Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.
{Rachel Carson}
There is simply nothing on earth like a national park. From Taylor's Falls in Wisconsin to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee to Muir Woods just outside of San Francisco, Mother Nature is at her best in these preserved pockets of land across the United States. Whether among mountains or beside rivers, there is wonder and awe in these places.
John and I got our own glimpse of the earth's glory this week, when we took an impromptu trip to Asheville, North Carolina, and the Great Smoky Mountains (which run between North Carolina and Tennessee). We saw a man-made wonder in the form of the Biltmore Estate (America's largest private home, courtesy of the Vanderbilt family), as well as many of God's gifts throughout the mountains, which start just over an hour away from Atlanta and run as far as the eye can see in these more northern states. We experienced Asheville on Thursday, where we toured Biltmore and ate at a noodle shop before seeing the awesome independent film "Valentino: The Last Emperor." On Friday, we traversed the mountains, glimpsing across peaks and exploring little streams, and we had a picnic lunch from Laurie's Gourmet-to-Go at the 2nd highest point in America east of the Rockies. These new areas to explore are part of the blessing of living in Atlanta - who knew, for example, such natural wonders as the Smokies were so close? Our "Carolinas & Georgia" travel book (Thanks, Colleen!) has become our trusty companion on these excursions to learn more about where we now live.
