soothing nature

I never knew how soothing trees are - many trees and patches of open sunlight, and tree-presences; it is almost like having another being. 
--D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) British author. 

Above: A trail in the Clark's Creek area of Unicoi County.

Backbone Rock Tunnel

Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, go out and buy some more tunnel. 
--John Quinton

Here's the 'World's Shortest Tunnel' through Backbone Rock on Hwy 133 between Shady Valley, TN and Damascus, VA.  It was constructed in 1901 for hauling timber from Tennessee to a nearby saw mill outside of Damascus. Unable to go around the 75' high, 20' wide wall of rock, they decided to blast their way through. Check out these early photos of the tunnel. Today there is a short trail which takes you up to the top of Backbone Rock, and another trail that takes you to a nearby waterfall, Backbone Falls.  This area is popular with motorcycle enthusiasts as part of "The Snake" (map here) -- and also with repellers.

viewpoints

It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.
--Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) 33rd President of the United States.

Above: A view of 'Big Pinnacle' and the Grayson Highlands from a rock outcropping along the Appalachian Trail.

a longing

I long for scenes where man has never trod
A place where woman never smiled or wept
There to abide with my Creator God
And sleep as I in childhood sweetly slept,
Untroubling and untroubled where I lie
The grass below, above, the vaulted sky.
--John Clare (1793-1864) English poet. 

Above: Grayson Highlands panoramic (Click the image above to enlarge). Grayson is a gorgeous place, a little out of the way for most of us, but well worth the drive.  Best known for its wild ponies, Grayson also offers stunning vistas and overlooks, waterfalls, fishing steams and camping facilities.

Click here for more photos, discussion and directions to Grayson Highlands.

back and forth

We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.
--Jeremy Irons (b.1948) British Actor. 

A walkway at Grayson Highlands State Park, VA.

stepping stone

Be grateful for who you are.
Be grateful for who you are to become.
Be grateful for the boulders placed upon your path.
For they are not obstacles but stepping stones on your journey of self-realization.
--Joe Keane

power walk

This life is yours. Take the power to choose what you want to do and do it well. Take the power to love what you want in life and love it honestly. Take the power to walk in the forest and be a part of nature. Take the power to control your own life. No one else can do it for you. Take the power to make your life happy. 
-- Susan Polis Schutz (b.1944) American author. 

Above: On the trail to Roan High Bluff Overlook.

capture the beauty

The intention of a photographer is to capture the beauty in places, obvious or hidden, in which modern age and technology cause us to dismiss.
--Kassadi Collins

Above: Photographers intent on capturing the beauty of the Rhododendron Gardens atop Roan Mountain.

a glorious greeting

How glorious a greeting the sun gives the mountains!
--John Muir (1838-1914) Naturalist and Conservationist.

The rhododendron gardens on Roan Mountain are in full bloom - and what a glorious sight to see! There are two Rhododendron Festivals this weekend celebrating this 'Jewel of Nature,' one on the Tennessee side of the mountain in Roan Mountain, TN and another on the NC side in Bakersville, NC.

discoveries

One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't.
--Henry Ford (1863-1947) American industrialist. 

Really enjoyed meeting and talking to a north-bound, AT thru-hiker today named Shane on the Watauga Dam. He's originally from South Africa, but has lived in London the last few years. He visited the US once before in the late 90s but this is his first time in the eastern US.  Said he loves Appalachia and is enjoying his trek. When I asked him why he's thru-hiking the AT, he said it's complicated. Just something he needs to do...

BTW... It's a beautiful hike from the swimming area (Shook Branch Recreation Area) to Watauga Dam (approx. 3 miles) -- description here.  Click here to read about the other options for accessing Watauga Dam from the Elizabethton side of the lake.

from a distance

From a distance, there is harmony
And it echoes through the land
It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace
It's the voice of every man
--Julie Gold (b. 1956) American singer-songwriter.

Above: Price Lake on the Blue Ridge Parkway

gentle strength

Nothing is so strong as gentleness, nothing so gentle as real strength.
--St. Francis de Sales (1567-1622) French Roman Catholic Bishop of Geneva

sweet sorrow

 

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
 --Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991) American Writer and Cartoonist

Last night, my dear friend, Jesse, lost his beloved and devoted dog, Buddha, after three months of battling cancer.  He was only five years old. Buddha was a source of joy for all who knew him. His exuberance for life, kisses and tennis balls knew no bounds. He loved to hike and swim and play and go for car rides. He seemed intent on bringing everyone he met love and laughter. His sweet presence in our lives will be sorely missed.