SPRING BREAK

Little Pigeon River, Great Smokey Mountains NP
This photo always reminds me of something new. While on a hike along the Little Pigeon River in the Great Smokey Mountains, Laura and I stopped here for a rest break. The panoramic setting on the I-phone of that era captured a light ray shining down through the trees into the river. Greenery along side and tumbling rocks moved over time reminded us of something continuous about the natural world. It was a great hike. Almost timeless.

I look at this photo now and dive into it once again with memory and anticipation. It was a great trip with family. WOW! I can't wait for a trip like this again. It has been a year since COVID-19 shut down travel, and so many other things. But sooner than later, gatherings with extended family and outings such as this requiring interstate travel will be possible.

Just a bit longer. After the rest break, we headed upstream and followed the trail uphill about 1700 feet. Working muscles and gathering breath, we traversed the river multiple times as it became smaller and smaller. Water cascades, little pools, streams coalescing, and finally a spring. New! Water! Life! The hike now sets in mind the walk we have made this past year during pandemic. Just a bit further now to the newness that awaits us.

This Spring Break we will once again be riverside. With a couple of the closest friends possible. Rest! Newness! Once again the stories from Along the Way shall be shared. And we will look forward to so much more.

Along the Way
​Pastor Paul