Day One: Launching Westward
I launched my adventure this morning after hugs, scratches, and kisses. With the truck loaded, I rolled out with anticipation and a side order of jitters. But I didn't even make it out of North Carolina before the road reminded me that nothing goes quite as planned. Interstate 40 came to a dead stop for over an hour after an 18-wheeler crossed the median and struck a vehicle head-on. A sobering start to the journey.
Despite the delay, I managed to cover over 500 miles and drive more than 10 hours to reach tonight's destination -- a wild camping site at Dutchman Lake in the Shawnee National Forest. My first attempt at a campsite was at a trailhead just off a gravel road, but two vehicles parked nearby looked like they'd been camped out for a while. Trash was scattered around, and as I sat in the truck trying to get my bearings (while wrestling with a weak cell signal), one of the occupants wandered over -- clearly drunk -- and asked if I had any fishing hooks. He was probably harmless, but I wasn't thrilled about being without service and already attracting attention.
So I drove up the road and found a much better spot: tucked beside a boat ramp, right on the lake. My truck is off the main gravel road and out of view, and I've got one precious bar of cell service -- just enough to check in with Robin and let her know where I landed. I also tested my Garmin inReach satellite communicator, which has served me well on past adventures, and sent her my GPS coordinates. She was able to respond right away.
That inReach has always been a solid lifeline when I'm off-grid. We've used it for years when I've been out in the wild without any cell coverage. It's a simple thing, but it gives both of us peace of mind.
As tempting as it was to keep pushing west -- I tend to lock into "task mode" once I have a goal -- Robin's voice echoed in my mind, reminding me to enjoy the journey. I'm glad I listened. Looking out over the lake, the scene is peaceful. Blue herons glide low across the water. I found this location using the iOverlander app, which noted a mosquito problem, but there haven't been any tonight.
Dinner was simple but satisfying: a salad pulled together from the fridge, topped with fresh veggies and a generous scoop of hummus. I've been grazing all day -- nuts, apples, bananas.
There's a small part of me that feels uneasy camping here without a solid door and lock. But I remind myself: I've slept in hammocks, ultralight tents, and backcountry campsites with far less protection. And I always wake up just fine. I'm trusting that tonight will be no different.
The night is quiet now. The lake is still. The truck feels comfortable. It's the beginning of something -- not just the miles ahead, but the space to rediscover what I'm out here for.
Saying goodbye to T’Chat
Camping spot on Dutchman Lake in the Shawnee National Forest