Get Lost but don't try it at home.

I camped at night once, in the woods, all alone. I survived. I've told few friends and none of my family. I'm just enough of a weirdo to have really enjoyed and I'll do it again. I wasn't far out into the wilderness or even super deep into a local forest. It was in Maryland and I could hear the hum of road traffic not far away on the Clara Barton expressway. I even ate dinner at an Italian restaurant just minutes off the trail before I made a campfire and sat alone with my thoughts before going to sleep. It was like deciding to go out to dinner and a movie alone but the movie was just me in the woods with my tent and a small fire. I'd give the experience a 10 on rotten tomatoes.

I've camped in the spot about 12 miles north of Georgetown once before a  few times before with friends. We'd all gotten there by riding our bikes packed with tents, sleeping gear and some food. We spent the evening hanging out and talking by the fire while eating camp food. Months later, I got the idea to camp at the same location alone to experience the night air and a crackling fire in solitude. 

I got there again on a bicycle and carried what I needed with me to be dry and comfortable. Of course it rained. It rained on my way to the campsite and it rained late and night and into the wee hours of the morning. I even rode home in a slight drizzle. For the main event, the night's feature presentation, it was perfectly dry. I was alone, unplugged and sitting with myself in a way that dates back to the most primitive of times. I designed it so that getting to that moment would be only as complicated as I wanted. 

I created an experience that I could have again on a whim without the burden of too much preparation. It's simple enough to have a sleeping bag and tent ready pack. The centuries-old tow path leading out of the city is easy to reach. Nearly anyone with a bike and a tent living in DC with the desire for a peaceful break from the current state of hyper connectivity and stimulation can indulge. Let me know if you want to know more.