I'm sitting here thinking if this is worth spending time posting. I had (only) 4 responses to my lengthy previous post, and one message reply to the 10-15 comments I made to other mybloggers blogs. Is everybody on "vacation"?

I wanted to follow up on my Michigan trip with a few general observations. I do a lot of cogitation when driving and hiking. Here are a few:

--I miss having a companion to share sights and events. I do converse with strangers a lot, however.
--I don't miss having a companion when it restricts my freedom to go and do what I want to do.
--There are too many people in the U.S. It's a madhouse out there.
--Furthermore, most of these people are ignorant, selfish, nuts, and overweight. I'll forgo examples.
--Camping has its drawbacks (but it's cheap). Here are several: mosquitoes, rain, comfort, no shower, "visitors" (human and animals), other campers (dogs barking, children yelling, car doors slamming, cars beeping, fireworks). For the life of me, I don't understand how humans can coexist in an RV park with campers positioned "spitting distance" from each other. Oh yes, down with campfires and smoke.

-- Few people hike trails. I usually have a trail all to myself. Why is this? Are people that lazy or out of shape? They want only to park their trailer, pull out the lawn chairs and drink beer? I can do that at home. I don't go "camping" just to sit around "vegging out". Did I mention all the wild blueberries I found while hiking a trail (alone)? Nobody "wild forages" anymore. I stand--and hike--alone.

--Despite being "on vacation", the whole experience is stressful. I am always "on alert", thinking "what's next? Where to go next? What to do? What if....? Vehicle breakdown, getting lost. It's difficult to really relax when on the road.

I think I'll stay home for awhile!!