I'm still trying to figure out how I want to share photos, and the best way to experiment is to post/code something. I plan to continue the theme from the homepage, this idea you're visiting my site at your desk and reading the paper/looking through my journal. Since I updated some stuff on the site, I've also updated the post about my new layout if you're interested.

These were taken using a screenless digital camera (campsnap) which I specifically got as an alternative to using my phone as a camera. Photos taken with this camera are filtered to look like a 90s disposible camera and I didn't correct anything.

I love using a screenless camera and I recommend it! It goes in direct contrast of the idea of getting "the perfect photo" - you have no idea how your photo will come out until you connect the camera to your phone or computer to move the photos. If you ever get snap fatigue from taking 1000 photos of the same thing at slightly different angles, then having to go through the annoying task of finding the "best one," a screenless camera just might cure you!

Here are a few from my Halloween camping trip this year and some thoughts about the trip.

I (sort of) impulsively decided to do Halloween at a campsite. It was "impulsive" in that I had the idea, looked it up, found something, took off work, and then booked it all within an hour. (It was not impulsive, in that it happened several weeks before Halloween.) As a loner weirdo I prefer to spend most holidays and birthdays alone, and the best way to do this is to leave town. When people started asking what was going on in DC and what I was doing, I immediately realized I was looking forward to a quiet, reflective Halloween, not a socially pressured one and certainly not in a city where the National Guard hangs out.

I did a search for Halloween events at campgrounds, expecting to find something like a family friendly "horror" movie night or pumpkin carving for kids. I thought I'd go, but perhaps not engage in the activities: I just wanted to go camping for the last time in 2025 and do it in a place with other Halloween fans. Instead what I found is that there are many Halloween campground activities across the country and they are not all for children!

Close (ish) - close enough - was the one in Deltaville, VA: Cross Rip Campgrounds. I had been there before (videos and pics on Miles to Go where you can also adopt my skeleton friend, Miles) but it wasn't for the Halloween event. I didn't even know about the event then. This year I found out they do a party, and this year it was a Day of the Dead potluck and dance party. Not only that, but the whole town of Deltaville does all kinds of events I didn't know about!

I didn't expect to find a "Halloween travel destination" where I could have gone to several Halloweeny events over the course of my two days there. Definitely noted though.

I arrived on Friday and set up camp, and that's when I found out I was fairly isolated from the entire RV park and campgrounds, and also the only person camping in the area I picked. I was stressing out because I didn't have a "site number" but then it turned out I got the pick of the sites. I placed myself on the best plot, on the river but under cover of trees. It took a little walk to get to the bathroom but I don't mind that, and since it was Halloween I was already spooky-seeking and didn't mind being in a scary forest with owls and animals at night.

My phone died early Friday evening. It was a lovely Halloween away from the movement and buzz of the world. I had many thoughts and ideas, and in those essential hours of silence and space, I processed a lot of what has been going on in my life.

I used to be a total camping purist about phone usage and though I'm not anymore (the phone is a great all-in-one tool in a pinch, I don't need to carry 7 extra things to be a true camper), I'm still glad I was at one point. It's easier to let go and disconnect if you already know how to appreciate it. Although I also forgot a flashlight, which I don't recommend using your phone for in case it dies, I was still able to write a bit by moonlight, making for a very dramatic mood this Halloween.

The party was Saturday night (Nov 1) for Day of the Dead so I had a full beautiful October day to fill after my Halloween night alone in a spooky forest. I searched for a morning walk and found a museum + garden, at which I found out they also have a yearly Halloween event - haunted horror forest path. Luckily it was decorated still for my walk so I got to see the aftermath: spooky and gruesome Halloween decor in the morning sun.

I drove in search of gluten free food and found some at Sweet Tooth Cafe in Gloucester, VA, walked more to enjoy the spooky decor around town, before heading back to the campsite with a flashlight and Halloween activities. I read, wrote, took a nap, finished some puzzles, and eventually donned my skeleton onesie for the dance party, pie in hand for the potluck.

Before I went there was the expected weight of anxiety trying to convince me to stay in the tent all night. Don't join those people, they're strangers. I decided to have anxiety there instead of having anxiety in my tent and got myself up to go.

The food was good, and there was more that I could eat than expected (though still not a lot). I got a reasonable amount of wine and sat for some people watching, forced (but good) interaction, dancing with strangers, and overall enjoying a spooky party with a bunch of people who like Halloween.

They were of all ages; I didn't expect I'd be the oldest person there, but I also didn't expect to possibly be among the youngest (except for the kids). I just know that when I'm in my 60s/70s I will be dancing at campground Day of the Dead dance parties too. A woman named Loraine dressed as a phantom adopted me to coax me to the dance floor, I danced with other people in skeleton onesies (Skeleton Army), and Jason danced with everyone so of course with me too.

The sunrise in these photos doesn't capture very well the beauty and depth in the sunrise from Sunday morning. I didn't party late into the night; in fact, I went back to camp quite early, but I specifically wanted the feeling of being cozy in my tent in my pajamas listening to the party carry on on the other side of the campgrounds without me. I like to notice and plan for experiences like that. It brings me joy to feel connected, but distant, to a group of people (even if I'll never see them again).

On the way back home I stopped at another gluten free place called The Local in Irvington, VA, to get some fuel for my drive home. There I met a poet who doesn't have a car and talked to me about his life and poetry. He left me with a few pages of his work. At this point I honestly don't remember many details about the interaction, but I remember thinking about how much I love taking weekend trips with myself and talking to/hanging out with strangers.

When I was in my 20s I thought something was wrong with me because I preferred this over traveling with people I know. Whatever wisdom comes with age and experience that makes it so I no longer have those anxieties, I'm thankful for it. Though I had anxiety about going to the party, it was mostly because I was afraid of sensory overload during my quiet camp time.

I know I never posted my October in review. If you'd like to see my Halloween season album, find it here! You'll find more pics described in this post too.