Principle 1: Plan Ahead & Prepare Principle 2: Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly Principle 4: Leave What You Find Principle 5: Minimize Campfire Impacts Principle 6: Respect Wildlife Principle 7: Be Considerate of Others I read the Leave No Trace Seven Principles sign and zoom in on Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly. We’re at the trailhead to Tinker Cliffs on the Andy Layne Trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. We are returning to the campground where we had spent our honeymoon only one year ago. I pat my stomach and feel like I jumpstarted a vomit, just thinking about the secret I can’t keep from my husband much longer.
The 3.8 mile hike up to an elevation of 1,900 feet is very strenuous. I’m glad that I’m wearing my Hoka hiking shoes, but it is still difficult keeping up with Clifford, an avid trailblazer. I pick blackberries from lush bushes beside the trail, stuffing my mouth with their juicy deliciousness. Stumbling on loose rocks that cascade from my path, I pat my belly gleefully. I’m still nervously keeping my eyes focused on my husband’s backpack with Wilderness Dweller Proverbs 19:21 printed on the back.
“You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”
With berry stained lips, I gasp and scramble after him. He is so excited to reach the summit. I’m caught up in a mist of idyllic reverie and zone out.
“Come on, Flora,” he grins at me, blue eyes flashing. “I’m waiting for you.”
I reach his strong arms, muscles rippling against the thin fabric of his dry-fit shirt as he encircles my body, easily lifting me from the ground. I can’t keep it from him much longer. I whisper my secret into his ear. I hope he feels the same way about me now but freeze when I see the look of horror on his face; the last thing I see as he throws me off the cliff.
I am startled awake by loud sniffing sounds and our tent shaking. Am I still dreaming? Oh no, I think. Did we secure the food? Where is the bear spray? I can hear breathing getting louder and closer. I frantically shake Clifford.
“Wake up!” I whisper loudly. “There’s a bear outside. Do something.”
Now I’m trembling. He sleepily rummages through the Proverbs 19:21 backpack.
“I think I forgot to pack the bear spray, he mumbles, wideeyed.
“Should I shoot him?’ He reaches for his pistol. Clifford can sometimes respond aggressively when cornered.
“No, remember Principle Number 6 of Leave No Trace: Respect Wildlife,” I answer, annoyed. “Looks like we already missed Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare.”
“Then, let’s both make a lot of noise to scare him off,” Clifford suggests and starts yelling, “Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!”
I join in with him and shout until we catch a peek of the bear hulking into the forest. I hug myself and shiver. Moving closer to Clifford, I pat my belly again. Should I tell him now? We agreed on no children in the near future but here we are.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.” (Psalms 127:3) Surely he will be happy once he gets used to the idea. I frown, suddenly catching a flash of the nightmare. I don’t think that he would literally throw me off the cliff but should I risk his wrath? I touch his arm tentatively and notice that his eyes are closed and he seems to be drifting off to sleep. He looks so peaceful. I have to tell him soon but now is not the time.
Leave No Trace Principal 7: Be considerate of others. Respect others and protect the quality of their experience.