Blue Haze and Black Bears

What an amazing trip I had! You should have been there . . . .

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine told me I looked tired and needed to get away to her family log cabin in the woods. Well, when one female tells another she “looks tired” – that’s serious business! So I packed some things, hopped in my car, and headed north, hoping to return looking rested and more youthful.

Not knowing what to expect, I imagined a sweet little log cabin, nestled in the woods, away from civilization and stress. My friend had warned me there was no phone, no Internet, and an intermittent cell phone signal. So I prepared to hunker down, hide from bears, and do a little writing.

The drive took a little over 12 hours. As I left the state of Florida, I wondered whether I was being unwise to be going alone into the wilderness. Arguing with myself, I reminded me that I was being foolish, that I could drive someplace for a phone if/when I needed one, and that this was an opportunity to spend some quality time with, well, my own mind. (Something I typically try to avoid since it’s a scary place to go!!!!)

I pressed on, leaving behind my beloved palm trees and sandy beaches. I did, however, take Gladys (my trusty GPS), reasoning that If I were to get lost in the woods, I might be able to find my way back home if the battery held up long enough. Or if a bear did chase me, he might become fascinated with the tech-toy and leave me alone!

As the roads became narrower and the snakelike meandering of the blacktop took me higher and higher into the haze of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I forgot my concerns and breathed fresh air deep into my lungs. I was really escaping the busy-ness of life!!!!! WOO HOO!

Suddenly Gladys spoke, “Make a sharp left turn in point five miles.” I drove a bit further and the familiar “ding” signaled that I was at my last turn before reaching my destination. I couldn’t have been happier.

Suddenly the tree tunnel opened and there before my eyes was a gorgeous three-story log home with winding balconies wrapped around each floor of the house, complete with rocking chairs and a lovely stone chimney reaching from the ground to the top of the house. I had arrived! Or had I? I double checked the address attached to the key to the front door just to be sure.

Yup. This was it. When I entered through the double doors, I was met with the most amazing ceiling-to-floor, wall-to-wall windowed view of the Blue Ridge Mountains you could ever imagine. It was like being outside! I wondered if I could declare squatter’s rights and just never leave.

I will share some photos with you – I just need to make them web-ready. I will upload those later tonight. They do not do justice to my digs by the lake in the Blue Ridge Mountains. (And, No, I did not think about the Internet or the phone one time; I just soaked in in the beauty of this amazing country we live in.)

I admit, it is good to be home – I missed my peeps. But I will float on the experiences of the last week for months to come. My take-away? Next time a friend or loved one tells you you’re looking tired, throw some clothes in a duffle bag and head for the hills! It’s a beautiful place to get lost.

P.S. I didn’t see any bears but I did notice a couple of bikers on Harleys hanging around the picnic area.