Memorial Day Weekend

Yesterday we had to go to Asheville, so I did not complete the "Run for the Park 5-K" held at 8:00 a.m. right here in Highlands.  It was a perfect morning for a race and I hope it went well for all the many other Highlands Roadrunners out there, although I have not heard any reports yet.  Looking ahead, I had been able to complete my long run for the week (10 miles) on Friday morning, an equally perfect day with cool temperatures and sunshine. 

Today I took a short hike instead of running, something I have been enjoying on weekend days when I do not run.  The pace was nice and slow and there was plenty to see and enjoy on a hike I have taken a hundred times or more, to the top of Sunset Rocks.  I began on the narrow gravel path along Horse Cove Road, a beautiful little walkway through arching rhododendron.

Mountain laurel was blooming in great profusion all along the way, and it reminded me that my mother-in-law had told me earlier in the week that it blooms like this every seven years.  She remembered that it exploded in bloom in 1954 and was used to decorate the church at her sister's wedding . . . exactly 63 years ago.  I should try to remember to check in 2024.  

Flame azalea was blooming, too, and some June wildflowers.  All along the trail, other hikers were talking and smiling and having a good day, as it is on most hikes (I've never seen a grouchy hiker).

One group asked me, "Are we almost there?" and I answered with my stock reply:  "You're already there!"  Still, it is always a wonderful feeling, even after a hundred times or more, to reach that final "there," a place as high as a person can climb ("Nearer to Heaven," in the words of signs in some local tourist shops), those bare rocks.  And gaze down on our little Town, its streets crowded on this busy holiday weekend.

Good cross-training, and equally good refreshment for the spirit.