Summer 2023 magical mystery tour
This summer it is about enjoying the mysteries of life as we tumble into the rabbit hole. Reaching out, grasping for the magical moments as we fall deeper, deeper into the life where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, always adding a little extra!
We made our way back from a cold mountain spring after filling our jugs from a pipe coming out of the ground. We meandered along the ancient roadbed as the last of a perfect evening dissolved into the night. For the most part, we do not use lights preferring to let our eyes acclimate to the darkness but this dark was so dark we were considering using headlamps. Almost as if the cauldron had sent them, the faint glow of magical fairies, or perhaps they were the elusive blue ghost fireflies they descended from the trees, twirling, dancing, and cavorting, just above the forest floor before lining the roadbed like shimmering beacons, beckoning us deeper into the mystery.
Back at camp still spellbound by the magic, the drops began to fall slowly and gently, building quickly into a quenching summer rain.
Emily and I had settled in under a tiny tarp deep in the Great Smoky Mountains. A phantastic show unfolded before us as the coal-black darkness engaged in a dance with the lightning, painting the sky with dramatic strokes and illuminating our very souls. The fairies continued weaving their spell of light and some unworldly, non-light energy. That was neither here nor there. As the rains percussion and the frog’s chorus gave way the bird’s song, a shaft of light breaks through the fog. A granddaddy longlegs scurries across my face breaking the spell.
Day 1
For an overnight adventure, we sure packed a lot into it. We went on a kayak trip to Proctor, a ghost town on a tributary of Fontana Lake. We went to visit the Calhoun house Saturday evening but a legion of bats told us it was their territory at night. That was ok, fairly lights provided ambiance for an exquisite dusk picnic under a massive 400-year-old oak tree on the banks of Hazelcreek. Pan-fried chicken on a bed of rice and veggies, smothered with a pan sauce of balsamic, garlic, fresh basil, lemons, and sundried tomatoes. Topped with a dollop of goat cheese. Afterward, we filled lime cookies with mascarpone cheese for dessert. Mmm!
Day 2
The next day we did make it back to explore the house and the rest of Proctor before getting back to camp for brunch. French toast with fresh blackberries sweetened mascarpone cheese and syrup
Add sauteed bacon wrapped cheese sticks and it was a meal where diets die!
The rest of the day was swimming and paddling, then more swimming and more paddling, fighting a pretty fierce headwind most of the trip
After we got in, I thought I had more left in me. we traveled on to the historic Topoco lodge where we sat on a patio, we were on the edge of the rain again. eating an amazing dinner. It was not till I was unpacking in the midnight hour that I realized, That I in fact did not have anything left!
Reflection
But let it be proclaimed that I fervently aspire to forever be inclined towards merrily leaping into the enchanting rabbit holes and mystical portals that lead to extraordinary dimensions
chasingperi 