Pretty Place

While most of Western NC was still asleep, we were getting out of bed and into our hiking shoes. This morning, after all, was the Pretty Place Pilgrimage of 2018. Our hike groups arrived to quite the spectacle, with a cobalt and vermilion sky beyond a mountainous landscape, blanketed by clouds. We drank in the peaceful mountain air, nearly silent until the sun broke the horizon. With the dawn, our Music Director, Jonathan, played a tranquil tune on his flute, after which, we all sang win-de-ya-ho to welcome the day. It’s a long hike, that can be tough in the darkness, but the reward is priceless and completely worth the work.

Tomorrow is the last full day of session 3. Wow. It seems like it was just yesterday we were welcoming campers back to GRP. For over two weeks, it’s been a never-ending adventure, full of exploration, fun and the feeling of becoming one giant family. Thankfully, we have the morning’s mentor hikes to look forward to, along with a very highly anticipated Upper Council Fire. Until then, we’ll all be wishing session 3 lasted forever.

Story by Brandon S. Marshall with Photos by Samantha J. Keebler & Brandon S. Marshall