Eyes Wide Open

 

Traveling with Eyes Wide Open

Traveling down the highway from one state to another proves to be an occasion to see interesting sites.  Recently, a trip through Virginia on the way to Tennessee from North Carolina, provided just that.  On this particular route, we avoided the switchbacks and tunnels of the Great Smokey Mountains by going north through Bristol. This route allowed us to instead view a lovely location called Pilot Mountain, a pinnacle seen in the distance for miles.  It is a rounded knob-shaped peak rising 2,421 feet above sea level in North Carolina.  By definition, it is a metamorphic quartzite monadnock, a remnant of the ancient Sauratown Mountains.  The first time I saw it, I named it “Nipple Mountain”. It is always a treat to see a phenomenon of nature. Then somewhere around Greensboro and Winston-Salem we encountered a ginormous American flag flying gently in the breeze against a sky of pure blue.  This huge sign of patriotism was refreshing to see.  Of course, Winston-Salem skyline had its “tampon” building to give us a chuckle.  Along the journey were also many large crosses next to the highway.  These were a beautiful reminder of our purpose in life to glorify God who gave his son on our behalf.  Another occurrence of God’s splendor were the roadside meadows sewn in wildflowers.  Especially prominent were the red poppies which covered the ground with a cheerful beauty and made me smile. I spent a fair amount of time on my phone while traveling.  I also closed my eyes to get in a short nap or two, but I am so blessed to have enjoyed the many fascinating roadside points of interest.  In particular, I remember a dead tree, the starkness it presented against the lush green countryside was astonishing.  It had not one green leaf among its outstretched branches.  It was relatively short, but broad and fan-shaped with its many gnarly limbs.  I can’t say the species of tree it had been, but I know it would have been an absolutely incredible shade tree.  It was so beautiful in its dead state, I can only imagine what it had looked like in its glory days.  Speaking of glory days, we witnessed a series of 3 or 4 vintage VW camper vans traveling in the slow lane along a stretch and wondered if they had been to some sort of VW convention.  The drivers were literally sitting at the front windshield with nothing in front of them, like a bus driver, as the engine was in the back.  On a road trip, keep your eyes wide open to new experiences, it is amazing what sights you might see!

Tammy Harvey 5/20/23