So, Friday afternoon, I did just that. Everything at home was taken care of and I didn't have to work that day, so by 1pm, I was packing my trusty air mattress and a few things to head out of town and discover something new, plus to find a really cool spot to spend that blue moon night.
I wanted to go rock hunting for some reason. I thought it'd be neat to discover a cool geode or interesting crystal, in the place where they actually come from - not from the typical places I get such things, like a psychic fair, the flea market or the bookstore. So, after a few Google searches, I knew I needed to head for the North Georgia Mountains - the Appalachian Foothills.
I spent most of my time on GA400 driving and talking on the phone to my kids. Ok, talking is putting it lightly. I do believe at one point I was yelling. :( I was getting frustrated and losing my cool completely because it seemed like absolutely no one could help me find a camping spot around the Dahlonega, GA area, the place I had decided to stay because of all of the old gold mines there.
So, when I finally called the Georgia State Parks reservation line, I thought the day had been saved. But, nope - their computer system was down and they couldn't help me a bit. OMG - I started to get so irritated. Arrggghhh!
There was obviously something greater at work here than I knew. It seemed like there was a tug-o-war going on between me and some kind of force. I finally just gave into that and just started driving - something that has never failed me in the past. This time was no exception.
After making one final stop for bugspray, ice, beer and steaks (the camping must-haves), I just let go of the frustration and started enjoying the scenery and didn't worry one more bit about where I would sleep.
After taking a few side roads along the way and exploring the Northwest side of Lake Lanier, I went through a really cool ghost town, Auraria. There are a few buildings still standing in what was once a town of gold miners. I didn't stop and take pictures like I would normally, figuring I would come back at some point over the next few days.
I was on a rural highway somewhere, I have no idea exactly where and haven't been able to find the spot again since it happened. It was still early and I had not quite reached my destination yet, but for some reason, I was compelled to pull off at this little convenience store.
I got out, stretched my legs and almost got back in the car. I had plenty of cold drinks and snacks and I had my GPS, so I didn't really have a good reason to go in there at that moment, but I did anyway. I guess I figured I'd buy some candy or something and maybe let Rita out for a minute.
So, I went into the store and instead of shopping, I got in line. Then a man got in line behind me. I had nothing in my hands to buy and I guess was just going to ask the cashier for something interesting to see in the area. Instead, I turned to the man behind me and out my mouth came the question if he knew a good place to camp.
I didn't know why at the time, but he was visibly startled and fumbled for words and then finally told me that he just happened to own the campground in town. He said if I followed him, he'd take me there. So, I exited the line, went and got in my car and waited for him to pull out in his truck. I then followed him a few miles away, down windy country roads, to the Etowah River Campground.
Turns out, this place was just a few miles from Dahlonega and is in an incredibly serene location, right on the river. The park is well-kept and the people friendly. I didn't know any of that when I started following him though. And, as Darrell (that's his name btw) and I later discussed, I had no reason to believe that he wasn't going to murder me or something - he was a complete stranger, telling me to follow him into the woods. I think moms warn their kids against doing stupid shit like this. Not this mom, but most moms-ya, probably on the list of "I'll kill you if you're not already dead" kinda things.
Within just a few minutes of setting up camp in an isolated primitive spot, the kids just started congregating around me. There was this one little girl who I connected with right away. We were talking like we were old friends. She was 9, blond, bossy and had a stroller-riding chihuahua named Bandit. She was an old soul and she oozed with character.
Turns out this brilliant little girl was Darrell and Jaki's daughter, the owners of the campground.
I fell asleep under her glow with the sound of crickets and children playing in the moonlight.
I woke up early the next morning, ready to discover something new and exciting. Unfortunately, within hours, Rita was throwing up. Poor thing had obviously eaten something she shouldn't have, so we sadly had to pack up and head home 2 whole days ahead of time.
Who knows, maybe there was just as much reason for me leaving early, as there was for me finding the wonderful place to begin with. I hope to go back soon. The campground is a mix of residents and travelers, the facilities are really decent and there is so much to discover in the area. Fortunately, I did get to explore a while before Rita had us headed home, adventures that I will recap in another posting soon.
If you ever have a chance, please go meet these great people and enjoy the relaxed and safe environment at the Etowah River Campground (www.etowahrivercampground.com).
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| It's possible that the kids liked me because I let them play with fire, listen to raunchy music & fill up on cookies. |