Healing woods or healing waters

Many times I come to this sweet little stretch of Flat Creek, just inside the gateway to Montreat.  I can't do much hiking these days, so it's nice to park right near the road and walk immediately into the woods and see running clear water.

I wasn't sure how much longer this bridge would be standing!  I didn't hold onto railings for any measure of support.

The bare roots that had tripped me as I stepped off the bridge a year ago are now covered by nice gravel.

The drainage pipe is almost invisible though it's in the center of the view below. Just above on the other side of the creek is a memory garden with various markers and cremated remains in a stone wall. It is a quiet meditation place with stone seats for remembering lost loved ones.  It's invisible from this side of Flat Creek.

Yes, there are fairies who visited me...in the forms of bright pale blue butterflies.

Art by the Tracks booths

Th

Some of these sweet placemats came home with me!

Grey Eagle park and BMCA Clay Studio

If you're climbing the driveway or the path from the lower to the upper parking lot, you see some gorgeous variations of shade tolerant plantings.

About halfway up, the studio comes into focus.  This is where I usually stop to catch my breath.  No stairs, but the climb is about the same as 2 stories in height.

Down by the tracks where there's lots of sun, pretty blooms have been planted.  And (besides the portapotty darkly hiding but being very necessary during the art show) there is a new (to me) sign.

Now this is Centennial Park, it says.

A grey eagle statue reminds us this town was once called Grey Eagle.

North Carolina flag to the right, American flag to the left.

Today's Quote:

I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.

OG MANDINO

Art by the Tracks early visit

I was there by 11 am...before it got hot! It was delightful with cool breezes.

The depot on the right was open the whole day.  Sutton Ave. was the only street closed for this show, as well as half of Cherry St.

Greek oils were very popular...

Anyone into chickens? All kinds here!

There were 2 little white furry guys in this cart...but they wouldn't stay still for a photo.

More ceramics will be shared over at my blog about ceramics. Alchemy of Clay.

Beach

Cross the inland waterway, which included a draw-bridge which was down. Open windows to smell the salt air!

Get on Highway US A1A, which continues up and down the Atlantic islands all along Florida. I don't know if it goes further, but in South Carolina I'm pretty sure it is Highway 17 along the coast.

I actually looked up these flowers, Gailardia or Indian Blanket Flower.

Sand was so soft it was dangerous to try to drive on it without a 4 wheel drive...so I parked and walked.

The beaches at St. Augustine are incredible.  I know it's kind of boring to see someone else's vacation photos.

I only was there about 15 minutes.  It was so wonderful.  I wish I hadn't had to go home.

This was at the end of April, and though my toes loved the warm waters where it was shallow, I dare say the Atlantic Ocean was a bit cold further out. I didn't see anyone in the water, except the boat.

Today's quote:

There is a perceptible energetic shift that takes place when we choose to see the good in all.