Day 1 of Not the Trip I Planned

"There are many plans in a man's heart. Nevertheless the Lord's counsel -- that will stand." -- Proverbs 19:21

So, these are not the mountains I thought I'd be hiking about this time, but the Lord had other plans. He has worked using several closed doors to direct me in the way He wanted me to go, and that is Gulfport, Mississippi, not Telluride, Colorado or Meridian, Mississippi. I have been in prayer about this trip since I returned from my last big vacation, way before thoughts of any virus. The Lord, Who knows and holds my future, knew all along where I would be going. He just didn't tell me until yesterday.

I got on the road this morning headed west on Interstate 40. Before even reaching today's destination I was treated to some surprises. I was happy to eventually be on my favorite highway -- Highway 64. (If you don't have a favorite highway, you should. I recommend that you choose 64.) I curved along on this old road right next to the Broad River. The river soon opened up into Lake Lure. Not being a native North Carolinian, I was not familiar with this area. Now I can't wait to come back and stay a while. It is absolutely gorgeous. I can't imagine how awesome it must be in the fall. Right beside Lake Lure I found my second surprise, Flowering Bridge. This bridge and the accompanying gardens are always open. They are maintained by volunteers in the area and are absolutely beautiful. I was impressed by all the details and by all the "books" placed around the gardens. Enjoy the pics below. I always love the surprises on my trips, and this was an especially delightful one.

Although I will not be spending a week in the Rockies, I still wanted a little mountain time, so I have begun this year's vacation with a side trip to Chimney Rock State Park. (I know, another week, another rock.) I have never been to Chimney Rock before but had heard great things about it. I arrived at the park a little later than I had originally planned but still early enough. I got there at 10:30. There was a little line at the ticket plaza but nothing terrible. I paid the $17 entrance fee which allowed me to park and ride the shuttle. I parked, checked out the restroom, and slathered down with sunscreen before finding the shuttle.

I rode up to the next parking area where I then began the ascent to Chimney Rock itself. Near the shuttle stop are a gift shop and restroom. The trail (I chose Outcroppings) was very safe and labeled moderate to strenuous. It was UPstairs all the way! The temperature was 82 degrees with a heat index of 84, but it felt much hotter. The humidity must have been about 1000%. I did make it to the flagpole on the top of Chimney Rock, after several breaks and a bunch of water. There was another gift shop and a deli at the top. There was actually another level or two up, the Opera Box, Devil's Head, and Exclamation Point. Instead of continuing up, I chose to find the falls and was extremely happy with my decision.

Hickory Nut Falls is awesome! It was well-worth the 1.4 mile round trip. It is one of the tallest east of the Mississippi at 404 feet high. Many people opted to wade into the water at the base, but I was wary of getting into such a large group of people. After viewing, I made my way back to the shuttle stop and then back to my car. The picture and video below give just a glimpse of all the beauty I encountered.

Video of Hickory Nut Falls

Upon leaving the park, I made my way to Flat Rock and lunch. I am staying in a hotel near Hendersonville tonight before heading to Mississippi on my favorite "northern route" in the morning. Still trying to decide on my dinner destination for tonight. Updates tomorrow.

Things to Know:
**When I left the park at 1:00, they were not letting people in anymore! I know it is July 4th, but I'm thinking that it might be a daily occurrence. There was a huge line of cars headed that direction, full of disappointed people.
**Nearby is Lake Lure Beach, another very crowded destination. When I passed it at 10 on my way in, people were lined up for probably 100 yards waiting to get in. I'm not sure at what number they capped the people allowed in.

A Day At Stone Mountain State Park

"The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like hinds' feet, and He will make me to walk upon mine high places." -- Habakkuk 3:19

This verse meant so much to me on a recent trip to Stone Mountain, NC. It was a gorgeous day for a short trip to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, and I took full advantage of it. Stone Mountain State Park is about 1 and 1/2 hours from Greensboro for most people (2 hours on the scenic route I took). I parked at the Upper Trailhead Parking Area. It was a pleasant short walk to the falls. There were several sets of stairs, but they were well-built and in good repair. Just a note of clarification: to get to the falls from this parking area, you go down all these stairs, which means that when you return to your car via this same trail, you go up all these stairs. I chose to go to the falls first, but next time I will probably choose the Loop Trail which will have me seeing the falls at the end. This still means going up all the stairs at the end of the hike, but it is manageable. I just know that there are things I didn't see because I did not do the entire loop.

I hiked to the falls, past the falls, and then to Hutchinson Homestead. This is a group of older buildings which have been restored. It included a cabin, a barn, an outhouse, and several other buildings which were quite interesting and were blessed with the above view. Can you imagine waking up to that outside your window every morning? How awesome!!

After the homestead, I turned around and made the hike back the way I had come. I then moved my car to the Lower Trailhead Parking Area and attempted to make the hike to the mountain's summit. I made it almost all the way. Those of you who know me well know how difficult it is for me to make that statement. I don't almost do anything. Maybe it is time to share that I got new glasses two days before this trip. My prescription has changed some, but I didn't realize how much until I began the walk to the falls. Those stairs that I mentioned were a real challenge since to me each step appeared to slant off to the side. I had to grip the handrails to keep from missing stairs as I made my way down. In areas where there were no stairs but just rocky trail, I had to be extra careful. My lack of depth perception made each step treacherous. Truth be told, I looked like I had had a few too many drinks of alcoholic beverages and then decided to hit the trails. Anyway, as I made my way up the summit trail I got a little worried the rockier it got. I decided that wisdom should prevail over stubbornness, so I didn't actually get all the way to the top. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire time on the trails though, and the pictures below will attest to the beauty that I beheld.

Here is a baby bird that apparently fell from its nest. Lots of people tried to help it but no one was sure the best way to help. We ended up leaving it there in hopes it would fly to safety.

Important notes:
*Both parking areas had restrooms which were clean and well-equipped.
*There was a large poster-sized park map behind glass at each parking area and also free park maps for the taking.
*There were people of all ages on the trails. Also lots of dogs on leashes, so feel free to bring your pet.
*There were a few places to eat not terribly far from the park. I chose to drive to Wilkesboro which is about 30 minutes away. I found a pizza restaurant with a buffet.

Links:
Stone Mountain State Park

Village Inn Pizza Parlor

Hanging Rock -- A Day Trip For the Soul

“Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and winds long to play with your hair.”  -- Kahli Gibran

After weeks and weeks of quarantine and then a few more weeks of readjusting to life outside of my house, I finally had the chance to get away. It was just a short day trip, only about an hour outside of Greensboro, but it was a trip soothing to my soul. It refreshed me, encouraged me, gave me joy. Ironically, I shared the day with Joy! 

My friend Joy and I were longing for an adventure, even a small one. She suggested a trip to Danbury, NC to visit an art show presented by the Stokes County Arts Council at The Apple Gallery. I jumped at the chance, even more so when I remembered that Danbury is home to Hanging Rock. I took my nephew and his friend there years ago and recalled enjoying the area.

We left about 9:30 and took a meandering route through Oak Ridge, Stokesdale, and Walnut Cove. It was a pleasant drive in which we enjoyed farmland, interesting yard art, and gorgeous plant-life. We decided to start our adventure on the outer edge of Hanging Rock State Park, choosing a short (.2 mile) trail that leads up to Tory's Den and Waterfalls. It was a great start! The trail was easy to find, with a parking area on Charlie Young Road. A map at the parking area gave us an overview of the whole park and specifically the trail to the den and falls. The trail itself was well marked and extremely safe. We came to the falls first, meeting a couple of young girls who were out enjoying their own adventure. Moving on down the trail, just a little farther, we came to Tory's Den. I was interested to read on a historical background sign at the parking area that the cave was a refuge to 100 Tories for a short time during the American Revolution. This fact became most amazing when we saw the size of the cave. I have no idea how 100 people squeezed into it!

After returning to the car, we decided to drive to the main part of the park and hike the trail to Hanging Rock itself. The visitor center parking lot and entrance to Hanging Rock trail were not hard to find. On the way we made a stop at Hanging Rock General Store. It was a fun place with lots of local arts and crafts, t-shirts, food/drink, and a public restroom. The girls we met at the falls were right behind us and we visited a little more with them while we enjoyed the store. We promised to look for each other near Hanging Rock. 

I remembered this trail being a little more difficult than the Tory's Den Trail. My memory was not wrong. This trail is 1.5 miles one way. It starts as a paved trail, becoming a gravel trail, and eventually a stairway of stones. At some points it has a pretty steep incline but is not really dangerous. I spooked for a little bit when someone ahead told us that part of the trail was kind of slick, but we just altered our path to where there were more rocks and less dirt and we were fine. The view at the top makes the climb totally worth it, as you can see from my pictures. There are lots of rock formations jutting out from the mountainside; we chose to stick to the more protected rocks. We did see people who climbed/slid/struggled further out, but we were not even tempted. The sign at the beginning of the trail was enough to deter me if I had had the slightest inclination to crawl out to the edge which I did not! We enjoyed the view from several different angles, ran into our new friends from Tory's Falls again, and began our return hike. Going down was much easier than going up. We walked only a short way before we felt a few raindrops. I prayed, asking God to hold of the rain till we had made it through the rock area and onto the slightly flatter gravel area. I don't know why I didn't ask Him to hold the rain off until we made it to the car!! Almost as soon as our feet left the rocks and touched gravel the bottom fell out. We were completely drenched in no time and walked about 1/2 a mile in pouring down rain. When we arrived at the car it stopped. I was so grateful to God for His protection and a little not-amused at His sense of humor. Joy had a roll of paper towels in the car which helped some.

Our next stop was lunch. We ate at the River Rock Cafe, which I highly recommend. Their menu is large, sandwiches, flatbreads, pizzas, and the prices are reasonable. One thing to keep in mind is that they close at 2:00 except on Fridays and Saturdays. We got there just in time. We ate outside do to our drenched state and the air conditioner inside. We both got Reubens and were very satisfied. It was also nice to sit out in the sun and dry out some.

Next we were on to the art gallery. The gallery is a very nice place in downtown Danbury. There is ample parking in the back, entrance is free, and there's many good pieces of art to mull over. For the month of June they are showing the work of Dennis Byrd, the artist who Joy is familiar with, but the work of several other artists was on view as well. There was also a gallery store with some artwork, crafts, jewelry, etc. for sale.

After the gallery, we began our journey home, still enjoying our time and the new views outside our windows. On the morning trip towards Danbury we enjoyed passing through the small town of Walnut Cove and were happy to be passing through it again on the way home. We became even happier when we saw the Duck Donut Truck. How can you NOT stop at a donut truck after hiking 3 1/2 miles (33 floors)? My favorite is the Beachball. Sorry no picture; I didn't have them long enough to get a picture. 

Greensboro was back in sight soon enough. We were tired but refreshed. I personally enjoyed every minute of the day (even the rain) and was so grateful to have a friend who also loves the journey as much as I do. I highly recommend a day trip to Hanging Rock. We saw kids of all ages on the trails, and even a lady on crutches, though I am not at all sure how she managed slippery wet rocks on her way down. Danbury is also the place to go when you want to tube down the Dan River... but that's a journey for another day.

Links:

Stokes County Arts Council

River Rock Cafe

Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock General Store

Travel Through Books

“That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” -- Jhumpa Lahiri

In this time of world-wide upheaval, when traveling to places far and even near is discouraged or restricted, there is still a way for you to leave your present surroundings and enjoy a sense of journey. The answer is through books!

Books have long been my first source of adventure and escape, and now more than ever, they are providing me the opportunity to visit other worlds, other times, and other peoples as a way of escaping present circumstances and uncertainties. At no other time have books been more available and accessible than they are right now. Many of us have been given the gift of time to visit any place that we choose which can be found between the covers of a book, be it an actual book or virtual. 

Below are some of my favorite book-destinations. Feel free to make your own visit to these favorites of mine. Enjoy the peace, the adventure, the feelings of satisfaction as good conquers evil, the joy of love surviving and thriving, the wonder of new experiences. Then also feel free to share some of your favorite book-destinations. 

Anne of Green Gables -- My favorite go-to for comfort and the companionship of an old friend. The fictional sleepy town of Avonlea, nestled on Canada's Prince Edward Island, is so real to me. I love to walk the forest paths with Anne, look across the Lake of Shining Waters, or run across the field to visit Diana. The visit never disappoints me.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe -- Escaping through the wardrobe door into the land of Narnia is another journey that never disappoints. How exciting it is to see Narnia for the first time or for the hundredth time. How comforting to share a cup of tea with Mr. Tumnus. How awesome to run my hands through Aslan's golden mane. How victorious to see the White Witch and her minions defeated, and then to realize that our Lord has defeated Satan just as completely.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe -- A visit to Whistle Stop, Alabama in the 1930's never fails to make me laugh. Idgie's high-jinx and Dot Weems' comments bring the town to life. The parallel story of Evelyn becoming Tawanda completes the humorous trip for me. 

Christy -- I love to travel with Christy Huddleston to the backwoods of the Smoky Mountains in the early 1900's. Learning to love the Mountain People, watching Christy as she matures in mind and soul, and enjoying the intricacies of a time long-past is a trip worth taking.

Papa's Wife -- This little-known gem of a book is the first of three by Thyra Ferre Bjorn. The reader is transported to Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a journey of family, love, and fun. I first read it in high school and loved it so much I considered stealing it from my high school library. (Don't worry, I didn't give in to temptation. I later found the whole series on Amazon.)

Daddy Long-Legs -- Accompanying Judy Abbott as she leaves the orphanage and goes to upstate New York to attend college thanks to the kindness of an anonymous benefactor is a trip well worth taking. I walk alongside Judy as she conquers her fears and becomes who she was meant to be, all while writing detailed letters to her benefactor to keep him up to date with her activities. (The illustrations make it even more fun.)

Joy in the Morning -- Annie also travels to a college-town, but as a wife, not a student. For many years I have returned to Annie's story of trials, achievements, sorrows, and joys as she navigates the life of leaving home and becoming a wife while still becoming her own person. The 1920's midwest college town is the perfect destination for Annie's story.

I have many more favorite books populating my shelves. These books listed above are the old friends in whose company I seek escape and comfort during trying times such as these. The main Book that I go to for comfort however is God's Word, the Bible. It never disappoints. I especially search the Psalms for comfort, reassurance, and peace. I pray that comfort, reassurance and peace for all of you at this time.