A couple of days ago our son was off work and we went on a family Fall day trip to the mountains of N.C. It had been a few years since we went up to Blowing Rock, Boone and the Blue Ridge Parkway during the Fall. It was so beautiful with so many colorful leaves. Some trees only had the bottom half of their leaves remaining, I assume from the wind but it was still beautiful!
Having two dogs: one 15 1/2 and 18 months, it’s not easy to take day trips. A sweet friend offered to watch our oldest dog so she would be comfortable while we were away. She is the best dog sitter, sending pictures to let you see how your dog is doing. We had dropped off Joy’s dog bed when we dropped her off. Less than two hours later, my friend sent a picture of Joy asleep with the caption “sleeping beauty”. Joy’s hips couldn’t handle the walking.
Our son’s 18-month-old dog, Moose came along for his first mountain trip. He had the best time exploring, sniffing and visiting other dogs and people. He even went in the original Mast General Store in Boone, NC that was built in 1882. Our son Joshua took Moose through the store and he did so well. They had some unique dog toys and Joshua bought one for Moose and one for Joy. After walking through Blowing Rock, riding and walking part of the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the leaves, then stopping at the Mast General Store, Moose was tired.
We really enjoyed our family day trip. I’ll be honest with what it’s really like for me with low vision and hearing loss. Any “adventure” outside my “normal” is more taxing on me mentally, as my brain has the extra work of figuring out “depth perception”. Our depth perception depends on information from both eyes and your brain. My vision at my last doctors appointment was 20/400. I’m going again next week so we will see if it’s changed in the last five years. Yes, it’s been five years since I’ve gone. They have never been able to help me so I stopped going. Back to the story~ with sun, shadows, uneven pavement, rocks, slopes and steps….and me being the “go get ‘er” that I am, I was determined to enjoy every part of the day. I really did enjoy it. The colors of the leaves and all the pumpkins that decorated Blowing Rock were beautiful. Time spent with family is always priceless. I’m thankful for the day away. I will say it truly exhausted me though. I slept eleven hours that night.
No matter what your abilities or lack thereof, you need to get out and experience the world around you. Being willing to try is halfway towards a good experience. It’s all in the attitude in which you approach life. Don’t hold back, get out and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. You’ll be glad you did!
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