Sometimes, when wandering, there are tedious things, which still must be attended to. Do not shirk these basic responsibilities, unless in the event of something awesome… like Oregon Trail.
As I am wandering I am unable to predict the weather accurately it appears. This is part of my flightiness, because I check the weather where I am, not where I am going. Fortunately though it got cooler last night, it did not rain much, and I was not awakened by the storm. It was so peaceful, waking up early with the sun. The campground offered a place for me to do laundry as well as shower, and that was a nice way to relax in the wilderness. I took some time to rearrange the car and ensure that everything was ready for the trip this weekend.
Mama C had told me to not be at her house before noon, and since I awoke early I was able to take some time and relax, reading in my tent. I can’t honestly tell you the last time I was able to just lie around somewhere reading. It was a nice morning and I had clean clothes and clean hair. My ears were still having a heck of a time, but overall, my life felt very manageable.
I decided to take off a little early and stop for coffee somewhere along the way to Mama C’s. Unfortunately, I never got my coffee…
As I was driving from Blue Springs Lake to Lake Jacoma I saw a sign that had a Buffalo on it, pointing to the left. I quickly rearranged my path and took that left. I sent Mama C a text saying “Going Buffalo hunting, see you after I catch one!” I am not sure how many miles I drove following signs with a Buffalo on it, finally coming upon a large fenced off area. Unfortunately there were no Buffalo to be caught, the caravan will probably die of starvation. Little Timmy has been bit by a rattle snake, and we don’t know if we can ford the river. (Please tell me you got this reference… if not… see the intro line!).
For you city folk who are reading this… THIS IS NOT A BUFFALO! It is however a beautiful Bull Elk which is also preserved in the Buffalo enclosure. Originally he was at the far end of this field, but slowly moved towards me, running gracefully. It was a really gorgeous sight.
After wandering around the park some more, driving to see if I could find more Buffalo, I moved on to Mama C’s.
You see… Mama C and I carpooled to Macon, MO together so we could do a TR Region 7 Leadership weekend with our crew. It was a nice drive up, where I learned so much more about Mama C than I had known before, and it was extremely enjoyable. Mama C has not only been a great second mom, but she has also been a cherished mentor and friend. I am so lucky to have her in my life. I honestly do not know where I would be today (6 ft under??), if my TR R7 Team had not entered my life. I can honestly say I owe these folks my life.
Upon arrival in Macon it was like a joyous family reunion outside of the hotel. I think we sat outside for 4 or 5 hours (with a break for dinner). Eventually we had 13 of 14 people there and it was a rowdy bunch. We had a couple of folks I had not met yet. When my Brain arrived I ran to her and almost tackled her with excitement. I don’t know how I ever lived without my Brain. Papa B was also all about giving out some big wolf hugs and working my poor injured shoulder till I about fell asleep!
Sometimes these things seem tedious, the driving, the packing, the laundry and showers. Even the greetings and catching up can seem tedious. There are moments where you run off after a road sign that has a Buffalo and arrow on it, and there are other times where you hug your friends who are like family and don’t let go, because you don’t get to be near them very often. Every weekend like this seems awfully tedious, but it’s really not. It’s something so special, despite looking so darn ordinary.
Signing off from Macon, MO.