My friend Kyle and I set out to camp on Friday, February 9th. We decided to go on this trip mid-week without an agenda. I got out of work early and soon enough we were on the road, exchanging our tastes in music and anticipating the adventure ahead.

We arrived to the campground around 6:30pm. The ranger informed us that we were lucky enough to receive one of the last available campsites in the park. It was meant to be. So, we got to the site and started to setup camp. It was a wet evening, shortly after a slight rainfall. So, our firewood would not light - even with the help of lighter fluid. No fire? No problem. We enjoyed a frozen dinner that Kyle prepared in a skillet on his portable grill. Then we shared stories over a few beers and gazed at the night sky. Fortunate for us, the clouds cleared out and the stars were completely visible.

We got up early and packed up camp to be the first on the water. The paddle route is 7 miles in length and it takes an average of 4 hours to complete. The rules and regulations of the spring are strict. You are not allowed to take a lot of items out on the water. You are also permitted from getting out of the boat unless it's an emergency or if nature calls.

Kyle and I both went for a swim that neither of us were prepared for. We were too busy having fun and not paying attention to the broken limbs that lie above and below the surface of the water. One of our finest moments was seeing a doe and two fawn drinking water from the bank, curiously looking forward at us. Nature is divine like that.

The trip was a major success. We discovered that we make a good team and we'll definitely embark on a trip together again soon. You can learn so much about someone in 24 hours. I always recommend a trip to test a friendship and see its boundaries.