It occurred to me years ago that there are very few things in ones life that can not be worked out on a walk in the woods.
My Aunt Wanda and I had this exact conversation this morning as we drove together in to Cataloochee Valley, part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is truly my very favorite place in these mountains.
We discussed the medicinal benefits of walking in to the woods at length. For me it boils down to just these two things, both of which I need to do on a regular basis.
Purge and relinquish control.
You have absolutely no idea how hard this is for me.
The purge will happen automatically if you just let it. For me, it happens the second I exit my Jeep off of I40 and make a right on to Cove Creek Road.
Every time .
By relinquishing control, I really mean opening my eyes and really seeing the beauty of the woods and this valley and knowing in my heart that this is not a random occurrence.
Knowing, also in my heart that someone MUCH bigger than me is in control here.
This place is absolutely stunning this time of year. In 2001 these beautiful creatures were introduced into the park.
It took us several years to actually see one. Today we saw two.
In the front yard of the Park Rangers station, no less! We keep an ongoing ‘varmint count’ while we are back in here. Today it was pretty high.
The are several structures in the valley that are well maintained and preserved. Of all of these Palmer Chapel is my very favorite.
Our day together was just perfect, weather, conversation, varmint count & all.
This is me, on a log much thinner than my own rear end.
Relinquishing control
And having a really perfect day.
Paige
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Thanks for sharing the photos of this beautiful place! I need to come visit there next fall.
What perfectly beautiful Fall photos!
Just came back from vaca in that area… We absolutely love the Smokey Mountains… and you're right!!! A walk in the woods .. along one of those amazing trails ( always for us.. it is near the sound of the rushing creeks)…. it does a body good!! Always!!!!!!
I love the Smokies too. We never tire of going to visit there. Your photos are beautiful. We visited Pigeon Forge, TN last month but things were not at peak. It was very pretty then but your pictures certainly make me long to go again right away!
Thanks for taking me along your hike in the Smoky Mountains Paige! 🙂 Absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing these beautiful fall photos with us at Talented Tuesday.
Cheers,
AJ