Thursday, February 11, 2010


Yesterday I posted about the beauty of nature. Times like this are my anchor to sanity.

Whether sharing the moment with a loved one or being in the solitude by yourself...outside in nature's beauty recharges, revitalizes and provides a sense of calm in an ever increasing world of tension and stress.

Places like this even exist in the midst of our largest cities because the city planners knew that an oasis of calm is needed by everyone from time to time. This particular path is along a trail in the Smokey Mountains high on a ridge leading to Mt. Laconte. Rhododendrons line the trail for miles and in the spring flood the area with fragrant and beautiful blooms in every direction...many times as far as the eye can see.

I always make it to this particular trail when I return to the mountains...I long for its musky odors, gurgling brooks and spectacular vistas. I don't hike it to get anywhere...I hike it just to ....be there.

Dan

17 comments:

dianne said...

Yes Dan dear it is a beautiful trail, so much to see, smell and hear along the way and that ever beckoning feeling to wander on further just up ahead, always, so much so that here I often wander further than I should just in case I miss another beautiful vista or a tree.
I think rhododenrons are so beautiful and to think that they grow wild in your country. xo ♡

Sunny said...

This trail really calls out to be followed. So peaceful except for the crunch of twigs beneath your feet. Just perfect.
Sunny :)

Heather said...

Absolutely beautiful - I love the Rhododendrons on those trails in the Smokies... They always make for a gorgeous hike. I'm kicking myself for letting so much time go by since I last visited.

Indrayani said...

Beautiful!! :)

I have a trail like that, close to where I live....!

DawnTreader said...

Interesting colouring in this picture.

Mary Lamoray said...

What a glorious photo!! Just draws you in and gives such a beautiful feeling... thank you Dan...

Becky said...

Dan, thanks for stopping by my photo blog and leaving a message. I am just a snapshot gal... no fancy camera... and no knowledge of how to use Photoshop and other photo editing software. But it doesn't stop me from enjoying the beautiful work created by you more 'advanced-or-professional' photographers. It makes me dream... someday...

Dan Felstead said...

Dianne...it is a sight to behold in the spring when they are in bloom in the mountains...the most beautiful time of the year to be hiking.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Sunny...it is truly a great hike if you ever visit the Smokies...let me know and I will fill you in. It is the Alum Cave Bluffs Trail. You can Google it.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Heather...good to hear from you! Yes i know you have been on those hikes and we share a love of the Smokies...and it is time to get back there again!

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Indrayani...I envy you! That must be great to be able to find a place like this close to home.

Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Dawn Treader. I know I haven't visited lately. I taught every day this week and when I do...I run out of time and energy!

Dn

Dan Felstead said...

Thanks Wonderful Wire...good to hear from you again!


Dan

Dan Felstead said...

Becky...thanks for the comment. You have the knack...don't give up on it...you will get there!

Dan

septembermom said...

I could spend hours on a lovely trail getting inspiration for creativity and just living.

Dan Felstead said...

Septembermom...I hope you had a great Valentines day...thanks for the comment.

Dan

Anonymous said...

I would shrivel and die if I did not have nature around me.
Gorgeous picture, Dan.