Calypso Rides Again

Calypso made her third voyage on October 14. Dan and I want to camp in every state park in Tennessee, unfortunately some parks don’t have campgrounds. The second voyage was to Bledsoe Creek, near Gallatin, Tennessee. I’ll add that one in later.

Number three took us to Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park near Camden, Tennessee. It is named for the Confederate General during the Civil War. It’s a beautiful park that sits on the Tennessee River and Kentucky Lake. There are over 2000 acres of forest to wander. It’s a small campground and the only lakefront sites are for primitive camping only. That’s not for me, Calypso offers me all the comforts of home in a more rustic setting!

If you love hiking there are miles of trails. There’s even a 20 mile loop for the experienced hiker. The camp host told me that lots of people hike that trail in preparation for future hikes like the Appalachian Trail. There is a short trail right at our site that joins that trail about quarter of a mile in. That’s more to my liking. I can go for a one mile hike or a ten mile hike and come right back to my campsite when ready. Photo below is the view from our patio!

Photo below is the beginning of my first branch weaving. It took awhile to find the perfect stick, had to walk at least a mile! Maybe I will make some progress later this afternoon.

Cedars

Today we explored the park. Although the name of the park is Cedars of Lebanon, I’m told that there are very few cedar trees in the park! However there are lots of fir trees.

There are quite a few nice hiking trails through the woods. We hiked a bit today but it was really hot so we headed back to Calypso for a beverage!

In the photo above you see large limestone boulders. Limestone is everywhere in the park.

I’m told that there are a lot of caves under the park. Jackson cave is open to spelunkers but you must have a permit.

Above is just a small rock overhang we saw on the trail today.

Photos below are a really unique old tree. It’s looks different from each angle. Who knows how long it’s been growing. The last photo looks like the profile of a dog. What do you see?

After a nap in the cool air conditioning I came out and finished a weaving. I found a key chain with 9 keys when we cleaned out our old family home. I decided to incorporate them into the weaving, unlocking the doors to the unseen realm.

Calypso goes home tomorrow. Great maiden voyage! Lots of adventure ahead!

The Voyages of Calypso

A new camper joins our family! Layula has moved to a new home with our kids. Our new trailer is named Calypso! That was the name of Jacques Cousteau’s boat. He was a great sea explorer as you know. I don’t do boats so Calypso is my land explorer. We are on her maiden voyage at Cedars of Lebanon State Park. It’s beautiful today, and so quiet! The day after Labor Day and we practically have the park to ourselves. I look forward to our adventures together. I’m ready to head west and see the Grand Canyon, but Dan says “baby steps.” So Tennessee State Parks it is.

First morning light I interrupted a spider as she was weaving her web.

And speaking of weaving I just finished this weaving that I started a few weeks ago while camping. Seems I don’t get distracted by every day life when I’m in the woods.

Weaving in the Woods

I started a large weaving this morning. No plan in mind. Will use some small bits of leftover yarn as well as new yarn. I walked down to lake and found some nice driftwood pieces I plan to use as a hanger.

I also finished a tiny piece I started on the way to Clearwater. It’s only 2.5 x 5 inches. I added a few spike beads to the bottom. Sometimes the small pieces are more difficult than the larger ones.

Weaving on the Water Complete

Remember the wall hanging I started while camping at Montgomery Bell, here’s the finished piece. I’m loving the weaving process and I don’t know why I didn’t try it a long time ago. I recently read an article written by a weaver about how meditative the process is and I find that to be true. It’s easy to get lost in the over under motion of the needle. The textures and colors of the fibers are hypnotic!

While on our last camping trip at Salt Lick Creek, on Cordell Hull Lake, I started and finished the piece shown below.

Weaving is such an easy process and you can find hundreds of tutorials online. You don’t need fancy looms, you can use cardboard or an old picture frame. There are no limits to what you can create! I’ve shown just a few projects below. So, if you are interested, get some yarn, some cardboard and a big needle and just play!