Taking time off and getting away from the daily routine of work and home life almost always refreshes me. I feel new inspiration and can somehow see the big picture better when I take a step away. Home is still the best - there's no other place where I feel as comfortable - but traveling is important to expand the edges of our world.
This past week was the time we were planning to go to Ireland, but those plans were smashed because of the pandemic. I still hope to go someday, but for now I'll continue to dream. Half the fun is in planning and looking forward to a trip, anyway! Instead of Ireland, we went to Tennessee, where we spent a few days with Shelby & Kait and two nights in the Smoky Mountains on the way home.
I have visited only a few national parks, but consider them one of the best places to travel. There's nothing like seeing the vast Grand Canyon for the first time, or the rolling peaks shrouded in mist of the Great Smoky Mountains. We go to the Smokies as often as we can, and this year we were fortunate enough to visit twice! Cade's Cove, a picturesque valley nestled in the mountains, has always charmed me. The carefully preserved log homes, churches, and a mill from bygone days can be visited while driving along an 11 mile loop, which we've done several times.
We wanted to bike the loop this time, and made it a priority on our trip. Experiencing it that way added another dimension of awe. I'm easily moved by emotion, and feeling the atmosphere of Cade's Cove on a closer level than riding in a car was exhilarating. The bike ride was tougher than I expected, but so worth it!
Stories about events and curious happenings in national parks always interest me. I've collected several books from my visits, and this time I bought Into the Mist - tales of death and disaster in Smoky Mountains National Park. Another favorite of mine is Over the Edge: Death In Grand Canyon. This book is down the same line and is very interesting so far.
I saw a children's book about national parks called You Are Home at a shop we visited and loved the illustrations and poetry. I added it to my collection also.
Going back to work and daily life after time away is sometimes discouraging. I like this quote, "Jobs fill your pocket. Adventures fill your soul."
Awe, sad for y’all about Ireland, but this sounded like a lovely vacay! Those books look super interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove this post and the book recommendations! Where do y’all like to stay in the smokies? I hate being trapped in a car stuck in traffic in Cade’s Cove but would love to bike it!!
ReplyDeleteWe've stayed at a different place every time... whatever is available on Airbnb usually! This time our place was in Townsend, which was closest to Cade's Cove. It was kind of nice to be out of the main Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. And yes, the traffic is no fun!
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