January 5th, 2015
Congaree National Park – West Boundary
The work day is over and I sit in the sunset at west boundary. I’m enjoying the last light of the day and the cool air settling in around me. It’s hard to leave the twilight. There is something appealing about this transition time – the day ends and the night begins. Some nights, however, are stranger than others.
In the distance not too far away, a loud cat-like noise breaks the calm. A few moments later, something large is walking near – maybe 75 meters away. A squirrel sounds in the distance with a warning. I am still but vigilant. My skin crawls and my heart beats faster. I wonder what is near but I find nothing and silence.
I know that it is time to head back to the fieldhouse. However, I want to experience the nighttime. It wouldn’t be hard to let the stories creep into the front of my mind. There are stories about River Trail. People have reported that they have heard children just out of sight. They expect to see them as they come closer. Right around the bend, they will be there, but nothing. There is also the grey-lady that I believe is supposed to walk this path. I do not know her story but the forms in front of me could easily be mistaken as a person.
I resettle my mind. Then, a strange sound is heard in the distance. Could it be waterfowl on the river? Perhaps, the sound was more canid. I do not know and all is calm. I walk in that direction back to the truck.
High water in the park creates an eerie feeling tonight. I have to cross flooded sections of the old dirt road. I make sure the truck is in four-wheel drive and music on the radio keeps me company. Alone, I drive back in the dark. Soon, the first gate appears in the headlights. I can’t help but think of the grey-lady. I cannot pass without leaving the safely of my vehicle. As my focus is on the lock, a chill runs up my spine. I remind myself that I do not believe in such things.
I keep a journal while in the field. My thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the outdoors are preserved for reflection. Recently, I thought that I would share some of these entries in the form of short essays. These small tidbits here and there tell the story of my adventures in a raw format.