Camping at Davidson River

I've spent the past few days camping at Davidson River Campground in Pisgah Forest with my son and his friend Ethan. We are all old hiking and camping buddies. Paul and Ethan (now 7 & 8 respectively) have been hiking or camping with each for four years now. They have joined me (often with Ethan's father, Eric) on walks in Pisgah Forest, camping at Hunting Island and Edisto Beach, and (most memorably) along thirty miles of Hadrian's Wall. Not bad for a couple of Hobbits!

It's always a delight to watch these two out in the woods. Both are perhaps far too intelligent for their own good--their conversations are often a hilarious mix of erudition and childhood assumptions--but they now know the woods like an old friend or an accustomed third companion. On this latest trip they skipped like billy goats up mountain paths, swam rivers, tried to net trout, and battled each other with sticks-turned-swords. One of the highlights for me was sitting with both of them on top of Black Balsam Mtn. watching the sunset behind the mountains. We all agreed that God is an extraordinary artist.

I know that not every child gets to enjoy such experiences. I also know that not every dad gets to enjoy watching them drink in those experiences. It's the small pleasures such as these that see me through the one draw back of these two companions: no peace and quiet!