A Hike to Remember 

Wagon gap pull off on the Blue Ridge Parkway to The Pisgah Inn on the Mountains to the Sea Trail

Chip picked another Classic and Memorable Hike from the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Pisgah Inn. It was great but also totally exhausting. At least 10 water crossings. The first two with bridges, but eight more hopping rock to rock. They were very doable, just be careful. I had planned to turn around at 1030 in order to keep my day shorter But about that time we were able to see the Pisgah Inn through the trees up above us. Chip offered to let me stop and turn around but that visual was a big incentive. On the map it looked like less than a half a mile. I was able to get a signal and call Tess and with that endorsement  I decided to forge on. Well wouldn’t you know that that last 1/2 mile was all up hill and steep. We got to the Inn by 1130. Greeted by a level green ribbon of mowed grass and a line of golden brown rocking chairs basking in the sun.

The morning had started in the dark, cold and windy early dawn and culminated on a balmy mountain spring day with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pisgah Mountain Range. The Pisgah Inn was Opened on April 1 and barely populated today but still a very welcome surprise brush with other people, all of whom arrived by more conventional means. A couple walked past us on their casual exploratory amble  on the grassy green carpet. In our greeting Chip said we have a 7 mile hike back to our car, to which the gent responded, you picked a beautiful day for it! Minutes later, after saying hello and congratulations to Jesse on her grand babies, I started the trek back while Chip stayed behind to finish his conversation. When I reached the first rocky downhill I realized that I had left my walking stick behind with Chip. He brought it with him and caught up within minutes. Chip, breaming with enthusiasm, set a very brisk pace but patiently waited for me at each of the 10 water crossing an the return trip. Four hours later and dragging, I saw a sign saying 500 feet to the parking lot. Yet another sorely needed visual incentive. I can make it, I told myself, as every ounce of water in my backpack and every ounce of strength in my body was completely drained. I can make it…. I pleaded with myself and God as 500 feet turned into 500 yards with a couple of huge downed trees blocking the otherwise level trail. I can make it! As I thought about the horrible misery in Ukraine where Putin’s vicious bombardment is destroying the civilized world. I can make it…

and I did and all I can do is pray, be thankful and thank God that I still get to live in our little blue bubble, to still have and still enjoy days like this one, today!

 

 A Vigilante - Movie Review

Wow!!!! I’ve watched a hundred movies during these past pandemic years and find myself looking beyond the awards and the big name stars. This ranks much much better than most. It is gripping in its suspense and drama but even more so in its message. The message, domestic abuse is a crime, a crime that must be punished. The heroine is completely sympathetic in her role as a victim who becomes an advocate and equalizer. My wife and I watch Dateline every week and after several episodes you say, it’s the boyfriend or it’s the husband. Without even watching the show you could be right 90% of the time. This is a national disgrace. Possibly worldwide. To think that there is enough material to create a series based on the chronic nature of these crimes is chilling. I don’t know if this is a spoiler but there were two lines that stand out. He says, I love you and she says it isn’t love it is a sick and desperate need. Relationships are complex but it is apparent that traditional law enforcement cannot keep up with the plight of abused women. There are those who say, just leave. Well it ain’t that simple. A Vigilante goes to the extreme but sadly in this world she may be a new and necessary kind of hero.