Saturday morning, day 6 at Waubonsie, I woke up instantly aware that this was my last full day of my residency. I was also still carrying a bit of the homesickness I begun to feel the day before. What was interesting to me is that as a child, homesickness was missing home and friends, as an adult it felt a lot more like simply missing my own bed. So maybe it wasn’t homesickness after all. Maybe I was just feeling the lack of sleep and the miles walked and driven. The sore feet, heavy arms and tired eyes were becoming more difficult to ignore. I even drove myself to my hiking destination that was easily walkable from the cabin, except getting there was all downhill so I knew coming back would be all uphill.

Lake Virginia was acquired during the 2005 addition of camp Wa-Shaw-Tee. It offers a paved boat ramp and playground. It’s a perfect spot for fishing and according the DNR’s website you can expect a variety of bluegill, sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. During my visit the walkable area was limited to the dam and a short walking trail along the south edge of the lake, but it also looked as though they were working to clear out some dead trees and debris to extend the trail a bit further.  

Driving to the lake, I realized I had seen and explored only a small portion of the park. The paved road leading to Camp Wa-Shaw-Tee offered primitive camp sites, picnic areas and restrooms. Pulling out my map I noted that I had not even driven through the campground, visited the equestrian trails and had no idea that there was a cemetery. My week was nearly over, and I was feeling a bit deflated. I had come here wanting to take full advantage of every moment and take in as much of the park as possible. Had I done enough? Getting out of my car and grabbing my gear, my feet were a not-so-subtle reminder that I had done what I could. I was there to focus on my photography; to take in the beautiful landscape of Waubonsie and its surroundings and I had done that. This morning I would enjoy a last hike, a quick drive just north of the park and one last night in the cabin, or so I thought.

If you walk south, over the dam, and past Lake Virginia, there’s a gentle uphill meandering trail that takes you through trees and grassy knolls, and then dumps you out at the top of a field. A field of what I’m not sure. I had spent quite a bit of time around the lake, and photographing the more intimate aspects of the nature around me and by the time I reached what I thought was the top of the trail, I turned around was happy to note that I could see my cabin sitting on the hill directly across from me. I stared at it for a long time, took several photos and said a little prayer of thanks for such a wonderful opportunity. Heading back down the hill, I snapped a few more pictures but mostly I just took in the cool air, the brilliant blue sky and all the sounds of the wildlife and rustling trees. As much as I wanted to explore the rest of the park, I was exhausted and maybe a little bit overwhelmed by everything I had already seen.

I got in my Blazer and drove out of Waubonsie and took a short drive back up along Bluff Road, through the town of Thurman and explored a couple backroads where I came across a toilet sitting beneath a large evergreen. I photographed a couple old barns and an interesting out-of-commission bridge in the middle of a field. I wondered about the people who may have used it and what had caused it to become obsolete. Finally finding my way back to the cabin, I took off my hiking boots and sat staring out the window for several minutes. It was nearly 3 o’clock and I suddenly just wanted to be home. I missed my people and my bed, and I wanted to talk to someone other than myself. I had not spent this much time alone since…I couldn’t remember ever spending this much time alone, and I like being alone. Only, I also love my people and I missed their faces desperately.

Within 20 minutes I had everything packed and loaded, the cabin cleaned and was locking the door when I hesitated. This had been an amazing week. Despite my initial fears of being alone, in an unfamiliar place, I was leaving a little bit more confident in myself. Fear is a healthy thing. It’s something to respect. We should listen to it, but we should also be learning when it’s a warning and when it’s an excuse.

A “Week in Waubonsie” is my latest series I created after spending my first artist in residency at Waubonsie State Park in the Loess Hills. I’m excited to be sharing this journey over the next several weeks as I also begin the process of developing my first official collection, also titled “A Week in Waubonsie”. I hope you return soon to see the latest release or you can sign up below to receive automatic email notifications.