Mount Pisgah -- Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
“And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.” __ Gilbert K. Chesterton.
Travels With Maggie
It’s raining, a steady pitter-patter on the metal roof of the RV carport that’s currently sheltering my RV. The world from. my window is tinted with dripping grayness, broadcasting a message for Maggie and I to enjoy the warm coziness inside our tiny home on wheels this morning.
This travel writer actually enjoys such lazy days. They give me time to make traveling plans, which currently include sheltering from winter in Arkansas for a few more weeks, visiting Texas’ Gulf Coast, squeezing in some bird watching in the state’s Rio Grande Valley, and finally attending a grandson’s wedding in Dallas.
Mount Pisgah from Black Balsam Knob -- Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
These activities should keep me busy until mid-March when Maggie and I begin our real travels for the year. First on our agenda map is to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway between Smokey Mountain and Shenandoah national parks. It’s been a trip long in the planning, and one of the scheduled stops is the Mount Pisgah Campground.
I mention this because in response to a recent question (Jan. 13 blog) about special places, one reader said hers was North Carolina’s “ Mt. Pisgah, up high where the Rhododendrons grow.”
I did a bit more detailed research about the peak, and learned there’s a “moderately difficult,” 1.6-mile path to the summit from Milepost 407 of the parkway. I think these old broad legs can handle that, especially since reviews of the trail report that the view from the top “is spectacular.”
Thinking about that landscape almost has me urging March to get here sooner. But I don’t. I know it’s better to continue putting my own color to the magical grayness outside – and to continue listening to the wondrous composition of pinging rain and Maggie’s contented snores as she slumbers on the couch.
Life is too precious to miss one present moment of it.
Pat Bean's blog 
How wonderful to read this and see the photo! You will love it up there. I used to live nearby and the campground was my little home away from home. Within 25 minutes, exactly :), I’d be unpacking my tent and my dog, Free, who passed on in 2006, was always right there by my side. She was such a great traveling companion. Not scared of anything. We had a special spot in a cove with lots of privacy, yet we always met many nice people there. Neighbors and then at the beautiful lodge, which by the way, is one heck of a view for those who can’t hike up the trail.
Happy Travels to you and Maggie!
ps I look forward to hearing about your time there and seeing some photos.
A day “Tinted with dripping grayness.” It’s been like that here for the past few days, and I wish it would stay for weeks. That’s the contrarian’s view, but I love this weather.
Your reference to March reminds me of–what else–an Emily Dickinson poem, and I’m compelled to leave part of it here. I’ll limit myself the the first few lines.
“Dear March — Come in —
How glad I am —
I hoped for you before —
Put down your Hat —
You must have walked —
How out of Breath you are –…”
Life is precious. Enjoy your day.
Thanks Kathy for sharing Emily’s poem. It speaks well of days to come. Pat
I just want to say Kathy that I appreciate your support for my blog. And I love your comments, especially when you quote Emily Dickinson. I’m going to find time today to look up the entire poem. It’s still dripping grayness here in Camden, Arkansas.
Keep writing … Pat Bean https://patbean.wordpress.com
I live very near Pigsah — and yes, it is the most lovely of spots when those rhodadendrons are in bloom — it’s an amazing sight. But, it’s amazing any day of the year!
I know that you will love it! Enjoy your daydreams about it until the time comes to actually be there in the midst of Mother Nature’s awesome beauty!
My parents owned a log cabin out of Blueridge, GA off the Blueridge Parkway for 21 years. It is so beautiful, all the time. My sister still lives in Ellijay, GA. They have recently had a lot of snow and she sent me some incredible pictures.