Ever camped somewhere that felt too quiet? I was out at a dispersed site in the snow—total solitude, not a soul around. I mean really, I couldn't even tell you how miles I drove into the winter wilderness without sign of civilization. So much so, that I started to worry about my decision-making. If my car got stuck in the snow...or if something happened...I was just too far out there.
I had camp set up and was bundled up by the fire enjoying some Pendleton Whiskey. My mind kept bounding back to some of my findings near the frozen lake I was camped by. Earlier in the day I’d seen wolf tracks, fresh enough to leave me more than a little concerned. That night, the snow muffled everything. No wind, no rustling, no sounds at all. Just a thick, eerie stillness. I couldn’t shake the feeling I wasn’t alone, even though I never saw a thing. I had my dog with me, but something was in the pit of my stomach. As a solo female camper who loves desolation, you'd think that would be a feeling I was used to, but it wasn't.
After enough tossing and turning and very intent listening into the nothingness, I ended up crawling into the back of my 4Runner to sleep. One of the most unsettling nights I’ve ever had out.
Maybe there were wolves out there. Maybe something else. Maybe nothing at all. Anyone else ever had a night like that in wolf country?