After seemingly endless months
of selling a house, buying a house, moving from one state to another,
and trying to retain some measure of order in my life,
I left the the household chaos early this morning and drove
an hour northward to enjoy some of the myriad offerings of autumn
in the Southern Appalachians.
My destination was Table Rock and Lake Pinnacle,
a tranquil and pristine body of water that lies at the foot of the cliffs.
When I arrived, the lake was just emerging from the morning fog.
In fifteen or twenty minutes, however, the skies began to clear . . .
. . . and Table Rock greeted the morning sun with all of its glory.
Below the sheer cliffs of Table Rock,
the trees seemed to create an impressionist painting of the fall colors . . .
Circling Lake Pinnacle, which was flat as a mirror,
offered amazing views of the skies, mountains, and foliage
being reflected in the still waters.
This was the finest day I've enjoyed in many months,
and I'm truly excited about the infinite possibilities of exploring this part of my new world on foot. There are trails in every direction and the scenery is nothing less than sensational!
These particular photos are best viewed at full screen (click on center of each photo).
Wow, George! That's just sensational. What a new world of infinite possibility lies at your feet.
ReplyDeleteYes, Robert, this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. The southern Appalachians are fabulous, especially between upstate South Carolina, where I now live, and the Smoky Mountains of east Tennessee. You and Carmen are always welcome at our place.
ReplyDeleteI hope to climb to the top of Table Rock in the next few days.
What an absolutely gorgeous day you must have had. These photos are beautiful, and yes, at full screen you see so much more. You've found a wonderful place for a new adventure in life. The walking trails sound very nice.
ReplyDeleteGeorge, nice to have you back. Those photos of the Appalachians are exquisite - who wrote the music Appalachian Spring? I just can't remember, but I really wanted it playing in the background when I looked at these.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pat. That would be Aaron Copeland. Glad you like the photos!
DeleteWonderful scenery and great photographs. You will indeed enjoy exploring this fabulous countryside. I was over in Virginia in the summer, and remember looking down from Buffalo Mountain, where in the evening, the hills were wreathed in mist, much like your morning mountains.
ReplyDeleteHi, Dritanje! Great to hear from you, and I'm delighted that you found some pleasurable experiences this summer in the Virginia Appalachians. As an American, I'm inclined to extol the natural beauty of Europe, while ignoring the great beauty that is found in my own backyard.
DeleteI'm thrilled to see you back in this blue space, and most especially because you got out for a day of exploration, something no doubt you have hungered for these many weeks and months. The land—rock face, lake, trees, hills—is beautiful, and your photographs are splendid. It's great to see you sharing the world through your eyes!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ruth. I've missed you. For that matter, I've missed myself for many months. The natural beauty of the landscape, however, has given me a new-found optimism. Notwithstanding my initial apprehensions, I'm now confident that the move has opened the door to new opportunities for exploration and growth.
DeleteWhat exciting photos of a beautiful place. Haven't got out that much, here either, due to one thing and another. A friend from Leyburn and I have been out for a few walks close by though. It's easy to think one has to travel to a "good walk" (from here to the Lakes, or Scotland) yet we -out of necessity- rediscovered great walks on our doorstep (one or two of them in Swaledale, close to the CTC).
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful place, Dominic, and I'm looking forward to exploring every foot of it. I agree you entirely, however, that we need only look in our own immediate environment fo find great walking possibilities. A mindful walk anywhere is a good walk.
DeleteI too have recently undergone a major move and all the accouterments that it entails. Exhausting for sure, Your post's photos have a feeling of serenity which perhaps is how you feel as you settle into your new area -- the worse of the move is probably over. Looking forward to viewing your wonderful photos in your new environment -- barbara
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara. The move have been more exhausting than I could have ever imagined, but, hopefully, the worst is over. I sense that life is improving day by day. Hope all is well with you.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful photographs, George. What a grand place for a new adventure!
ReplyDeleteSoul-washing beauty.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, TO LIVE THAT DAY. Glad you liked the images in this post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa. Just found this comment. Sorry I'm late in responding, but I appreciate your support and lovely comments.
ReplyDelete