The Arduous Trail

Today, thanks to a generous anniversary gift from friends, Mary Lee and I drove to the Peaks of Otter in Bedford County in time to take advantage of a wonderful buffet lunch and overnight lodging. Our room afforded a view of the lake in the foreground and of Sharp Top mountain in the background. The leaves were just beginning to turn and in certain light the mountain glowed with an array of rather muted colors of oranges, reds, and yellows. Fall had arrived and the air was crisp with the freshness of the changing of the seasons. Today, the sun was shining brightly with very few clouds in the sky. The day was perfect for two lovers on a honeymoon-like occasion. We noted that the numbers of deer which we encountered were more bold that usual and we got some very goog pictures of them at close range. Their piercing brown eyes and unflinching gaze made us feel that we were the anomaly rather than the other way around.

After lunch and a change into more appropriate attire, we drove a short distance just north of the lodge where we were staying to the trail head leading to the Fallingwaters Cascades. This is a very beautiful and rather arduous trail that leads down the side of the mountain over many rocks and roots, ever descending for about 3/4 of a mile until one is alongside a rapidly falling creek that continues on down the mountainside. Finally we reached a point where the trail takes a sharp turn across a small foot bridge and over a glistening pool of water at the top of the falls. The trail becomes steeper at this point.

However, we did finally reached our destination at the foot of the largest cascade, which was somewhat smaller at this time of year because of the abating water supply from further up at the top of the mountain. This was quite a workout for the both of us, especially as we had to retrace our steps back up the trail to where we had begun our trek. However, the object of our hike was well worth the difficulties we encountered to obtain it.

God had richly blessed with another experience in the arena of the wonders of nature which His artful hand has created. And we wondered at his bountiful goodness to us.

"Oh that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness;

And for His wonderful works to the children of men."

PSALM 107:8