Delay

Black Mountain Trail in the Grassy Cove Section of the Cumberland Trail. This trail was scheduled for Father’s Day 2011 and on that day we were rained out. A forgotten camera, which seemed to be a delay in our day, saved us from being miles from the car when the bottom fell out. We were soaking wet quickly, protecting our cameras we continued along very carefully with the certainty that rushing may result in being wet and muddy. We trudged, listening to the fierce drops, marveling at a storm, which was promoted as a 30% possibility; we knew that the forgotten camera was part of the big picture for that day and the hike was to be postponed. Fast forward to Saturday, January 7, 2012. Rain, followed by cold temperatures and a small snowfall earlier in the week created a picturesque and unique day for our return. We ascended by car to this trailhead situated at the top of the mountain and were anxious to begin. From on top of the rock outcropping on this clear winter day, the valley laid out before us. The snow-covered ground was a blank canvas showcasing the landscape. We descended. Black Mountain was still, the water clear and the experience was rich. It was so quiet. Without much sound, our eyes feasted on textures of bark, green moss, plentiful rock formations and a deep sky. We could see deep into the forest and the snow created a unique experience, as our snowfall is infrequent. My thoughts returned over and over to the contrast of that day in June in which the atmosphere was turbulent, the weather warm and wet. When we were rained out in June, it was disappointing but the day we returned was spectacular. It was worth the delay.

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