Pastoral and Picturesque

This past weekend was one of those perfect fall days that we have often in East Tennessee. The temperatures hovered in the low 60’s; the trees in our mountains gave off a bright palette of Fall color, and wispy clouds hung low against a backdrop of soft blue sky. The record heat of October was nothing more than a bad memory. East Tennesseans flocked to the outdoors and Helen and I wasted no time joining them.

We had an invitation to join some friends for two nights at a family cabin in the foothills of the Great Smokey Mountains. For over two weeks, I had spent the vast majority of my time in a recliner icing a knee healing from joint replacement. Although I was not yet rid of the persistent soreness, I felt certain that some fresh mountain air was the perfect prescription for rapid recovery.  We left shortly after church on Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon and into the evening most of the activity centered around cooking and casual conversation beside a roaring fire in a massive stone fireplace. A grilled steak chased by a fine Cabernet provided a great beginning to the healing process. A solid night’s sleep under a down comforter added extra fuel.

Monday morning, Veteran’s Day, we decided over a late breakfast to spend the afternoon hiking along the trails at nearby Blackberry Farm, an exclusive mountain resort. I was not yet ready for hiking, but I could use one of the resort’s golf carts to meander along the walkways…perfect.  I took my camera; the day was too good to miss the photo ops.

The first stop on this outing was the puppy barn where Blackberry breeds and shelters the Italian Lagatto Romagnolo hunting and water dog. This loveable breed that resembles a smaller Cockapoo, is also known for its ability to locate truffles. Tom Della Tre, the original Blackberry Farm Lagatto Romagnolo, was a master truffle hunter, and his offspring eagerly welcomed our group as we entered the shelter. One of the attendants told us that the waiting list for a puppy extended out five years and the price was well into the thousands. They are cute, but I decided to get my Truffles at Whole Foods instead.

Much of the produce served at the Blackberry dining facility comes from a large garden near the puppy barn.  We visited the garden, but, with the growing season nearing its end, most of the remaining crop was kale and a root crop we couldn’t identify.  We enjoyed chatting with one of the gardeners while taking in the gorgeous scenery on the hillside above the garden.

The trail away from the garden led to a streamside pavilion. Adjacent to the pavilion, a warming fire burned in a large fire pit where a group of ladies gathered to read books and chat.  We decided it was a Mom’s weekend getaway. Helen walked over to say hello and congratulate them for picking such a lovely spot to spend an afternoon. It was an easy choice.  The pavilion, the stream and the view looking toward the mountains on a crisp fall day is as delightful a setting, both pastoral and as picturesque, as any I can remember.

We left the ladies to their reading and Helen and I drove the cart up the hill toward the lodge. Our friends walked behind us.  At the top of the hill, I took the pictures seen here. By looking closely at one of them, our friends can be seen meandering up the trail in optimal conditions for a stroll on a fall day.

Later that afternoon, one couple, having to work the next day, drove home, and another arrived to take their place.  The latest arrivals brought news that snowfall would arrive before dawn. On a day like the one we enjoyed, snow did not seem possible.  We don’t get snow in November. We felt that the forecast would change as it always does in these mountains, and settled in for an outstanding dinner of spaghetti and homemade Bolognese sauce with fresh carrots and crispy bread.  The fire roared in the den behind us.

The weather forecast proved correct for a change and, by dawn, a light coat of fresh snow covered both and tree limbs and the ground outside our windows. The scene was in sharp contrast to the day before, but pretty nonetheless. Unfortunately, the time had come for us to say goodbye to our friends. The roads were clear and our return trip through the countryside offered up a few outstanding snow scenes. A couple of horses, shown below, hovered near a barn as if waiting for someone to bring them a blanket. I felt for them.

We had a great weekend and, as we were Easin’ Along toward Knoxville, I suddenly realized…my knee felt better. The prescription worked.