Soul Magic

Soul Magic

PHOTO: Amazing Color — © Patty

GLORIOUS FALL ROAD TRIP
By Patty

Dave and I started out on a “Fall Road Trip” the last week of October 2007. He had business in North Carolina on a Saturday, so we decided to take a long weekend and explore the beautiful fall colors of the Great Smokey Mountain area, hoping we were not too late to see nature’s splendid show.

We were not disappointed! We flew into Atlanta and rented a car. I had researched possible road trips that would take us through a wide variety of valleys, mountains and fields of color and settled on the Southern Highroads Trail. The Southern Highroads Trail is a 364-mile National Scenic Byway that travels through 4 states (Georgia, North and South Carolina and Tennessee) of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain highlands. The brochure I printed out was a wonderful guide as it pointed out places to pull off the road to see out of the way and unknown points of interest.

PHOTO: Georgia Color — © Patty

The trail can be accessed at many points, and we were closest to Elijay, Georgia, so we entered there. At one point we pulled off at a place called Dick’s Gap which is a crossing of the Appalachian Trail near the county line of Rabun, Georgia. We stretched our legs and tried to catch falling leaves “for good luck.” As we left Georgia heading into South Carolina, the color display seemed more vibrant. I couldn’t stop taking pictures.

PHOTO: South Carolina Color — © Patty

As we crossed into North Carolina, the colors (if possible) seemed even richer and more brilliant than earlier. We reached Waynesville, NC, on Saturday night after an unbelievable sightseeing adventure, we stayed in a local Bed and Breakfast. We talked with the locals who recommended we try the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Smokey Mountains to see even more amazing displays of fall color. Again we were treated to spectacular views and indescribable color as far as the eye could see that stretched over valleys and mountains.

PHOTO: Home in Color Field — © Patty

We stopped at the Waterrock Knob Trail and hiked a steep path upwards, over rocky terrain that led to a spectacular view of the Smokey Mountains atop the summit at 6300 ft. This was not a hike for the faint of heart!

PHOTO: View from Trail — © Patty

As we drove back to Atlanta ending our glorious “Fall Road Trip” we vowed to return and allow ourselves more time to explore and again be treated to the area’s abundant beauty. It was an amazing and unforgettable adventure that we will never forget.

— © Patty

Have YOU Experienced Soul Magic?

Miracles happen every day in every way. Those amazing things, big and small, which touch our heart and soul can seem absolutely magical. They often leave us with a profound feeling which goes beyond anything we can explain with logic. Sometimes they change us for just a brief moment, filling us to overflowing with awe and wonder, gratitude, a sense of connection to something bigger, or even renewed faith. Other times they are literally life changing.

As the editor of SFPNN, I personally invite you to share your Soul Magic experiences with us.

You don't have to be a professional writer, just talk into the page and tell us your story! E-mail: SOUL MAGIC

For more Soul Magic visit: http://www.sfpnn.com/soul_magic.htm