Honeymoon Camping!
Estimated reading time: 15 minutes, 19 secondsFirst Light of Morning
Without my watch, I did not know what time it was as if it mattered. After several hours, the storm became only steady rain. I could hear Jan sleeping in my nook. I was so happy that we were married and would have thousands of nights sleeping next to each other. Although I do not remember sleeping, I know I must have.
Sunlight began filling the tent, and I slowly dressed and slipped out.
A large tree had fallen no more than fifty feet to the left of our tent. Had it fallen in our direction, we probably would not have survived.
The trenches had kept the water away from the tent. However, fresh, deep gullies showed where the water had flowed freely around us.
I had prepared for the storm and placed dry wood in the car. I gathered it and started a fire to make breakfast, especially coffee, for the love of my life.
Wow, the storm was worse than I thought,” said Jan as she came out of the tent.
“Yes, we were lucky. The water is heating up for your coffee.
Jan smiled at me as she pulled on her boots.
Full sunshine was beginning to dry out the campsite as we finished breakfast.
What do you want to do before we drive to the Promised Land,” I asked Jan.
We had only planned to stay one night on the NJ side of the Delaware Water Gap. Our next stop was the Promised Land State Park. I had been there on my hostel trips. It had a lovely lake and hiking trails. Jan thought it was an ideal place for us to go on our honeymoon.
“It may take a few hours for the tent to fully dry; maybe we can take a hike?”
I nodded affirmatively and quickly got ready for a morning hike.
A Photo from My Sweetheart
When we reached the road, we had two choices of trails. One was four miles and looped back to the point of beginning. For the other one, we would have had to walk as far as we wanted and then return the same way. Let’s take the trail that will bring us back here,” Jan suggested.
The trail was a little muddy from the rain, but our boots were dry, and the walk was more leisurely than expected.
“Look,” I said as I pointed to an Eagle flying over us.
“Can you get a photo?”
“I will do my best.”
The trail was full of wildlife and flowers. We frequently stopped to take photos.
Close to the halfway point, we saw a fire lookout station. It was made of wood and stood thirty-five to forty feet in the air.
“Let’s climb to the top. We should be able to get some great photos.”
I let Jan go first and followed her up the stairs.
“Wow, Jan, this is a great view.”
We hugged each other as we looked around at the forest and the river.
Do you have any film in the camera,” Jan inquired.
“Yes, one or two photos left. We have more film in the car.”
“Can you take a photo of me?”
“Yes, my love, I am happy to take a photo of my lovely bride.”
I held the camera and started to frame the photo.
“I am not ready yet.”
“If you stand on this side, we can get a perfect photo.”
I turned to look at Jan to see if she concurred.
She was pulling her shirt over her head.
Unless you have a problem, I want you to take a photo of me bare-chested,” Jan stated as she unhooked her bra.
“I’m OK if that is what you want,” I said, astonished.
I am twenty-five and have always wanted a photo of my breasts. I am not getting any younger, and one day, my boobs will sag even more. Whenever I was with someone and thought of taking a photo, I decided not to because I could not trust what they would do with a photo of me sans my shirt and bra. I love you and trust you. Plus, it might be nice for you to have a photo to remind you of me if I am away.
Standing only feet away on the lookout tower, I was aroused and in complete agreement.
Jan leaned on the floor with her right hand holding her head. Her left hand with the ring I had given her two and one-half days ago when we wed was on her hip.
I was not a good photographer, but I took my time on this one to ensure that it would be what she wanted.
Finally, I took the photo.
“I think my eyes were closed.”
I held the camera and took another photo, but no film was left.
“There is no more film.”
“That’s OK. Will you still love me when my boobs hang below my belly button?”
“I will always love you.”
“Me too. But I worry you will change your mind if they sag too much.
“Jan, nothing will ever stop me from loving you. I love you because you are who you are, not your body. We share each other’s souls and are bound together forever.”
I put the camera down and walked over and kissed and caressed Jan.
I know the storm interrupted our plans last night, but I am not sure a wooden floor would work for either of us. Splinters might deflate the pleasure.”
“I agree. That would not be the way to start our married life.”
“As long as we are on the lookout tower, I do not see any reason to put my bra or shirt on unless you want me to.”
Blushing, I said, “I am quite happy with how you are dressed.”
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
