Readers know that we returned home from California in early March and went into a period of non-stop activity. When the dust finally settled, we had a course of action planned for Helen’s treatments and began pursuing the plan one step at a time. With the plan in place, I felt a need to “re-ground” myself, and the place I always return to for grounding is in the mountains of the Cherokee National Forest, near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. I have posted articles about the area I refer to as “Tranquility Base” several times before, so if some of the following seems repetitious, I apologize…this serene spot is part of my DNA.
On Tuesday of the past week, I skipped my exercise class because the day was gorgeous and too good to waste on inside activity. Tellico Plains is about 65 miles south of Knoxville, and I loaded Freddie with a cooler filled with drinks and a sandwich for the one-hour drive. John Denver accompanied me on the CD player.
The area’s beauty is significantly enhanced because there are no crowds like we find in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the last decade or so, the highway to Tellico Plains was improved and widened in hopes to attract visitors and take some of the pressure from the National Park. The road was built, but the crowds remained sparse, and those who cherish the region remain grateful.
The pictures below give an illustration of the light activity. “Downtown” Tellico Plains is not much more than a tiny village, established in the days before the National Forest as a center for timber processing. Today, there are a few shops, but that’s about all. I love its unique quaintness.
From Tellico Plains, visitors to the National Forest drive along the Tellico River for several miles before reaching Bald River Falls. This part of the journey is what has inspired me since my first visit on the weekend of my 30th birthday. I love the drive along this scenic river and stop many times to watch the clear water flow over the smooth river rocks. I was completely refreshed and closer to the “re-grounding” I sought by the second stop.
Several miles into the drive, I entered an area where the Forest Service conducted a controlled underbrush burn. Although windy conditions prevailed, the Rangers had everything contained. I drove slowly through a curtain of smoke to the parking area at Bald River Falls. It is too early for wildflowers. Violets were all I could find.
The recent rains added a large water volume to the 100-foot waterfall, and spray from the Bald River sent water droplets in my direction. I didn’t care. Watching water cascade over Bald River Falls is always a joy, and I lingered long.
I had two more destinations for this day trip. First, I wanted to visit McNabb Creek Campground, a group camp, where the Appalachian Anglers Society gathers every year for an outing we call Camp II. The campground was deserted, but our group of around fifty men reverting to “boy status” will fill it at the end of April. I have written a few posts about Camp II containing most of the weekend activities I can remember.
The Tellico Fish Hatchery is the remaining destination on my schedule. I always visit because a trip to the hatchery brings back memories of the times Helen and I would take our boys there and let them “ooh and ahh” over the thousands of Rainbow Trout swimming in the hatchery runs. Most of the runs were closed off during this visit, but I did get close enough to the run containing huge Golden Rainbow Trout. The golden color and bright red stripe on these fish are fascinating displays of Mother Nature’s artwork.
The Hatchery is at the end of River Road and about two miles from the North Carolina border. It is also at the end of my journey for this day. Driving away from the Hatchery, I paused once more at a spot where I spent about three harrowing hours during a windstorm. Fallen trees trapped me on the River Road in both directions, and a downpour sent river water levels ever higher. I have a link to the post describing that event here.
Did I mention that there are no crowds in Tellico? Rolling along the river on my way out, I passed a couple quietly fishing from the riverbank in the last mile. They were about the only people I saw all day. Yep, tranquil indeed…I’m Easin’ Along.
Note: Helen and I are overwhelmed with the love and support from many who have reached out after her diagnosis. We’re sharing some details to stress the importance of regular checkups and testing. Her doctors conducted a genetic test during Helen’s series of tests and discovered that she carries the Brca-2 gene, which increases the risk for recurring cancer. Helen will have a double mastectomy on April 7 with chemotherapy and targeted treatment for a year. We’re comfortable that, because the tumor is contained at this point, the chance for a full recovery is solid. This week, we had lunch with Dr. Steve Eason, who served as an interim minister at our church for about two years. Always a delight to be around, Steve confirmed that everything is in God’s hands. We have no doubt.
Thanks for sharing your journey to Tellico. It was very calming to travel along with you!
And will continuing praying for Helen on her journey toward full recovery.
Good morning, Carolyn,
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you had a fun time with the girls, we miss them muchly. Have a great week and we’ll be in touch soon! Joe and Helen
That was so refreshing to read. I’m glad you had another beautiful day at a favorite spot. Thank you for sharing. You and Helen are in my prayers.
Hi, Cheryl,
Tellico Plains is a beautiful place to reconnect to the important stuff as well as the beauty around us. I love it every time I visit. Great to hear from you. Please stay in touch. Joe
Dear Joe & Helen.. our prayers are with you both. Thanking God, drs, & researchers for all the medical advances that have been made to help you & Helen through this. God Bless you both. Hope to see you in JH again. Love, MA & Bob
Mary Alice,
I can promise a return trip to Jackson Hole. I’m jealous that you get to spend a winter there because I love deep snow and wandering Moose. Thanks for the kind comments. Helen is very comfortable with the medical team working with her. This will pass. Great to hear from you! Stay warm out there! Joe
“Almost Heaven…” wait, sorry Joe, I was singing along in the car with you on your road trip! 🙂 What a beautiful trip to a beautiful area. I love it when places like this are so close. I spotted the huge downtown of Tellico and already linked this post to my blog today as “urban” is the focus for SS. That waterfall is spectacular. Thank you for updating the med plan for Helen. She is one brave lady and doing the right thing. There will be a grieving process and you will be right there by her side, along side our Lord Jesus as he continues His healing touch. Soon this will all be over. Take care.
Hi, Terri,
I always love your comments and they spoke volumes to us today so, thank you. Helen is dealing with this exceptionally well, which makes it easier on all of the family. I don’t know how I would handle it if she were a “worried sick drama queen” but she’s just the opposite and has put her care and recovery in God’s hands.
Glad you enjoyed Tellico…it’s your kind of place, I’m certain. You probably would have to ride on the roof of my car when John lets loose on “Thank God I’m a Country Boy”, ‘cuz I belt it out. It’s all good! Have a great week! Joe
Joe, I’m glad you took a day to visit one of your favorite places for finding tranquility and renewal. It’s amazing how just a brief time away is so restorative, isn’t it? It helps to put everything in perspective. We’re sending hugs and prayers to you and Helen.
Laurel,
Amen to all the above. In spite of this challenge, we remain extremely blessed and grateful, and we gratefully accept both the hugs and the prayers. Please stay in touch. Joe
Hi, Joe – Sanctuaries are crucial to our minds, bodies, souls and healing. Yours looks beautiful.
Thank you for sharing Helen’s progress with us. She remains in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi, Donna,
Sanctuary is a very fitting word to describe the way I think of this place…and it is beautiful. Keep the prayers coming. Great to hear from you!
Hi Joe,
Re-grounding is good for the soul…keeping Helen present in our thoughts, but are confident of a positive outcome. Best to you both.
Hey, Nancy,
This trip was a much-needed respite from the frenetic activity of the past few weeks. Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts. We’re confident this will work out fine. Have a great week! Joe
Loved reading this, Joe. God is so good to give you this retreat spot. (Shhh…I won’t tell anyone!) Thanks for the update on Helen’s surgery date. I will definitely be lifting her up in prayer again and again. Hugs to you both.
Hi, Nancy,
God knew what he was doing when he introduced me to this place when I was a thirty-year-old man-child. I return as often as I’m able. It will remain our secret. Thanks for the prayers–you have a great connection, and we need you! Joe
Hey Joe,
Just wanted to say I’m sorry about Helen’s issues. But with the faith, determination, and strength of you and Helen, these issues will be in your rear view mirror and you guys will be crusing down the RV highway. My prayers are with you.
Hi, Mike,
Thanks so much for checking in. We’re confident this will be behind us before we know it. Keep the prayers coming. Have a great week! Joe
That sounds like my kind of place to visit. Pretty photos
Kirstin,
You would love Tellico Plains, TN, and the Cherokee National Forest if you love fresh air, a roaring mountain stream, waterfalls, and wildflowers. I hope you have the opportunity to visit, but you gotta keep it a secret…we don’t need a big crowd. Thanks for stopping by, and please come back! Joe
Hello again Joe,
Glad you were able to visit one of your favorite “spots” and unwind a little. It looked beautiful! We will pray for Helen, you and your family as well as her medical staff to continue to give her excellent care and support. Take care and God bless!
Ron Ellis
Hello, Ron,
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. We are very comfortable with the plan laid out for Helen, and she is ready to roll. A visit to the mountains and time by the river was just what I needed. Now, I’m ready to roll as well. Thanks for checking in. Have a great week and please stay in touch. Joe
Looks like a fabulous road trip 🙂
Hi, Cathy,
I enjoyed a great trip on a beautiful day. Thanks for stopping by…please come back! Joe
Joe, you’re blessed to have special places that renew your spirit so deeply and the good sense to know when to take advantage of that comfort. I’m sure Helen has a few places of her own that she’ll be returning to, as well, in the coming months. (Casinos count, Helen!) The sheer size of your support network speaks volumes about the two of you and the kind of friends you have been to others. By the way, now I owe you an email.
Good morning, Mary,
Helen and I are a bit different in the ways we recharge. I love to sneak off to the mountains, and she prefers to immerse herself into gal-pal fun. It works! We’re going to Cherokee this week so that she can get one more “pull” before she has to retreat to the sideline for a while. The weather looks great and we’re pumped to have a chance for a camping trip even if it is short. Have a great week. Talk soon! Joe
Joe, this was a beautiful, calming post. I felt my own tensions release as I took my time reading your words and taking in the beauty of your photographs. We all need a place to lay our heads in sweet surrender and I can see this is yours. Rest assured, you’ve done your part, Helen will do hers and the rest is up to the Almighty.
Good morning, Suzanne,
It was a beautiful day in a beautiful place for a much-needed break. Thanks for Easin’ Along with me…Joe
There have been a few “happy happenstances” in my life recently. I will count this as one because it gives me an opportunity to ask my mom, who passed at the end of January, to watch over Helen and bring her through with flying colors. I think that’s been working for me since then!
Good morning, Sue,
We’re blessed to have a lot of well-wishers in our corner, and we’re honored to add your Mom to the list. Thanks for checking in, and have a great weekend.