Easin’ Along on a Wonderful Woodsy Weekend

When Helen (adorable wife) and I retired, we had different ideas on what activities would fill our days now that we had so much more time available. Helen’s well-developed plan included activities with several groups of long-time friends to keep her busy, as well as spending as much time with her grandchildren as possible. She was already active within our church and wanted to become even more involved.  Along the way, those plans expanded to include pottery classes and pickleball.

I, on the other hand, had few plans beyond travel, catching up on my reading, and doing a little writing. Eventually, my activity level increased as I found more activities that suited my interests.  I began to attend exercise classes at the YMCA; our love of travel led us to the laid-back RV lifestyle that we enjoy, and a desire to write led to Easin’ Along. Within a year or so, my activities intersected with Helen’s when a call came asking me to serve as an elder in our church and a new level of activity opened up that I enjoy tremendously.

I am in no way the busiest of church members, but I do chair one committee that has an important task this year involving the upgrade of our Media and Communications equipment. I also have the delightful job of serving as a greeter and usher for the early service on Sundays. Beyond those ongoing responsibilities, I try to help whenever asked to participate in activities like delivering meals or assisting with large meetings. Each activity has provided rewarding experiences and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate.

Every year, our church organizes a family camping trip held in the Big South Fork National Recreation Area near Oneida, Tennessee in a region identified as the Cumberland Plateau. Our only involvement in this activity is as participants, but we wouldn’t miss it, and this year’s trip was a true joy, accentuated by great weather and beautiful fall color.

 

Helen and I pulled into the campground and parked Gracey in the same spot we had last year. We were among the first to arrive although Richard had been there early in the day to greet the crew delivering firewood. The sky was gray and foggy, but there was a promise for better weather by morning. By the time everyone arrived and gathered in the pavilion for a delicious meal of potato soup, the clouds began to move out. Nevertheless, the evening was cold and large numbers stood before the roaring fire in the stone fireplace. A few slept even around that fire.

The first item on the Saturday morning agenda called for a pancake breakfast with plenty of bacon for some very hungry children. After cleaning up, someone organized a hike to Slave Falls, a sheltered waterfall at the top of a limestone bluff. Helen and I grabbed the hiking poles and joined about 40 others on the adventure. The temperatures were crisp, but the was no wind, and the trees shimmered in brilliant color. We were eager to take it in.

At the start point, our leader called everyone together for a headcount and pictures.  Excited children scampered about, but soon everyone stood still long enough to settle on an accurate number before we moved out on the trail. I almost got left behind. The leaves put on a show for us and I had a difficult time putting away the camera. This picture is a good example of the display Mother Nature put on for us.

As promised, the hike was along a moderate path and everyone arrived at Slave Falls without difficulty.  Slave Falls is not much more than a trickle, but, for a bonus, the Limestone formations along the trail and surrounding the Falls were enormous and gave a fascinating dimension to the hike. Every cell phone and camera went into action as soon as we arrived. The rocks and the trees gave photographers an excellent backdrop for photo ops.

From the Falls our leaders decided to take us to Needle Arch, a stone formation in the shape of a short bridge where we would take a quick lunch break. A few young girls decided to make the rest of our trek holding onto a piece of a tree limb they dubbed the “Magic Stick”.  Their stick performed its magic well enough for them to complete the hike safely and swiftly. I persuaded them to pose for me.

Our group made the short distance from Needle Arch back to the parking area in good time and soon everyone was back in camp for a free afternoon.  I listened to the Tenessee football game. Helen napped.

The evening meal consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs accompanied by a plethora of pot-luck side dishes. I had a burger and a dog but could have made an entire meal from the sides.  I tried. Church people are great cooks.

Later that evening, everyone surrounded a bonfire for songs and a short message led by Mark, one of our Ministers. The night was crisp, and the fire felt good.  I spared the crowd my singing voice but hummed along…out of tune.

On Sunday morning, Mark led us in a church service after breakfast.  A lectern was placed in the campground driveway to serve as a pulpit.  To the rear of the lectern, a splendid display of colorful hickory trees accented the outdoor sanctuary. Mark’s message left us inspired and grateful for this time of worship and the opportunity for fellowship in God’s great outdoors.

Sadly, it was time to leave for the drive home. Klaire captured the group photo shown below. Everyone looks very refreshed in the picture and justifiably so. I may not have planned my retirement in this way, but church activity has certainly been a very gratifying part of it.

From the Big South Fork, we’re Easin’ Along.