Charit Creek Lodge

Charit Creek Lodge. The name and place houses a collection of experiences for me, both good and bad. I have had some of the most wonderful experiences and at least one of my worst mistakes in personal relationships. Much like life overall, it is an amalgamate of all of these experiences in my mind.

This weekend, we had another Cub Scout trip to the Lodge. The Cub Scout trips are the usual genesis of a trip, as we have had a group visit the lodge for the last eight years. Another great trip this weekend. The most memorable part for me was the clarity of the night sky; stars, satellites, meteorites, the Milky Way. It was absolutely beautiful and not too cold for the viewing.

As for the mix of memories and experiences, the visit to Charit Creek has always been welcome. The absolute best experience was the trip where the temperature was below ten Fahrenheit and had been for over a week. The creek was well frozen over and the scouts and parents had a great time skating on the ice. For Tennessee, it was a unique experience.

This same trip also led to one of my personal mistakes, the kind that you relive in your mind and wish to relive for real. One of the other father's and I had a run-in, after the trip. Suffice it to say that I handled the situation poorly and damaged a relationship. More in another post, at another time. It is funny how often the best and worst situations (at least in your own mind) are juxtaposed.

Back to the good (I am a hopeless optimist), Charit Creek Lodge and the Big South Fork area will always represent this mix of real life experiences, with the good and wonderful experiences far outweighing the one's you wish to relive and redo. The Lodge bunkhouse, hiking and visits with good friends are great.