Adventure is Everywhere...Just Look

     Adventure can be found anywhere, anywhere one looks that is. On a recent business trip to North Carolina I stumbled upon a beautiful respite from as I was going to pickup my dinner for the night. Driving along I saw a sign for Durant Nature Preserve North entrance. Quickly I consulted my trusty GaiaGPS app and found that there was indeed an area that looked promising. Two lakes and five miles of secluded trails revealed themselves to me. After grabbing some Tom Yum soup and a sushi appetizer, I made my way into the park to see what awaited. A brief stop at the information kiosk and I was on my way to the lake.  Visions of a shore line surrounded by trees filled my head as I embarked down a well maintained six foot trail into the forest.  After a short half mile walk and a quick stop to read about beavers common to the area, I was rewarded with a most tranquil scene in which to enjoy my dinner.  With the sounds of nature all around and a cool breeze blowing ever so slightly, I setup my hammock (never leave home without one) and began to unwind for the days work.
    I made quick work of the sushi and savored the soup as it cooled all the while rocking in my hammock and enjoying the relaxing sounds of birds chit chatting in the trees all around.  Having a full belly and feeling the pressures of the day falling away, I was pleased to find a strong cellular signal available with which I used to begin this post.  Keeping an eye on the time as the preserve closed at 8:00 pm, I was surprised when I realized it was five minutes until closing time.  I quickly packed up and headed back to the parking lot hoping the gate had not been locked.  Timing is everything... while huffing it back to the car I was rewarded with a farewell surprise.  A momma dear and her fawn stood within feet of the trail just as interested in me as I was of them.  Only when I passed did they turn and run.  A minute before, or a minute after, and I would have missed seeing two beautiful dears.
    Fortunately the gate was electronic and opened as I drove up.  There was a letter on my windshield advising that I had violated the park hours of operation and that my car's make, model and license had been recorded.  And there you go.  An adventure that was just waiting to be had with no planning, no muss, and no fuss.

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