Isolation. It’s a thing these days. Good thing there are plenty of spots within a couple hours drive to do just that. No driving through communities or interacting with people, just getting out to hear the wind in the trees.
We headed east on a recent Friday, and found a spot to park in the sage. We didn’t see anyone but did hear some coyotes and an owl in the distance. I sometimes wonder if it is the same ones following us around from camp to camp. The next day we stopped by crack in the ground to, well, see the crack in the ground.
There was a bit of snow on and off, as there is likely to be on a spring day. We made our way to the lost forest to find a spot for the next two nights. Once we worked our way past the dunes and into the forest we didn’t see another soul for two peaceful days.
We were able to enjoy a cross country hike while in the lost forest, enjoying the rolling sand dunes, large trees and signs of spring. The day we arrived I noted ‘abundant bluebirds’ and had the camera poised and ready for the shot. The next morning, just like that they were nowhere to be seen. Three miles of wandering, not one bluebird. (They seem to have remained in camp)
For an area with no surface water there are still lots of signs of life. It’s quite amazing an entire forest ecosystem can persist out here.
For the past two years on this weekend we made the trek to Hager Mountain Lookout. This year we planned a trip to a backcountry yurt in Idaho. Either way it was not to be with all such things being cancelled. I think we came up with a good alternative.
We returned to camp to find the bluebirds waiting for us.
The next morning we were up and packing camp to hit the road. We had one more spot to explore nearby. We didn’t get quite as far as I hoped due to snow in shaded spots but we were able to find another spot to spend a quiet night with no one nearby. A roaring campfire ensued
I’m looking forward to our next opportunity for some isolation.
