The senior project is a period before graduation that is allotted to the seniors of Columbus Academy to design a project, complete it, and reflect on it. Sitting in the chemistry room, we listened to a teacher drone on about the importance of taking advantage of it, and how our project, in that it involved travel, gave us particular opportunities to make our trip worthwhile. I dreamed of the fresh air, delicious smelling fires, exercise while hiking to beautiful peaks, and fun adventures with my best friends. We were all so excited and felt that it was going to be an inspirational experience, so we started planning right away.
We spent a week tracking down supplies like a sturdy tent, cooking utensils, tarps, etc. We met with our biology teacher to learn the basics because we were all very inexperienced. We tromped out to our school’s fire pit and practiced building fires and tying knots. We even built our tent over and over again but when it came down to it, there was nothing we could do to simulate the largest problem we were going to encounter.
The first night there went something like this: I woke up in an inch of freezing water inside of our flooded tent in the isolated hills of Cataloochee. The rain had been getting into our tent for hours and we finally decided there was nothing we could do about it. We were waiting out the torrential downpour until morning. And really, a lot of the trip seemed like waiting.
I remember one day we hiked in a storm and it was difficult to hear each other, so we trudged through muddy hills in silence. Then we returned to the damp, stale-smelling tent and stayed there for the rest of the day.
Not to mention, each day we looked for the ranger and a place to buy firewood and ice, neither of which we found. So far, the trip seemed very different from the one I’d planned out in my head that day in the chemistry room. I’d imagined vast, breathtaking skies, but at night, there were no stars and there were no lights. I have never been so fully engulfed in complete and utter darkness.
However, what was really valuable about this trip happened inside the grey tent, in torrential downpour, and in perfect darkness. I finally had a moment to think clearly; I used the down time to reflect on the notion of going off to college and my senior year. When you spend the year working so hard and getting so little sleep, it is certainly a strange experience when it all stops and you’re given three weeks to live out in the woods. The hours I had to read books again, to write again, and to sit in one spot and know there was nothing else on earth that I should be doing instead, was invaluable. I felt like I could finally breathe and I was doing it in a place that was fresh and new.
I suppose travel works its magic like that; it takes you out of the everyday and puts you in situations you never would imagine. It allows you to experience something completely different. I think adapting to those differences is what leaves you in a place of vulnerability and with a perfect opportunity for self-reflection. Even the dampest of trips allowed me to escape the routine of my daily life and center myself so I could get back to being the person that I am.
Our documentary that we made afterwards is on my facebook page. Unfortunately it was too large to upload to YouTube. It's the most recent thing on my wall and the caption is "Video for Travel Scholarship"
Thank you!
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “With Travel It’s Always a Surprise: A Camping Adventure in the Smokey Mountains”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!