I’m not doing numbered days, that’s too much pressure for me.
I’m finding it hard to update from the road right now. I’m not sure if that’s cause I haven’t found my travel groove yet, or because I haven’t actually camped.
Let’s do a quick recap
Saturday
I was shooting to leave by 9am, so when I got on the road at 1pm, you know I was already twitchy. I had planned stops to pick some things up and drop some things off on the way, which was fine except when I left four hours later than planned, I had to rearrange things on the fly. All was well until I had a meltdown when I realized I forgot something really special at home. I realized what was happening and pulled off at a rest stop to gather myself. I used all the skills I’ve learned to calm myself down and make a plan for the next step. I made a plan to get said item (ship it, mom!) and continued on my journey. I picked up my new tent (explanation later) and headed to see my BFF at the new house she and her husband just built. The house is immeasurably fantastic and I’m so happy to see them both thriving in their new place. Robyn and Rob have been so great for each other and seeing them in a great place in life is inspiring to me. I can make that for myself too. I ended up staying a couple days, since I arrived so late on Saturday.
Sunday
We went on a hike at Seidman Park (https://goo.gl/maps/cLfReBqfVCYPQt7ZA) and I realized that I’m JUST a bit out of hiking shape, whoops. Spent the day relaxing and just enjoying time with good people in my life.
Monday
I packed up my stuff and headed toward my last stop in Michigan, New Buffalo. I had heard about the place from one of my med team (that’s what I like to call my therapist and docs cause there are many) and saw it would be a great place to launch into Lake Michigan.
Well when I got there, it was the shittiest day possible. Rainy and wet and cold, so I said no way. I kept on going until I got to Benton Harbor. I didn’t have time to find a campground and set up, so I found an overnight lot and slept in the car. It really wasn’t that bad! I have a windshield cover, and things to put up to block out light from the other windows. I got a decent amount of sleep and then headed out again.
Tuesday
My goal for today was to acquire the Satellite GPS that I had arranged to pick up from Facebook Marketplace. I arranged the pick up and headed to meet him. Really great guy, turns out he likes hammock camping and photography and a lot of the same stuff I do! Maybe we were supposed to meet each other for some reason, you never know.
I was going to stay at Indiana Dunes State Park, but since it was so crappy out and early in the day, I figured I’d head for Starved Rock State Park in IL. I made it there, and found the campground. I paid to stay one night, drove around both loops an had a hard time finding a site I liked. I finally settled on one, and shit just didn’t go right. It was muddy as hell, I didn’t want to set the tent up, so I would have to hammock. I set everything up and I still just wasn’t feeling it. I looked at my watch and realized I hadn’t eaten since the morning, so here was my first test.
I’m in a situation which isn’t going to get better if I don’t get food, but I’m in a place where I can’t really get any until I make decisions on what to do. I changed my mind, and wavered on decisions, but ultimately I made the choice to leave the campsite. It really makes me sick to think I wasted that $25, but I didn’t feel like I should stay there. I made my way to a Love’s Truck Stop (I think these are my fav so far) and converted the car to a sleeping pod once again.
Wednesday (TODAY)
Woke up feeling pretty rested! I mean, not great, and camping in my hammock will certainly be better, but it wasn’t bad. The absolute best part was deciding to pay for a shower. $15 seemed like a lot, but I took full advantage of no time limits. A shower really does make you feel like a new man.
I’m wrapping this up and heading now to Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve for some waterfall hikes!
I know this update was long awaited 😉
I’m working on a way to update from mobile, even video! Stay tuned
-A