I don't remember how we discovered Graveyard Fields (origin of name unknown, but possibly due to a scattering of stumps reminiscent of gravestones) in the Pisgah Forest of North Carolina. I do know that our first hike there involved the entire family in a gigantic thunder-and-lightning storm during which we ignored all safety rules in our determination to make it the entire way to Upper Falls.
En route we discovered a stretch of river that flattens wide over a bed of pebbles ~ and that's actually my favorite part of the hike. On sunny days when I've been out there alone, I've enjoyed just wading around in the river, and sitting on that huge rock to journal. The one day I had last week was, unfortunately, not sunny. But at least there was no sign of Thor and his thunderbolts.
I'm told that Second Falls is a favorite hangout of camp counselors on their days off ~ a great place in which to sit in the water all day long when the sun is hot.
Josh and I have been all the way up to Upper Falls together, (it's about two miles from the trailhead but, given the terrain, hikes more like four) and have wandered around in the shallow riverbed, and so I took some of his ashes to each place. Upper Falls was a little scary -- very slick on the rocks, and I had to slide most of the way down once I got up there.
Do you see how my life has changed, that I consider this to be normal behavior?
You are right--the stumps looked like headstones after a fire out of control took most of the Black Balsam area. I lived near there when I finished my undergrad degree. Camped at the top of the 2nd waterfall one weekend. Nice privacy b/c of the gorge descent, or it used to be. There are also spectacular waterfalls on the way down if you go towards Waynesville just before Devil's Courthouse. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's very beautiful there...it looks peaceful and safe and lovely. I am grateful that it's a place that you got to hike and share with Josh, and that you have those memories to precede this one. You are very brave, to make this pilgrimage. Sending love to you. xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your journey.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty now holding so much sorrow, determination, and love.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a beautiful place to leave some of your precious son's remains. You are on such a difficult journey, but I can sense how sacred it is to you and so I am glad that you are carrying it out despite the pain.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and perfect place. One of my dear friends who lost his son to brain cancer at 18 did much the same thing in a similar spot on Oregon coast where they went often ... seems like what I would do too, if I were in your position
ReplyDeleteLovely with beautiful memories. Thank you for sharing.
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