God's Country : Part 5

                                   Pisgah National Forest trail. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie 

Today Brian and I had every intention of going to see Linville Falls: I'd even Googled the location. When we got to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance, we discovered that the direction where " Mile Marker 315 ' is located is on a portion of the scenic highway that is closed for repair.  Since we had already invested time and gasoline to get to the Parkway, we decided to pivot and drive a little in the opposite direction, and we fund a wonderful trailhead. 

                             Yours truly at the trailhead in Pisgah. Photo by Brian. 

The hike was lovely, and not too strenuous for Brian. While I am a wee bit disappointed that we di not get to Linville Falls, I am grateful for the quiet time in the woods with my spouse. To be honest, I really do not want to go home tomorrow-- especially to a COVID-ravaged Pensacola. I know that this is hitting those foolish adults who refuse to vaccinate. Pensacola unvaccinated  people are finally getting sick-- and I've seen heart-breaking stories of patients who, before they are intubated, beg for the vaccine { Science is not consumer-driven, one needs to follow correct procedure for the vaccines to work} Meanwhile, we vaccinated people are doubling down to keep children under 12 safe until medical science deems vaccines safe for them .

I don't want to leave western NC until late November. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain NC

 

God's Country: Part 4

  View of Mile High Swinging Bridge from a lookout post on Grandfather Mountain.  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

Day 4 . 

Today Brian and I visited Grandfather Mountain. It was NOT cheap, but worth every penny of admission price. Due to COVID restrictions, we had to secure reservations online prior to driving over to Linville. Our arrival time was 9 a.m., but we were able to get in fifteen minutes early.  Due to some physical restrictions for both of us, we opted to not  hike the long, steep path to the famed Mile High Bridge. We drove to the summit and walked steps to the bridge. 

 Me at one end of the " Mile High Bridge on Grandfather Mountain. Brian chose to not walk across the suspension bridge, but I overcame my fear of heights and walked across it. Photo by Brian. 

Walking across the bridge, I put one foot in front of the other while staring straight ahead-- avoiding looking in either the right nor left. I reached the other side with no panic attacks, but did not trust my balance enough to climb over the rocks to the second peak. The last time I visited Grandfather Mountain I was eleven years old-- and now I am middle-aged.  It is better to be safe than stupid, and the view was just as lovely from my sturdy perch. 

                        One side of the Bridge. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

After we visited the summit, we drove down to the Wildlife Preserve and took a lovely walking tour of native animals who are year -round residents of Grandfather Mountain. We saw several native species, but our favorites are the black bear and the trio of { male} elk. 

Our last activity on Grandfather Mountain was an easy hike in the woods. We chose a mile-long , but fairly easy circular trail. To be safe, we employed our hiking sticks . I grew up in Northern Appalachia, so walking in dense , elevated woods is ingrained in my muscle memory. 

Y'all, I miss the mountains. If Brian and I could afford a second home, I'd choose the mountains of western North Carolina. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain , NC

God's Country: Part 3

                                   Me in front of a mural in downtown Boone, NC. Photo by Brian. 

Day 3. 

Brian and I decided to explore Boone, NC-- a 40 minute drive down into one of the valleys. Originally, our plan was to hike an urban trail called " the Boone Greenway". Well, we never found said Greenway, but opted to walk along the historic downtown business district. Boone is the home of Appalachian State University { Home of the Mountaineers} , so the town has a cool youthful vibe. 

We ate lunch at an authentic Vietnamese place in-- Banner Elk, NC! I had the pad thai and the noodles and veggies were fresh. I had the BEST peanut sauce I'd eaten in years. 

Back at the cabin, we had a nice little 6th birthday party for our niece.  We ordered pizza, and the birthday girl requested chocolate cupcakes and ice cream for dessert. I am so stuffed! 

After supper, Brian and I took a short walk down our lane. We met one of the neighbors. Check it out:

                                           Our neighbor is a female mule deer. They are not too common in Appalachia. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

Apparently mule deer are not common in the Eastern United States. The dark markings on her face stood out to me-- along with her big beautiful deer eyes. According to Google, the mule deer is named for their large ears--which are thought to look like mule ears. 

I feel blessed by these gentle creatures who share the habitat with we humans on Beech Mountain. 

Anyway, tomorrow is Grandfather Mountain with Brian? He's never been, and I've not been to this natural wonder since I was a young teen. 

It is such a blessing to be back at these mountains. While Pensacola is home, western North Carolina will always be a big piece of my soul. My present & future is in Pensacola, but my past and some of my heart

Appalachian born-- but I call the northwest Florida Gulf Coast home. 

I am grateful for all my ' thin places". 

Until tomorrow... goodnight friends. 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain NC 

 

God's Country: Part Two

             "St Christopher" enjoys a sip of bubbly wine. :) Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

Day 2 in God's Country, North Carolina. Brian and I did our first mountain hike this morning. According to the trail people, the walk we chose is marked " moderate", the trail proved to be more along the lines of " difficult" for both of us. It is a mile-long trek to this particular peak, and we managed to hike halfway up the trail before we both chose to turn  around & hike back to the truck. My experience of growing up in the Appalachian woods near Pittsburgh helped me to feel safe & confident on the tough trail. 

                                    Me at the head of the trail today. Photo by Brian. 

There were some amazing natural waterfalls on this trail. For me, one of the best parts of the hike was seeing the natural waterfalls. Water is my favorite element: and as much as I love the mountains, I feel the healing powers of water. 

  The hike invigorated my soul: I can spend all day in the North Carolina Appalachian woods. I needed a sweatshirt. As I've said before, Florida summers are notoriously hot and HUMID. It is such a blessing for me to spend time outdoors and not get drenched in sweat.  Highlands humidity is entirely different from HOT humidity in Florida: it is not felt by me after over two decades of Florida Life. 

I am loving life here, & I am not looking forward to returning to hot, humid Florida. If Brian & I ever miraculously come into some money, I'd LOVE a summer home here on Beech Mountain. 

Our extended family rolled in today from Pittsburgh, so there is much-needed family time. COVID has kept us apart for two years, and we are due for some quality time together. 

Until tomorrow...

Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain , NC. 

                                                                                                 

God's Country: Part One

                                          Siblings {and our spouses} at Beech Mountain, NC . Photo by Barbara. 

 We are here. After two-days of driving. { we spent the night in Atlanta } we are in the highest incorporated community east of the Mississippi River.  Our " cabin' has five bedrooms and five bathrooms. There are two big decks that face  the mountain vista. 

                    Sunset from the deck on Beech Mountain. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie

Brian has never been to Beech Mountain, and it is fun to share this wonderful area with him.   Yesterday afternoon we arrived at the cabin . It was wet and drizzly, but I am glad to be here. Florida summers can  so miserably hot and humid Florida summers { not to mentioned named storms} 

   We were treated by a deer family last evening as we came back from supper. We stopped at  a lookout spot near a hiking trail, and were gifted with the deer sighting. The young buck looked right at me-- he did not feel threatened by my presence. 

              

                      Young Buck looking at me. Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

 Later that evening, as I was enjoying a soak in the hot tub, my little niece , my brother, and I saw a doe come into the backyard slope. She seemed either unaware or unafraid of we humans as she quietly grazed on some clover. The hot tub felt wonderful on my sore muscles-- after two days' worth of truck travel , I felt the strain on my bones & muscles. 

Today we have a short hike planned , and my uncle & aunts arrive from Pittsburgh this afternoon. Due to Brian's cancer treatments & Pandemic 2021, I've not seen some Pittsburgh relatives in over two years. regarding COVID19  & news consumption, I am doing my best to keep from " borrowing trouble" regarding the delta variant. We plan to stay as far away from people not in our group { we are all vaccinated} when we our in public. 

That's all for now. I was really tired yesterday, so there is not much Namaste! 

~Sarah McCarren

Beech Mountain, NC 

The Mountains are Calling Again, And I Will Go Safely!

                                              Me hiking in Western North Carolina last autumn. Clearly protected from the cooties. Photo by Brian. 

   “The mountains are calling & I must go..." John Muir. 

     Bria and I are prepared for our road trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. After the hellish year that was 2020-- the spouse and I are taking full advantages of the ability to road trip from our Pensacola home. 

   I need the break from Florida Summer.  Additionally I need some quality time with my { vaccinated} extended family members.  We are avoiding hotels and crowded venues. 

    We are traveling safely-- aware that there are still fools who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID 19. We are confident in the science that says that the vaccines we { and the people with whom we'll share the mountain house}received. Thankfully, the state of North Carolina is wise enough to be aware that some people are leery of public spaces-- and we packed masks in our luggage. Hand sanitizer & rubbing alcohol wipes are stashed in my backpack. 

    Our week will be spent in a tiny hamlet at the top of Beech Mountain, in north-western North Carolina. My brother & I have great memories of childhood trips to this tiny mountain town -- our maternal grandparents invited us for a week's stay for several summers during our growing-up years.  I cannot speak for Matt, but I know I look forward to sharing some classic WNC with my spouse & others who've yet to experience Beech Mountain's summertime charms. 

  We packed suitcases for varied weather.  Beech Mountain's altitude makes for cool mornings and evenings: I anticipate sipping my morning coffee on the porch-- staring at the incredible view whilst wearing a sweatshirt. 

    A week with NO HUMIDITY! Ah, Paradise for this transplanted Floridian. 

    Brian & I honeymooned in Hendersonville, a highlands town located south of Asheville & we returned there last autumn. I was born & raised in Appalachian , so these old mountains and hills are part of my DNA. I love Pensacola, but the Appalachian Mountains are my " thin place": I feel especially connected to God The Divine Mother when I am hiking those old ridges. 

  Onward. 

   Sarah McCarren 

   16 July 2021

 

Prophets & " home"

Totally " Sarah Sandals" that I found at a discount place.  Photo by The Pensacola Hippie. 

This is part of the Gospel lesson for Sunday, July 4 2021. While I relate to & appreciate the entire passage, this part stuck out to me: 

"And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said

to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin,

and in their own house.”

Living through a pandemic has changed all of us. But for me, what Pandemic Life , 2020-21 has shown me is with whom and where is " home" 

I have not been to the place where I grew up in over two years, due to the spouse's cancer & The Pandemic.  Oddly enough, I do not miss the Rust Belt. Brian and I only had enough money for one summer trip-- either to my parents' rented house on Beech Mountain, North Carolina or a trip to Greater Pittsburgh. 

I chose North Carolina. As much as I love my friends and family in Greater Pittsburgh-- two years away from The Rust Belt, a pandemic , and political insanity made me re-think about who I am and what sort of legacy I wish to leave to my niece & nephew. My last trip to where I grew up was not necessarily a good nor happy one, I'd felt like a stranger in what used to be my place of comfort & safety. While I cherish the memories I have with many of the wonderful people there-- I am not the Sarah they knew. I am stronger-- secure in my personal walk with God & thriving in a community who challenges me to grow in ways that change me. 

The past four years have been times of growth -- growth that came from a lot of sorrow.  Especially these past two years-- with Brian's cancer diagnosis & treatment in 2019 ,  Year 2020 brought the death of two in-laws, a worldwide pandemic ,  and the ugliest election season I can recall, and my beloved grandmother's death at age 90. Year 2021 looked promising, but on the 6th of January a group of American citizens stormed the Capitol and tried to take over our democracy. 

I've changed so much over the past four years, and people's responses to both Pandemic Life and The Election taught me much about what I cannot tolerate . Life is too damn short.

Back in October , 2018-- my bishop, as he prayed over me at my Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows, referred to me as " a prophet". At the time I was stunned and confused by his words-- but the past 24 months have shown me what he saw. 

2020 forced me to lay out all my ' cards on the table'. My work towards full equality for all God's people has probably ruffled a few feathers. A Pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, election ugliness, and then the attempted coup shook my faith in people.  However, all this chaos did not deter me from my work of "tikkun olen " or repairing the world.  As a Christian of Jewish descent , and the daughter of two hippies-- I take the commandment to love and serve others very seriously. 

I am grateful to be in a community that does serve others. Another lesson I've learned over the last four years is that it can be costly to choose to stand up for a principle & to demand change from our civic leaders.  Peaceful protests and strongly-worded editorials are effective yet costly, as are participating in phone /text banks. 

Direct action has a cost. Challenging the status quo is scary. 

"Home" is where one is celebrated and where one's gifts are put to use . 

Pensacola is home to me. 

Amen. 

Sarah McCarren

6 July 2021