Did you know that Mount Mitchell is the highest mountain east of the Mississippi? The way I figure it, it is clearly important to set aside a day to go on up there and be as close as realistically possible to the heavens for a while. Now, I'm typically a hard core fan of the under-appreciated mundane moments of holiness-the beauty found in the shadows of the daily grind, but the majestic awesomeness of the heights of Mount Mitchell cannot be ignored. Looking out over the mountains to the north, south, east and west, I was blown away by the stunning beauty of my home terrain, the southern Appalachian mountains. It was thrilling and intimidating to be at the top looking down on a world of ridges, valleys and coves below, each holding its own life communities, microclimate, and essence.
Below Mount Mitchell, the Toe River flows clear and cold, its numerous pools and boulders inviting and refreshing come midsummer.
A day a year, I travel to the mountain and the river, marvelling at the power of the elements, drinking in the goodness which is summer in the mountains, and remembering things that are important to remember.
Here are a few glimpses of the day:
(Anyone know this groovy purple mushroom?)
Angelica unfolding:
My sweet godson after he rocked going under water in the Toe River!
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