Nestled under a dense grove of western NC evergreens, the Airstream was situated for a quiet week of camping. But the quiet didn’t last long as during the first night there was a loud Bang! on the roof. Startling but unknown. A couple hours later, another Bang! Turns out these trees were shedding acorns from above, as in 50-60’ above, and so when they hit the tin can roof it made quite the statement.🌴📣💥

Lake Price and the Blue Ridge mountains west of Blowing Rock offer gorgeous autumn scenery.

What is camping without good food? How about an omelette and pancakes? 🍳🥞

Whoops – the pancake mix requires milk.

No milk.

Substitute Greek yogurt? Why not, it’s dairy?

Batter is too thick.

Add butter to the skillet. This works.

Start the omelette.

Too much butter, it’s now cooking faster than the pancakes.

Omelette is almost ready.

A Shrill high pitched sound!

Smoke alarm!

The butter is carmelizing and putting off lots of smoke but chef doesn’t notice as that would require multi-tasking…..and there are already two skillets in action.

Should have had fruit and granola….🤷‍♂️

Time to go hike Grandfather Mountain. A very lonely trail as not a soul for the 2 1/2 hour round trip, not a good time to roll an ankle. Made it to the top to discover the last climb sign posted as:

Whatever, never quit, keep going.

Okay, so maybe not the greatest destination view…

But a good excuse for a high protein snack

Another late dinner that night by heating a frozen lasagne in the oven for quite some time. Tired legs, full stomach, tasty red wine, hmm maybe I’ll doze off reading after dinner. Slipping off then Wham! Another piercing alarm, but a different one. Look around, holy cow, it’s the carbon monoxide alarm. Oven is still on, and I learn that it does not vent directly outside; the cooktop hood has to be on full blast. Open every door and window, turn on every vent fan, replace the warm and cozy 74 degree fouled air with 60 degree fresh air. Time to don long underwear, burrow under the big comforter, sleep with windows open, and call it a day. Could have been a lot worse, but it fortunately wasn’t…..

The next morning’s alarm was intentional – up at 6 am to get the kayak launched before 7 for a sunrise paddle before heading home.

Alone with an ethereal mist floating gently above a mirrored lake

A sign that autumn is in the air…..

…..and a reminder that there is so much Beauty around us, for when we experience Beauty, in whatever form it takes, the warmth it creates nurtures our soul and reminds us to have gratitude for all that we cherish.❤️