SOUND OF SILENCE

It was the perfect weekend to escape into the woods with our camper. Each year Cameron and I sit down and create a list of goals that we hope to accomplish in the new year. For me it was to use our new trailer at least 12 times in the year. I knew with the wedding this summer it would be fairly easy since the plan was to camp through the whole trip. But still any chance we could get I would beg Cameron to take the trailer out (he wasn't hard to persuade.) We found a close by state park that had a lake and spots right on the water. What more did we need?! We loaded up on a Friday after work and headed to Cheraw State Park. 
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The state park was beautiful. It was quiet and woodsy with all the makings for the perfect weekend. We backed the trailer in and set up camp for the next 2 days. On Saturday we woke up and the sun was shining into the camper. We opened the door of our waterfront vista and felt instant happiness. There is something about the peacefulness of nature while enjoying your morning coffee that just makes you feel full of joy. We decided that a long morning walk (it was still a little chilly since it was March) would warm us up until we could take the canoe on the water. The walk was amazing... the perfect morning in the woods enjoying nature. There was lots to capture with the camera and Luna had a good time sniffing all the foliage.

By afternoon it was perfect temperature for some lake touring. We loaded up the canoe and headed out. It was Lunas first time out in the canoe....we were a little unsure how she would do as a water bear. 

Turns out she did great!

We paddled quite a ways out where we discovered some trees growing through the middle of the lake. No really... they were gorgeous as they towered above us. Turns out it was a Cypress Forest! We quizzically admired the trees as Luna got a little anxious and wanted to return to land. After a quick admiration tour we headed back in to appease Luna. We decided to pack a cooler and leave the pup in the trailer while we took another tour of the water garden. We paddled back out to the standing trees only to find that we were alone in the water jungle with just us. I can't describe the silence and I don't really know if Cameron can either. It was a stillness like no other. We both had stopped paddling and were sitting in the middle of the lake in awe. Not a sound to be heard... If you ever want to experience solitude, I suggest taking a tour of the cypress trees. As they loom over you there are no words that need to be said. It's a feeling unimaginable and as Cameron and I shared that feeling I couldn't help but feel tears of joy. It was a rare beauty like nothing else I have experienced in life. I've seen the Grand Canyon. I have seen Niagara Falls, I have even seen a Hawaiian Volcano. This was different. It was a stillness that leaves you feeling whole. Where the only sound is the tree's occasional rustling in the wind. A brief trickle of water moving. And a very faint bird calling from across the lake. In all of the years Cameron and I have shared together that still stands as one of the most impactful moments when you realize your soulmate is in perfect harmony appreciating the stillness just like you. 
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After a long period of sitting in silence we headed back into shore. Neither of us speaking because nothing needed to be said. 
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When we arrived back into shore we were greeted by a happy pup. Tail wagging and dinner calling we started to prepare dinner....

Until....ROSE LOCKED US OUT! Yup.... our first camper mishap. I locked us out of the trailer....but wait there's more. I locked us out of the truck too! Am I embarrassed? Yup! Am I thankful there was a really friendly camping host that helped us? Yup!

​We ended up having to wait it out with our campground host (who nicely reassured us it happens to every rookie camping couple.) After about an hour of waiting out the lockout we were able to be saved by AAA and get back into the camper. Luna was definitely the happiest because it meant she finally could get food. Lesson learned always carry your keys outside of the camper when moving about the campsite. Minus the lockout it was a gorgeous weekend that meant so much to both of us. We loved Cheraw and will definitely go back to enjoy the Cypress Forest again!