Day 64: Joy Riding Around Lake Oconee

After finding a good site to camp and exploring the area by foot, I like to drive around and explore the area by van. This is what I did yesterday evening. Having walked woods, trails, and roads for a few days during my stay at the Oconee WMA hunt camp, I went to Publix for some Vizzies and food to cook over a fire. Then I took the long way back to the campsite, driving around Lake Oconee and crossing the main bridge over the lake. It reminded me of driving around Lake Chautauqua in New York where my family had a cottage.

After crossing the lake near Publix, I passed marinas, seafood restaurants, local businesses, vacation homes, shoddy homes, boat ramps, fishing shores, and, when I got to Route 16, an abandoned building with a rusty sign that advertised a once-fun place to get ice cream or snacks.

Route 16 is part of a scenic byway in Georgia that led to a dirt road that I had to catch in order to get back to the campsite. I traveled on this dirt road for five miles, positioning the van center over deep, sunken tractor treads, then pulled off to the side to appreciate the setting sun, over a beautiful land beaten by logging and controlled burning.

I want to go on more van rides like this, especially in peaceful, well-maintained states like Georgia. And, during these rides, I want to be fully present. I don’t want to take my phone out and take time-lapse videos like I did when driving around Lake Oconee. I want to appreciate the drive and the land that surrounds here and now.