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11/3/2021

On the rocks

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A classic view at Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Powell County, Ky. Photo by Sallie Showalter.
Longtime readers of this blog know that I’m happiest when I’m outdoors. I crave the sun on my face and the smell of the damp earth. I want trees around me and hills butted up against the horizon.

I always assumed that I had inherited my father’s love for the woods—which he, of course, ​managed to turn into a career. Whether that was imprinted in my genetic code or learned during the few years I had with him, I can’t say. I do know that my sister prefers dusky light and indoor pursuits. But at a very young age I was the one swimming the icy waters of Lake Champlain or eagerly exploring the woods at Girl Scout camp in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.
PictureMy mother, Mary Marrs Board, with her cousin, George McWilliams Jr., on the rocks near Natural Bridge, circa 1933.
​Recently, though, it has occurred to me that I may not be giving my mother her due for my affinity for outdoor activity. When I recently stumbled across this photo of her with her cousin near Kentucky’s iconic Natural Bridge, I thought about the other recreational activities she had told me were part of her youth: swimming at Herrington Lake or Salt River; spending time with friends at camps along Kentucky River; swimming and bowling at Joyland in Lexington; playing tennis; riding ponies.
 
Of course, youth in the 1930s didn’t have the abundance of organized and electronic activities available to youngsters today, so by default my mother would have spent time with friends in simpler pursuits. But having had many more years with my mother, her subtle encouragement of outdoor activity (“Sallie, go run around outside until you wear off some of that energy!”) might have made a lasting impression.

PictureWith my cousin Jim McWilliams, along Rock Garden Trail at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Photo by Walter Moffett.
On Tuesday, I joined George Jr.’s youngest son, Jim, and four of his friends on a hike to Natural Bridge. We walked up to the eponymous arch and over to Lookout Point and Lover’s Leap, and then meandered among the impressive sandstone formations along Rock Garden Trail. Jim and I couldn’t resist stopping to recreate the nearly 90-year-old photo.
​
At one point as we walked, Jim gestured at the beauty around us and said, “This is my church.” It is indeed a holy and a precious place. As the earth quakes and burns, as oceans roil and the atmosphere gnashes and roars in response to humans’ irresponsible actions and unforgivable carelessness, a walk in the woods reminds us, gently and persuasively, of what we are blindly sacrificing. 
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I look forward to more outings with this like-minded group. And I’m grateful that both my parents helped me understand the value of time spent outdoors.


​More evidence of my familial penchant for perching on rocks: 

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6 Comments
Anne Moffett
11/4/2021 08:54:30 pm

No prettier place than Kentucky in the fall of the year! What a great photo.

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Cathy
11/4/2021 09:00:46 pm

Amen Jim! I second his (and your) assessment Sallie. Being out in the wilderness connects me with the divine in a way no other experience does. I'm about to venture off with my hiking group to the Len Foote Hike Inn in N. GA this weekend and I'm giddy as a five year old on Christmas Eve. I didn't realize it at the time, but growing up on the family farm in KY, having my parents pile us in the station wagon for family vacations and weekend hikes at the KY state parks, plus spending many a weekend and summer at both Girl Scout and 4-H camp planted seeds deep within my soul that grew into an undying love and awe for nature. Feeling grateful for those early experiences, and all the future "church" visits I can fit in.

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Bob Patrick
11/5/2021 08:09:17 pm

Ah, swimming in the lake reminded me of summer camp in MN and my determination to swim the 25 laps needed to be allowed to swim ou to the raft anchored10 or 15 yards from and between the two docks. Swimming, sailing, and canoeing, catching turtles in nets at Camp Owanka, Annandale, N. I visited the Natural Bridge recently with two friends, and it's always great to enjoy the vistas after squeezing through that narrow passage to get to the top. And today I experienced the University Arboretum for the first tie. What a great place for a wall!

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Bob Patrick
11/9/2021 06:42:27 pm

The last two lines above should read -- And today I experienced the University Arboretum for the first time. What a great place for a walk.

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Sharon Hawkins
11/5/2021 08:48:22 pm

Sallie, I love this about you and your love of family and importance of the God given beauty around us. Like your friend said, it’s my church, you can feel the severity in the beauty of the earth if you’re in tune with it. Don, Jesse and I trailed up to Natural Bridge and the other mentioned spots a few weeks ago, I hadn’t been there in years but when overlooking from the top you get emotional taking in the calmness and beauty. Keep exploring my friend, it’s a must for the true spirit. I get mine from my dad, it was his inner peace and mine too every time I’m on a trail.

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Tessa Hoggard
11/5/2021 09:41:49 pm

Every season has its treasures, but Fall is undoubtedly my favorite. Oh what beauty to behold! The myriad of nature's colors warmly embraces the soul and affirms the ongoing cycle of life. Thanks Sallie for capturing nature's beauty, the special bond of family, and your gift of words!

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    Between the debilitating effects of age and the 24-hour crush of mind-bending news, my brain is frequently in a fog. Nonetheless. I'll occasionally try to sweep aside the ashy gray matter and shed some light on what's going on at Murky Press. Perhaps together we can also gain a little insight into how we can better use words to organize and clarify the world around us.

    Cheers! 
    Sallie Showalter, Murky Press 

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