And There was Peace in the Mountains........

A few years ago I bought a wall hanging that says,"You are
closer to heaven in the mountains." I also have a picture
frame that says,"And There Was Peace in the Mountains."
Since the first time I saw the green mountains of
Arkansas to the first time I breathed in the splendor of the
majestic Rockies, I have loved the mountains. There is
such a peace there, and you really are closer to heaven
in ALL sense of the words. The Smoky Mountains also
hold that peace, and that is what I sought on a beautiful
day in July this summer.

I stopped at each over look, got out, and just breathed in
that sweet, clean air. The view gives me a sense of
eternity that can not help fill me with peace. The day
before I had stood at the bottom of those falls, and felt thunder
rumble through the mountains and through my body and soul.
I felt as though God met me at the bottom of those falls. As
I gazed at the mountains...HE WAS EVERYWHERE! All of my
senses were heightened and each breath seem to cleanse my
soul. There was peace on the mountain.

Now, my goal for the day was to travel this one way unpaved
mountain road. The speed limit is 10, and I had nothing but
time. In fact this road was my prize of this trip. Even more
than Chimney Rock, I desired to travel this mountain road. I
once again loaded up my trusty ice chest and set out for
my adventure of the day. There would not be much hiking
done today for my boots still were soaked!

Ahh... isn't that inviting? What? What does that sign say
at the beginning of the road. Closed? Closed? Closed with
a gate blocking the road? Now this was not part of the plan.
I found out later from rangers that the road was closed due
to bridge damage from the torrential rains of the day before.

I decided to walk down the road for a little while. Oh gosh,
it was so beautiful, so lush, so green, .......so looking like a
bear could jump out at any minute.! I wanted the comfort
and safety of my little Toyota. I did not mind seeing a bear, in
fact I wanted to. I just wanted to see it from the inside
of my car. I decided that this road would have to be
traveled another time.

I know. God was on this road too. Look at the Light. It
looked surreal.

On my way up to that road, I passed this creature. Elk were
on my agenda for the evening for they are in another part of
the park. I suppose this one yearned to travel "my road" as well.