The Tale of The Rattler
Katie and I are “in the mountains” and on a mountain in North Carolina. Through a small window between tree branches, the crest of another mountain not too far from here is visible. It’s beautiful and inviting, But we can’t get there without going down this mountain, through the valley below, and up the other mountainside. That valley happens to be part of the area devastated by Hurricane Helene a few years ago. The valley is not within view, but the rushing water below is well within earshot. This log cabin retreat, where Katie and I honeymooned and have returned to six more times in 19 years, was spared damage from the hurricane. And yet, no one could get here because of what happened in the valley town of Hot Springs, NC, below. We are thrilled to see so much progress made even in the last few months. The mountain draws much from its surrounding valleys. The mountaintop experience is meaningless without the darkness and uncertainty of the valley. . . and the journey, up and down, ca...