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Kessner Cemetery

Photo by: Tim Bindner

I took a short hike today to Kessner Cemetery (N38°09.912 W86°14.995), but the journey was not about the destination but the hike to get there.

I awoke before dawn at around 6am. I had my camera, map and backpack ready to go. Something, however, unnerved me about this planned hike. I was going to an even more deserted and less traveled road than I was on the day before, and as usual I would have no cell service. This was part of my second book research and I knew I had to go, but could I go alone?

I had a detailed map in hand so I fought my anxiety and fear, got in my car and off I went. As mentioned, the road I would park off of was Dutch Hollow Road, and offshoot of Cold Friday Road. There is a single private lot at the end of Dutch Hollow, so traffic on this road is almost nonexistent.

As I turned onto Dutch Hollow Road, the mist filled the wooded area around me, and the narrow gravel road was something straight out of a horror movie. Good thing I enjoyed those, but I do admit I was creeped out.

I soon backed into a small pull-off and saw the locked gate in my rearview mirror. I got out of my car, grabbed my stuff, shut and locked my car and stood there in silence. An eerie silence that brought a chill to my spine. It was 46 degrees; I was miles from anywhere and I had not seen a car or a person in over 30 minutes. I was alone.

I took a deep breath and headed to the locked gate, maneuvered around it and started up the incline before me. My destination was less than a half mile ahead, but with each step I felt I was getting deeper into a magical forest. Humidity was peeking at around 95% or higher, and the mist provided a blanket of hush all around me. The work tire tracks below my feet were clearly defined but looked like they had not been used in quite a long time. Between the tire tracks was overgrown grass, small trees and an abundance of leaves. Some were as tall as my knees. To both sides of me lay a dense forest. I continued up the hill, not knowing exactly where the cemetery was, but my senses were on overload. The hush amplified each sound I heard, which was few. The smell of the damp leaves and trees brought a calming feeling to me. Then of course there was my vision. My photography eye was buzzing. The mist, muted colors and exposed trees provided ample opportunities for shooting. I took advantage.

Soon I saw to my left the sign for Kessler Cemetery. Without that sign, I would never have known there was a cemetery there. Behind the sign the area was very overgrown with thorn bushes, small saplings and tall grass. I maneuvered throughout the area, shooting what headstones I could make out. There was not much here, so I spent about 15 minutes walking around then began my brief journey back to the car.

I have completed another cemetery for my book, but I have to say, though the cemetery was not all that fascinating the hike to and back, helped me conquer a fear, and honestly the isolation of this place and the fact I went alone, helped.

As hiking often does for me, I had no thoughts of my outside life while I was here. I looked for shots, observed some deer, read some dates on headstones, and looked at beautiful trees. Truly not a care or worry in the world.

I returned to my Subaru and headed back up the long drive to the park. This was my hidden place today. It was all mine, and I was alone. I got to see things no-one else will ever see, and it made me smile.

Until next time,

Tim (Kilmer)

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