Comin' Round The Mountain

Day 2 -- the Journey continues - a recount

Provisions purchased and stowed away, Sedona and I headed out of Wytheville, crossing into North Carolina just one hour later. Morrow Mountain State Park, that day's destination, was east of I-77 in Albemarle, not too far off of SR 52. Despite the uneventful drive, butterflies nevertheless jumped into my stomach as I made my way through the state park. I’d never been here before or, for that matter, to any NC state park, so I had no idea of what I was getting myself into. Blessedly, my worries were all for naught. It was a lovely campground with tall pines and oaks that gave good shade. 

Set up was a snap and soon enough Sedona had her nose to the ground exploring the little square of land we’d be calling home for the next two days. Before settling in, we went back up to the park office and bought a couple bundles of firewood. Despite the promise of a warm evening, camping wouldn’t be camping without a campfire. After a simple dinner of grilled cheese and soup for me and a bowl of Purina One for the girl, I started the fire and kicked back; Sedona, totally worn out, lay sprawled on the ground at my feet.  Mesmerized by the flickering flames of the campfire, I took stock of the last two days and smiled. I’d done it. I had safely and successfully trailered the Turtle out of Ohio and through the mountains. Simple as that may seem, it gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

A couple of hours later, tucked snuggly inside the Turtle, we were being lulled to sleep by a chorus of night-singing. I remember very clearly, too, my last conscious thought of the night was: “Life is Good.”