In late February, we took Nancy Smith on her first-ever backpacking trip. Cumberland Island National Seashore was the destination because of the mild winter weather, the flat terrain, and its sheer beauty.

From the moment we stepped onto the island, this trip was heaven (but then again, it always is on Cumberland). We had a bit of a scare when the ranger told us that Stafford Beach campsite, our first night’s destination, was full. Would we have to stay two nights at Sea Camp (the full-service campground)? Would we have to hike 5 miles to Hickory Hill campsite? Would we have to lie and sneak into Stafford after dark? Luckily, the ranger understood our situation and allowed us to camp near the boy scout group that had Stafford.

Nancy was a brilliant hiker–carrying 20-25 pounds, she kept a steady pace, was patient while I climbed trees, and asked for what she needed. Here are a few excerpts from her journal of the trip:

“My tent was pitched between two low hanging live oak branches that were like embracing arms around it and me, between the fire ring and the bathroom facility.  Jonah & Dana’s tent was in a semi-secluded spot next to the fire ring, and the bear bag was hung high across from it. …

“We took naps, then Dana & i went to refill the water containers at a tap a short way further down the trail and purify it. We gathered firewood, which the scouts had picked over pretty well including from the area right next to our tents. Jonah woke up after we got the fire going and we cooked red beans and rice with summer sausage on the camp stove (no MREs for us – surefoot adventures does gourmet meals!) …

“When it got dark, we walked over to the beach to stargaze.  Even more beauty, as the stars away from the city are always brighter.  We could hear the surf from our tents all night (when we were awake) – Cumberland lullaby.  When we got back to our campsite, we were too tired even for hot cocoa (i had brought my special Ghiradelli mix). So we tied up the bear bag and went to bed.  It was only 8, but it is dark in the woods and what else is there to do? …

“At about 4 AM, I woke and knew my blood sugar was low. I should have had some cocoa.  I was hot and felt weak.  Glucose meter said blood sugar was 59.  Problem:  the glucose tabs and all the snacks were up in the bear bag for safekeeping against the raccoons.  I managed to get it down on my own even tho the pots crashed noisily to the ground, waking the sleeping campmates.  They were good about it, calling out to see if it was me or a raccoon and was I ok, but did not get up til I couldn’t untie the knots and called Jonah over.  He came willingly, and when I didn’t need his help anymore, went right back to sleep.  The whole trip was like that – concern, but never oversolicitousness, from both of them.  Confidence that I could handle whatever came up and that I would ask for help if I needed it. Anyway, I took the tablets and some raisins and other snacks back into the tent with me and kept them there for the rest of that night and the next.  Settled back down and slept til 8 or so. …

“The next day, after we broke camp, we hiked up the beach about halfway to Sea Camp.  it seemed to go much faster for me – was getting acclimated.  Yesterday seemed to take forever. … For dinner, we had the long-awaited four-cheese tortellini, and it was worth the wait.  Superlative!  After cleanup, we had hot chocolate before retiring, for the sake of my blood sugar levels.  The sleeping bag and I were even on better terms.  (I could get good at this camping thing in time!) …

“It is good to get away from everydayness to a place where it is easier to notice the holiness of all things, to connect, appreciate, get in touch with the soul, with Spirit, to find an altar in the world.”

I couldn’t say it any better, myself. We got to watch silly armadillos bumble about, I jumped in the ocean comfortably in the middle of February, there was tree-climing galore, and the sky was blue and clear. This trip was a joy – seeing Nancy enjoying the wilderness and getting to explore a place that I love, and I look forward to visiting Cumberland again soon!