Old South and how I got lost in the woods

So my parents live near this totally awesome Civil War battlefield. I’ve never really been that interested in the American Civil War because growing up I always preferred ancient history with the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. BUT, since I did grow up southern, I did get a fair amount of southern history mixed with some Gone with the Wind movie watching. This southern epic gave me a strong impression of the Civil War as a really messy, bloody and horrible time with the starving, destitute Scarlet and hospital-leg-amputation scenes. Who wants to endure all that when you could instead read about Greek heroes with their orations and protector goddesses?

ANYWAY, it hasn’t been until recently when I was away from my southern home that I gained a new appreciation and interest in southern history. The south is a place you experience through its friendly people and delicious food. This can be said of many places perhaps, but the southern hospitality is unique in the world and mixed with the more enduring “red neck” qualities of the area, you get a relaxing and fun place to live.

All this said, the other day I found myself heading down the road to see the historic Civil War battlefield called Nash Farm. It’s a spacious and rolling green area with an old dirt road down the center and a lake at one end. They actually have reenactments there every year and I must say I’m really keen to see one (I love costume parties!).

After walking around a while I decided to head home…but I opted for the “wooded trail” option as opposed to the “dangerously along the side of the road” route that I had taken to get to Nash Farm (American drivers do not respect the pedestrian). This is where my real adventure began.

I called my parents asking for directions to the trail opening and was told things about roads and gravel driveways and small openings in the trees…you know, vague things that could be confusing and lead to wrong turns and doom.

I found a few gravel driveways and maybe an opening the trees…and decided to blaze ahead. The trail become less of a trail and eventually stopped all together. I looked around and didn’t feel like going back to find the right way…instead I used my supreme ranger skills to strike out deeper into the forest (I actually looked back and glimpsed the roof of a house just before it was lost to the shadows of the trees and thinking, “hmmm, perhaps this is not the best idea…”).

Trees become thorns and briars…these led to entanglement and blood! I panicked! Sharks are attracted by blood! Wait, I’m in the woods, not the sea. Stay calm. Oh no, the sun is setting.

I hiked on through the woods and was thankful for winter and dormant snakes since I was smashing through deep underbrush where snakes surly dwell. Eventually I found something that looked like an abandoned road and that lead to a trail (the same one I should have been on the whole time?). Then I found some people’s backyard and jumped their fence as discreetly as possible to escape the wild and return to suburban life. I emerged covered in leaves, scrapes, and a wild expression on my face (I imagined). I walked quickly past some lawn statues that seemed to snicker at my state (cause honestly, what was my problem?) but kept going until I reached the neighborhood road. It was a fun outing…and taught me that I’m not in tame Japan anymore. Here’s southern boy country.