted out and days later, my son did as well. Not for any important reason, but just to stay home.  I started to second-guess whether to go or to stay with them. Worse, I started making excuses NOT to go such as,  "I have too much work at the office", "the weather was gonna be rainy and stormy", heck, I even said, "I'm gonna be lonely!" "What was going on with me?" I thought.  We always went camping as a family.  Did I get my feelings hurt?

The day before the event I noticed that the weather was getting better and I was running out of excuses.  So, instead of staying home with those who quash tradition, I decided to go.  Packing my gear and gassing up the steel horse I ride took a different type of sentiment.  

Solo camping eliminated my family's presence and participation.   This was my first solo camp, ever. 

The drive was a little over an hour and anxieties of being alone dissipated as I drove on the property   As soon as I was off the beaten path onto that which was familiar, my attitude adjusted.  With dirt on my tread and in between my toes, I approached the Expo registration table.  There, I recognized a familiar face from 3 years ago, his name is Laud.  We immediately started talking about past experiences of the Expo and camping.  Laud welcomed me back and gave me directions for the weekend.  I drove around the various camps and familiarity with why I camp came into perspective.  I found the perfect spot to set up base camp and commenced duties for comfort.  Ahh, I was camping alone!  But not really.    

Today, I know there is a certain amount of fear associated with being alone or without my family.  I can't quite pinpoint the reason for this.  But time with other people, outdoor enthusiasts, and familiar faces, is important.  Because I know that solo camping does not mean that I am alone.

There the days do not come and go in succession and the beginning of one day does not mean the end of another, all days are one simultaneously and without end and the life lived out in these days has itself no end.                                                                                                                -St. Augustine, 412 AD

Want to see more? Click the link below. 

Solo Camping

Want to hear more? Click the link below:

Solo Camp Discovery

 

 

Location: Oxford Ranch Campground, 11380 TX-16, Llano, TX 78643, USA

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