Peaks of Otter, Hiking the Blue Ridge, See Ya

1. It was a perfect day for a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. I stopped for this shot of the Peaks of Otter. The day was so beautiful that I was tempted to stop at every overlook

2. I hiked a short distance and perched on a rock to wait for Chelsea. I felt quite alone. I thought about that for a while: What it would be like to be alone for five months in the woods and dependent almost entirely on myself.

3. The trail is mildly rocky and one must look down to hike. She didn't see me until she was practically upon me. We drove to the market to stock her pack with four days worth of (unhealthy) food and then we went home and cooked a nice fish dinner.

 4. We had too many good-byes this week! But, isn't it good that we love and care for each other enough to say good-bye? Shakespeare captures this feeling in these familiar lines from Romeo and Juliet. I say and feel all this in my super condensed version of, "See ya!"

Juliet:
'Tis almost morning, I would have thee gone—
And yet no farther than a wan-ton's bird,
That lets it hop a little from his hand,
Like a poor prisoner in his twisted gyves,
And with a silken thread plucks it back again,
So loving-jealous of his liberty.
Romeo:
I would I were thy bird.
Juliet:
Sweet, so would I,
Yet I should kill thee with much cherishing.
Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow,
That I shall say good night till it be morrow.