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So. A little hiatus in my travels since I last wrote. For those who don’t know, I paused in Maryland for a few good reasons: to build on my relationship with extended family and work for a bit in Outdoor Adventure at a small University. I now find myself back on the road with my friend Matt, and a similar focus as I had this previous fall - to discover more of our fine country.
(I recognize this is a small amount of information to explain the last 5 months. For those that would like more detail feel free to ask.)
Leaving Emmitsburg in April, we first stopped in Asheville, NC. A beautiful town set in the middle of the sharp, tall, lush green mountains of the Blue Ridge and the Great Smokey ranges. Here we found friendly people, good local food and music, and plenty of outdoor activity. Surrounding the town were beautiful homes of creative design and incredible landscaping.
Matt and I got a tip from my Oma to check out the ‘Grove Park Inn’ set in the hills overlooking Asheville. It is listed on the National Register of historic places and upon entering, the first
The Seekers
In New Hampshire, just before leaving. thing you see (which frames the grand ‘lobby’), are two 24 foot tall fireplaces made of granite boulders. These have been here since the Inn opened in 1913, and the original old elevators, built into the sides of these fireplaces, continue to transport visitors to their rooms.
Sitting in front of a roaring fire, we recognized the opening to be 6 feet tall by 12 feet long. The one fireplace still in use takes 9 foot logs, and donkeys used to drag these right into the Inn. An incredible sight and well worth a visit, even if your stay is short.
Making our way south along the forested highways through the Carolinas and into Georgia, we stopped for a night at a most unusual hostel. Turning off a busy small highway, you drive a 1/2 mile into the woods on a road barely big enough for one car and with ruts deep enough that without the Subaru Forester, I think we would have lost at least one bumper. Walking in you see wood paneled domed huts, free roaming chickens, composting toilets, vegetable and herb gardens, a giant bell (which is rung each night to indicate when an ‘included
vegetarian dinner’ is ready), and sparsely placed tree houses...the hostel 'rooms'. Our tree house, the
bamboo room, overlooked an artistic labyrinth, which much like the rest of the hostel landscape, was laden with a variety of poems and art. It was quite an experience, and being right off 95, felt strangely placed.
Post morning chores, (a requested contribution for staying at this hostel), we finished the last leg of our drive to Florida where we spent the next few days with family and friends.
Experiencing a stunning condo overlooking the beautiful inner coastal and island of palm beach, a comfy plush bed, amazing home-made cooking, and the wonderful company of my mother’s parents, we began to wish such royalty treatment could be promised for the end of our trip as well. We spent 3 beautiful days biking, eating and catching up with my close family.
Traveling a short distance south of west palm, I watched Matt delight in catching up with an old friend from high-school, his wife and their 3 and half year old son, Oliver. We shared stories and learned of the latest from them. The topic of home and place came up as we
all discussed what we each seek in a 'home'. Me? -Mountains, yes -Diversity, preferred -Strong local food and music scene, please -Outdoor adventure opportunities, a must. But the funny thing is... that this, we realized, is just a check list. What we each are really looking for, we were experiencing right then, in a moment shared with good people over a feast of grilled food. - A strong couple with curious minds and amazing nature, their child playing near-by and being delightfully teased by his father, great music in the background and excellent conversation. Namely - community.
What are beautiful mountains, great weather, good food, live music and diverse food and culture, without those that celebrate these things as well, can discuss and question our contribution to others, and stretch our understanding of the world. I realized more than ever, I search hardest for a loving strong community in which to live and grow.
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