Dear Friends,
Deviled eggs?
Yep.
Strawberries?
Got ‘em.
Sunscreen?
Got that, too.
Folding chairs?
Ready to go.
Cell phone coverage?
As we checked off our list of items to bring with us to DuPont State Forest near Brevard, NC, that last item – cell phone coverage – actually wasn’t on the list at all. That’s because we assumed that this 10,000-acre park filled with hiking trails and waterfalls was in the zone, within range, or whatever it is that allows those invisible radio waves rippling overhead to find our little devices.
I mean, it wasn’t like we were heading off into the wilderness with no plumbing or something.
However, as we got closer to the park’s entrance, there was nary a bar showing on our phones. Not a big deal – except for the fact that we were meeting up with six members of Gail’s family, who were driving in from South Carolina. Previously, we’d made loose plans on where to rendezvous and figured we’d send a few quick texts as we got closer to our destination to nail down the details.
Unfortunately, no coverage meant no details.
So, after circling two different parking lots in our vehicle like vultures waiting for a space to open (we weren’t the only ones who thought a Sunday morning hike and picnic were good ideas) and then waiting and hoping that Gail’s family might choose the same lot (they didn’t), we decided to make the best of it. We unloaded our dog Leo out of the back seat. We hooked on his leash and set off on one of the trails toward Triple Falls.
Perhaps we’d bump into some relatives en route. And, if we didn’t, we’d get in a nice walk anyway.
As the path made its scenic ascent alongside Little River, yellow Monarch butterflies floated around us and blooming Rhododendrons brightened our way. We met lots of other two- and four-legged hikers. We felt grateful to be outdoors together on a mild day. And Leo – who is 13 and starting to slow down – clearly enjoyed the adventure.
Later that afternoon, as we made our way back to the parking lot, we spotted our long-lost family. It seems they parked their car and did exactly what we’d just done – gave up looking for us and went on a nice walk anyway. With not much time left and no picnic tables nearby, we popped open our chairs and coolers and had a late lunch tailgate style. Then, a few of us squeezed in a short walk to a nearby smaller waterfall before it was time to head home.
While we may have been without cell coverage, ultimately it seems we weren’t out of touch with what mattered most – a little acceptance and our willingness to embrace a change in plans. And, at the end of the day, there were a few laughs, full bellies and a rather happy hiker.
Warmly,
Terry