 |
| Winter Weather - mid-September at Logan Pass |
Time seems to pass much more quickly than I seem to be able
to keep up with it. Only a few days ago
wasn't I in Montana? In reality its been
nearly 2 months since I came home The
weather there continues to be brutal …with snow and cold temps making the
mountains more stunningly beautiful than seems possible.
 |
| New Home on the Indiana Plains |
October was a lovely month off and provided me with the
opportunity to travel back and forth from Indiana and Ohio, transitioning from
my past life in Ohio, to the new back in my home state of Indiana. I had an opportunity to go to the Gathering
in PA, do some hiking in OH and take a trip to Atlanta with a stop for 2 days
in Great Smokey Mountain NP to hike. Luckily, we
stayed with some good friends, making this trip an outstanding time.
 |
| View of Gatlinburg |
I was lucky enough to travel to GA with a 2013 AT Thru hiker
so stopping to hike was a given. After, spending a few days visiting with
another hiking friend in Athens, we headed to Gatlinburg, TN to stay with good
friends.
 |
| Juney Whank Falls |
Trying to decide where to hike in GSMNP was challenging.,
there are just too many great choices. We, finally, decided to stop
at Deep Creek and bag 3 waterfalls located very close
together. The weather started off marginally
gloomy but turned sunny. The late fall sun fell on us making the running creek sparkly with watery diamonds. The leaves were scarlet, ochre, green,
brown, gold…a panoply of colors, shades & hues highlighted by the sun made for awe inspiring scenery.
 |
| View from Overlook on Newfound Gap Road |
On the way to our overnight accommodations, we stopped at several
overlooks,bypassing the over crowded Newfound Gap. By this time, we were very tired. Clouds piled up in the valleys, filling them with fog and muting the
autumn colors. The clouds hung with the
possibility of snow and the west wind spoke to me of winter as it hit me in the
face. Looking out over the ridges to the
southwest there was no sunset to be seen but the eerie light made for a
spectacular view.
 |
| Baskin Creek Falls Trail |
The following day we decided to hike a little traveled trail
to another falls. This trail rolled over 4 sun-filled miles. Traveling
through the woods, I saw only 2 people on trail as I walked to the
falls and back. The delightful golden orb
shone above warming the leaves underneath my feet. The subtle smell of fall leaves crunching underfoot drifted up reminding me of days long past. It was hard to refuse the urge to gather large piles of them and bury myself in their earthiness. This was such a special time of
contemplation and peace, I’ve not had for many years.
 |
| Baskin Creek Falls |
The falls were splendid and I paused there
with 4 others to have a snack, feeling the good feeling that conquering a
challenging climb down can bring. I
rock-hopped across the creek to sit on a large granite boulder engaging 2 guys
in the only on trail conversation of the day.
 |
| Bear Scat - Source of Possible Noises |
Despite being alone in the woods, I was far from alone. Down the in the valley, bushes rustled and the noises followed
me up the trail. I smelled various smells
as I walked, I wondered if I’d finally see a bear on trail having not seen a
bear all summer while in Montana.. But I did not, I only saw a squirrel and exchanged a few whistled tunes with some Chickadees.
 |
| Me - Enjoying a Beautiful Fall DA |
What a wonderful time was given like a gift to me, it seemed
from the universe. This transition time
between the moves was a great way to create some space between 2 vastly
different worlds. Montana was like summer camp, a time of dreams come
true. Indiana is, however, like a time
for being responsible. It is home and I
am happy to be with family. The universe
has so graciously provided me with all that I’ve asked for. A place to live between both my girls, a job
which pays enough for me to pay bills & be generous (tis
wondrous). It has been a bounteous time
for which I am grateful. So many things
to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.
 |
| Indian Creek Falls |
No comments:
Post a Comment