Solitude and Opportunities

January 2025 Pt. 2

Laying back with eyes fixed on our books, each wrapped in an Irish blanket, we glance at each other simultaneously, knowing what the other is thinking. Shifting our gaze across the space, our children playing happily on the bed with legos.

The weather outside is a cold 10F, but inside we would have never known. The soft hum from the wood burning stove ever present, while its heat radiates around the camper. With plenty of beech and oak to burn through, we acknowledge a moment of pure abundance through our unspoken glances.

Peering out the frosted windows, we see nothing but tall White Oaks that treat us like welcomed guests. This campground is only about 15 minutes away from the last we stayed. It’s free to stay and surrounded by scenic trails. During the summer months it gets light traffic from weekenders who venture into the forest for recreation. Few will stay during the week to unplug. This time of year, however, the campground is empty, besides our camper tucked back in the far corner, away from the world.

There is bliss to be had when alone in the woods during the winter time. All is quiet besides the crows in the early morning and the occasional howling from the coyotes during the night. The cold presents an atmosphere of calmness outside, while the warmth from the wood stove comforts us inside. Being off grid without electricity, the wood stove makes the serenity possible.