Conferring Generally

This weekend for General Conference, Natalie and I had been planning to go camping. We had attended a ward camp out just a week before and enjoyed it immensely. We wished it had lasted longer and the possibility of getting out there again so soon was exciting. We also had the choice of riding up to Dutch John with Johnita, Angel and Wayne. The latter is what we decided to do.

However, as the time of departure arrived, it was clear to me that it might not be the best time to cram ourselves into a five-person car and submit ourselves to close living quarters with so many others for the weekend. Natalie wasn't feeling well and was easily affected by decision-making stress. I also just felt like we should go camping, like it was something we needed.

By any measure, it shouldn't have been the best decision. By the time we solidly made this choice, it was 6:30 pm. I had found a campsite online that didn't require reservations. It would be about 30 minutes up Squaw Peak Trail, but we hadn't even started collecting provisions and food. It would be dark by the time we'd get there and we still had to go to the store to pick up a few things we might need.

However, once a decision has been made, Natalie is a creature of efficiency. She made a couple quick lists for the things we needed to collect from home and the store. She pulled out the foil and cut up some vegetables and thawed some hamburgers. She gathered clothing and other useful items as I loaded the car with the tent, sleeping bags, and other general equipment. It actually didn't take all that long to get everything ready with a wife like Natalie.

We scoped out our selection of cots after we made it to the store. Natalie's back and sense of temperature had a bad experience with the ground a week before, despite sleeping bags. We selected a couple and moved on to the marshmallow aisle. After checking out, we started our way toward Provo Canyon. By this time, it was dark.

I appreciate Google Maps' satellite imagery a lot. Living in my browser's cache, we made sure we were taking the right route and Natalie warned me as we approached each hairpin. At 6,500 feet, we arrived at Hope Campground and found a spot. The caretaker with the kind dog collected money from us almost immediately after finding our spot. Natalie set out to give volume to the tent as I scoured the woods with my flashlight for fire wood.

The peace settled on us almost as soon as we pulled in. This was where we should be. Satisfaction and fulfillment applied their magic as I picked up each dead stick and took them to the fire pit. Nat was winning the battle with the poles and canvas. A propane torch assisted me in starting our coals.

There were plenty of bumps along the way, as there must be. I became a little more frustrated each time we realized we had forgotten another object or utensil we needed. Some college kids decided it would be a good idea to arrange a sleepover right next to us and continue talking until after 2:00 am. But all in all, we felt great.

The next morning we flipped on the radio and made breakfast as General Conference accompanied us. I admit to having a hard time paying attention to conference in whatever form of media. This weekend was no exception, but being among the bare Creation allowed me to fine-tune some. The Sun bore witness to the beauty of the world, specifically that of this spot during an autumn change. It's my new favorite way to experience conference.

After the first session, we went down the hill to pickup forgotten provisions and Marné who was more than happy to stay with us for the next day.

My body feels rested, my mind at peace. I was not always a happy camper, but I am a more vigorous soul for being outdoors all weekend. And now as our week begins, I feel ready to tackle it.