Photos and Story // Sera Lindsey
Hikers // Hannah Harding, Ashley Snively, and Nayung Chang.
Music // Ozarks // See them live at the Stay Wild EXPO
I typically don’t find myself in what could be called “college-student havens” very often. I didn’t when I was in college, either. “Secret spots” where you were bound to find condoms, broken bottles, cigarette butts, and poorly extinguished bonfires never made major appearances in my life. Perhaps I found it all a bit tacky. Yesterday, however, I ended up at Deep Creek. After a two-mile walk into the canyon, you’re suddenly surrounded by boulders, water, a healthy number of naked people enjoying the hot springs, the cool creek, and a possible 40 or joint. I laughed to myself upon seeing it. Phil and I walked through the cold water to what appeared to be a fraternity on a nature trip. Two boys fell into the middle pool, and one said, “Damn this one is biiiig.” The other in his Beavis & Butthead boxers confirmed: “The bigger the better, bro!”
I have no idea why, but this shook me into a playful awareness of life. I giggled. Drunk people, stoned people, giddy people, naked people, people unsure of how naked they wanted to be, newbies, tenured elders, big dogs, little dogs, dreadlocked children, brown-skinned babies, pierced nipples, weird tattoos, and plenty of genitalia were all there in the hot water pouring from one pool into another, into another, into another. It was a lot to take in. I worried about my bag getting wet, the rocky creek floor on my bare feet, and the crowd. I had expected a quiet Sunday, but expectations can definitely lead you astray, and make you miss whatever greatness is already there. A girl offered snacks to everyone, and we had fresh fruit in the sun. My body felt free, and the hodgepodge of culture was a perfect escape from the humdrum of a typical brunch crowd. People opened up about themselves, asked questions, talked about their lives... it was a great moment of sharing. Everyone was welcome.
On the drive home we managed to sink the car into a ditch. The sun was nearly down and there was a moment’s pause. We laughed. Sighed. Phil got out his AAA card and before he could finish dialing, a car pulled up behind us. There was a novelty license plate which read “REDNECK,” and out from the car emerged two Mexican guys accompanied by a very large redhead. He proceeded to locate and wedge a plank under the tire while the others sat and bounced on the elevated car rear. We exchanged hugs and were gone in less than five minutes.
I quietly considered the people we met. No one had left an individually lasting impression, but as a whole the day felt full of kindness. Humans surprise me constantly, and when I get away and let life simply be, without attempting to cater or shape a situation or experience... that’s when I’m most moved. There was nothing complicated about any of it. Simplicity can be stunningly powerful.
