We discovered this beautiful treasure of a place during our first year of marriage when we needed a getaway before one of Jonathan's surgeries. It spoke to my Tennessee heart right away with it's steep ridges and tree-laden, hollowed out places. We so enjoyed our time there and I was excited to return for camping last week with Jonathan's family. Although we were only able to stay overnight, it was worth it.
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| Being silly with leaves. |
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| And of course Sadie came! |
By far, my favorite part of the trip was when we took Jonathan's dad the 'big kids' hiking up to see the Natural Bridge. Thanks to my dad, I've spent many an hour exploring places just like this back in Tennessee. I feel so at home among thick, shady canopies and wandering Mountain Laurels. My heart will always be able to find healing and comfort in the mountain wilds.
Jonathan's favorite part of the hike was Devil's Gulch, a (very) steep fissure in the mountains that would thrill any adventurers' soul. Crooked staircases, wrinkled leaves underfoot and the cool shade of ancient trees standing over it all in watchful silence. I love feeling small in these places.
And then it was back to the camp with a flower in hand for Momma Tina and the hunger that comes from exhausting yourself through intense exploration.
In summary, we spent the chilled night talking, child-wrangling, laughing and movie-quoting around the fire. I ate pork-chops without utensils. I got sticky-s'more fingers. I got to hear Jonathan's grandmother say that, after over 50 years of marriage, she loves and respects her husband more now than she ever did. I blinked, wide-eyed, at pinpoint stars and caught the inviting scent of fallen leaves on the breeze. And then, when we retired for the night, I fell all over again in love with my husband lying quiet beside me while the crickets lullaby-ed us both to sleep.
You have me, mountains, heart and soul.
Wow.
ReplyDeleteIncredibly gorgeous!! It just boggles my mind to think that you actually grew up with that kind of scenery at your finger tips. I may have palm trees and oceans, but hhmm...mountains like that I'd love to have. :)
And great photos, lady! I look at some of them and wonder how you did that, because I know I couldn't. :)
I was truly blessed to be raised around such beauty and have parents that greatly appreciated it :) And thank you, once again for your kind words. I'm still learning and honing my skills. Still a long ways to go for me!
DeleteI feel like I just went camping with you :) Wish that was the case! You did a great job of putting into words what a camping trip during fall " tastes" like... ;) Love the beautiful pictures, great job!
ReplyDeleteI wish you HAD been camping with us too! And thanks, it's easy to photograph such a beautiful place.
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