If you think that today’s header image shows Deb looking cold and miserable, you’re half right — she was most definitely cold. Though it was in the low 60s and sunny when I took that photo, the wind from the southwest was gusting to 30mph.
At that moment we were enjoying a light lunch of deli food from the Harps in Bellefonte, our camp chairs parked among the ledges near the cleared site. It was chilly, sure, but we were havin’ an ever-lovin’ ball.
Any discomfort was erased by the awareness that we were exactly where we were meant to be. Weather, circumstances and reasons be damned — this is our place, and nothing could diminish that.
Our stay on The Mountain today was shorter than other recent visits. Before lunch we took the Ranger up the cut to the summit and wandered around the north side. I have no new discoveries to report, only a pleasant (if aimless) hike.
We caught glimpses of local wildlife, too, all while driving either the Ranger or the Jeep. Two whitetails crossed our path on the county road and another near the cabin. Rounding the last bend of the gravel road this morning we ran up on a flock of two dozen wild turkeys.
As God is my witness, those turkeys could fly.
Later we kicked back in Deb’s cousin’s garage and chatted awhile. One of his neighbors, the guy from whom we bought the Ranger, dropped by. The conversation was easy, relaxed.
We talked about land, the people who live there now and those who came before. The neighbor said that a previous owner had grazed cattle between the road and the summit. That’s new information, and it helps explain some things.
So we scored a second straight satisfying day on The Mountain. We intend to make it three in a row.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath
#LetsGoBrandon #FJB