During the days before the
Appalachian Trail, many of the weekends are spent driving up into east Texas and camping in the
Sam Houston National Forest. Yes, after the workweek ended, this Wayƒarer in preparation for the upcoming long walk, would get into the mental mode of being outdoors by spending time at Double Lake Campground.
Here, he would go for long walks in the surrounding forest while contemplating his
life journey. Often, he chooses campsite number fourty-four because it is the closest site to the bathroom and shower house.
Some days he chooses to go on a walk in the forest; other days, he remains in the campsite to write in his journal or to draw sketches in his sketch book.
(self2-a1) Double Lake Campsite 44, Fireplace, Coldspring, Texas
Sunday, 05 Novermber 1978, Double Lake Campground, TX.
Coldspring, Texas 41°F. 6:30 am, cloudy
Today, I walk to the lake so that I might swim a mile. I am in training for my hike on the Appalachian Trail and suppose that this swim will help in that effort. This is the third time for me to do the mile swim and my first time here in Double Lake. The previous two times were at Grand Lake and Tall Timbers Scout summer camps.
Previously, I had measured the distance along the shore of the roped off swimming area to find it to be seventy four feet wide. After dividing a mile by this distance, find that I must needs swim thirty-six laps.
Upon arriving at the waters edge, I kick off my sandals, walk in and swim out to the north corner near the rear buoy to begin and swim along the rope′s length. I start slow and continue for what I guess is over three hours. After the last lap, I decide to do one extra and then swim to shore. I am totally exhausted and find it hard to stand up when I arrive at the shore. The walk back to the campsite is also slow. I have much time, several hours before the sunset, so decide to sketch the fireplace in my sketch book.
Sunday, 04 May 1980, Double Lake Campground, TX.
Coldspring, Texas 51°F. 6:30 am, overcast
I arise early today and cook a small meal of oats with molasses and hot tea. Then I change into my shorts and sandals and head towards the water because I am swimming a mile in Double Lake. This will be the forth time in my life that I will have swam a mile and this will be the second time here in Double Lake.
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