It has been a struggle for me grieving my sweet dog Clancie, so when dear friends Sherri and Jason Miller invited me to join them at a cabin on the Virginia Creeper Trail for the weekend, I was more than delighted to have their company and a change of scenery.
Part of the preparation included figuring out if my new all electric vehicle, the 2022 Polestar 2, could successfully make the trip. I am so committed to fighting climate change that I added additional solar panels to my house, installed 3 Tesla Powerwall batteries to run my house, and leased an electric car that theoretically is charged by the sun at my house. On a trip, however, you need to recharge, so thankfully there was an Electrify America station in Bristol, Virginia, so the trip went without a hitch.
The sunrise above Whitetop Mountain was spectacular and we watched a flock of robins feeding on the berries of an American holly tree. This was definitely a lovely return to wild places!
Despite 18 degrees and high wind warnings, we decided to hike at Grayson Highlands State Park. Cabin Creek Trail was a perfect choice because we were protected somewhat from the wind and the ice bells and frozen sculptures along the creek thrilled us.
Then we decided to hike the Big Pinnacle Trail for the fantastic view. Alas, the snow and ice was just too dangerous to make it all the way.
We returned to our cabin for a hearty macaroni and cheese dinner, all the while watching the birds and the angles of the sunlight as nightfall approached.
I am a big fan of Maria Popova’s newsletter The Marginalian. This morning she shared these words by Rockwell Kent: “These are the times in life – when nothing happens – but in quietness the soul expands.” Well, I know a weekend with loving friends is not nothing, but our quiet hikes and just their presence definitely expanded my soul. Thank you.