Mountain Hugs

Jerry likes to say, "the mountains hug me," and I get that feeling too. I've always been a "mountain person," riding around them, walking trails or sitting, enjoying the view.

Recently, Jerry and I began a two week vacation, driving on the Blue Ridge Parkway and around the Great Smoky Mountains, receiving big hugs.

We'd only been on the outskirts of the east side of the Smokys many years ago. This time we visited the western side, staying in the small town of Townsend, which is advertised as the "peaceful" side. Indeed it is.

We passed through Pigeon Forge on our way to Townsend, and couldn't get out of there fast enough. Crowds and commercialism drove us away with no intention of ever going there again.

We enjoyed this stream as we drove to the famous Cades Cove. It was a bright, sunny afternoon and the vehicle traffic was heavy. Evenso, it was an enjoyable ride, inviting us to return for an early morning visit.

I didn't see any wild bears, which is a real desire of mine, but we did see giant turkeys, heard robins sing, and watched the lovely hues of a sunrise over the famous mountain tops.

The sunrise was grand and captivated us as we sat and enjoyed the colors.

The visit was much too short, as our next destination was Franklin, Tennessee, at Ann Downing's annual retreat. I helped sponsor the event and had a table to sell my books, note cards and matted prints.

When we left the Smoky Mountains, my heart was filled with wonder at God's beautiful creation, leaving me with a longing to return to the Great Smoky's for an extended visit.

Taking backroads, we set off for Franklin for the next stop in our vacation. Next post will share about my experience at the retreat.