the sosebee's

I write this evening about our weekend away last weekend because my companion is away for this weekend. It was much needed trip. The trials of work were taking their toll and I wanted to surprise her with a small little getaway. Time for us to enjoy ourselves with nothing else pressing on our minds. What better than an escape to the mountains? So we returned to the little Bed & Breakfast in Brevard, The Red House Inn, where we celebrated our first anniversary. This time we got the room with the claw-foot bathtub. The Probart Room.

We left Saturday around lunch and drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway to do a little hiking first. The “Graveyard Fields” was our chosen trail. It was a nice 3 mile hike over some strange terrain. The sign told of a natural disaster that left the mountain scattered with fallen spruce trees. Unfortunately a fire sometime ago destroyed most of them, but the area remains treeless. Granted it was overcast that day, but the trail definitely lived up to its namesake, it was a bit eery.

We enjoyed it nonetheless, but looked forward to getting to our room. We picked up a pizza on the way back and enjoyed our peaceful, quiet room the rest of the evening. A long, relaxing morning with a fresh cooked breakfast awaited.

For birthday outing #2, we took a very lovely trip to Connemara (birthday outing #1 was to go see yonder mountain). I was oh so glad to have my parents along on outing #2. We went Sunday morning, and it was perfectly chilly, and dry, and overcast. I just love those kinds of days. The whole world seems mysterious and frisky. So we set off to Flat Rock, and back in time. Rambling around old houses will just never get old. We marveled at the book collection, and the bookshelves on every spare wall. We admired the mountains from the front porch, and imagined the sunrises that would dawn through the windows of the house. We hiked around on the farm, and explored the old buildings and grounds. They still have goats and chickens, and big, fat cats. I loved watching the chickens run on their twiggy legs toward Corey. What a funny sight an excited chicken is! I also decided we need some goats. I told Corey I want a baby goat, and he said we couldn’t have them inside city limits. Perhaps we’ll move out to the boondocks.

Fall did not escape us and it hasn’t gotten too cold yet to still sleep under the stars. As every weekend in October seems to be filled, we managed to find an opening giving us the chance to finally go camping again. Albeit a condensed version.

Up to a week out, most of the desired camping locations had already been reserved, so we had to take a chance and drive up to one of the little campgrounds that Dad and I have camped at many times. It’s first come, first serve. Luckily we had our pick.

I would’ve much rather been out by ourselves just off a trail somewhere after miles of hiking to get there, but the campground is still a nice spot. And we were outdoors. We were finally camping again.

Nothing else seems to compare, no matter where you pitch your tent. We got there early in the afternoon and set up camp, gathered some firewood, and just sat around and read while enjoying being out.

We stayed up into the night, lasting only as long as the fire. As it died out the cold started to reemerge and sought the comfort and warmth of our sleeping bags.

We woke up, packed up camp and headed home for church the next morning.

Here’s the flickr set for a few more images of our trip: Cherry Hill Campground

A year already?

It has gone by so quickly. August 1st, 2009 was our big day. One year ago. Now we’re just an old married couple. Who says the first year is the hardest? We’ve loved every minute of it. Now, we’re not naive, but it really has been a good year. God has greatly blessed us with one another.

So, how did we spend it? In style, of course. At least for us. We went up to Brevard, NC and stayed in a Bed & Breakfast: The Red House Inn. Our time included a nice dinner on the town, a great, relaxing evening, and a hike and a milkshake on Monday to wrap up the trip.

I am truly blessed to have Kristen as my wife. The Lord is good. I know this more and more everyday. What I have learned the past year!

I noticed our blog posts are beginning to coincide with major holidays. It seems these are the only times we get to do anything remotely interesting. Okay, so that’s not completely true. But it is about the only time we have to actually write a blog post about what we got to do.

We hung around Greenville for the actual 4th of July. No big plans. We drove downtown and watched the fireworks display from the car. It was pretty impressive. Fireworks, I think, always make you think of childhood. They conjure up countless memories of almost blowing your hand off playing with those things. Oh but how much fun they are.

We drove up to DuPont State Forest, as we both had Monday off work, to do a little hiking. It was a great day for a trip to the mountains. Actually, any day that involves the mountains is a good day. It was nice walking the trails in the coolness of the shade with one another. Talking and holding hands as walked in the quiet. From one waterfall to the next we strolled. Here are a few more of the things we saw: DuPont State Forest

I hope your 4th weekend was filled with as beauty. We’ll try to post before the next major holiday. But if not, be sure to check back on Labor Day!

We took our first Spring trip to the mountains yesterday, at least it was weather that felt somewhat like Spring. We went to Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap State Park.

As today was one of the nicest, warmest days we’ve had yet, there was quite a crowd that had the same idea we did. This resulted in having to wait at the gate to the park a while until people came out to open up parking spaces.

However, the wait went by quick and we were on the trail before long. The beginning of the trail meanders along the Middle Saluda River for 3/4 of a mile before taking a sharp right across the river and heading straight up the mountain for another mile and half, climbing over 1000 feet in the process.

It was a beautiful hike. The peaceful serenity of the forest accompanied our companionship. The sights of open vistas and sounds of the wind rushing through the trees. How much good the fresh air and exercise does for one’s body and mind.

The sounds of the river running down the mountain as the trail parallels and then leaves it for a while, only to return after a long switchback up the mountain.

And with that return comes the anticipation of the magnum opus of the hike: Rainbow Falls. The power of the river getting louder and louder and you round that final bend. Then, opening up before you in all its grandeur is the falls.

Pouring over the precipice of the falls it streams down to the rocks below, some of it seeming to dissipate before it reaches bottom. And the breeze. The cool breeze coming off the falls chilling your warm body from the hike up.

What can compare? Is this but a glimpse heaven? Can you just imagine it?

More pictures on our flickr site here: Rainbow Falls

kristen and i finally got to go on my birthday camping trip this past weekend. after getting rained out every other weekend in september we were more than excited to take off to the great outdoors.

regarding the weather, the rain might have actually been a blessing in disguise. since october is already upon us the weather has started to cool off some which made this weekend perfect camping weather. were it not for work to get back to, we could’ve stayed the whole week.

there’s just nothing quite like cooking your food outdoors and falling asleep under the starry fall sky with the one you love by your side.

solitude can be so refreshing and invigorating to the spirit.

here’s a link to the rest of the pictures: Oconee State Park

We took advantage of the nice weather Saturday. Somewhere shortly before lunch, we decided to go for a hike. Ah, the outdoors. I love sharing this part of my heart with my wife. I love that she always prayed for it in her life: someone who loves the outdoors.

It is always a blessing driving up the windy roads, higher and higher into the lush, green forests of southern appalachia. It takes your mind so many places. To places of beauty.

Then you leave the car behind and strike out on foot. Reconnecting with something from long ago. Walking through the empty, quiet wood. As if we could be the first to explore this small bit of unknown country. There is so much comfort in the quiet. It brings a calmness that gets lost in our everyday lives. And with that calmness comes a peace that I think many have forgotten in today’s world.

All of this makes it a sad thing when that 4 mile trail comes to an end. If we could only stay a little longer.

We’ll have to bring the tent next time.