Headed East: A Walk Among the Vines.

6/24

The hoot, hoot of the owl. The chirp, chirp of the bird. The quiet easiness of The Day Loop Trail’s four miles, made it quite a delight, as I eased my way around Percy Priest Lake, which was always beautifully teasing through the lush of the green trees to my left.

The trail provided sometimes picture worthy viewpoints, giving you fun rocks to climb about the water, and even the surprise of a Albizia Julibrissin, better known as a mimosa or silk tree, along the lake side. For a moment you thought you were somewhere tropical, as the pink flowers glowed in full bloom along the lake’s beautiful hue of green, and the sky shown bright blue above.

I was soon across the park, casually walking 2 miles around Couch Lake, which seemed to be the hot spot for visitors. It was paved, but beautifully ran its course around the whole of the lake. The viewpoints, bridges, wild geese with young, and what looked like wild fern all along the path of the trail, just created a smile on your face feeling of peace. I took in why this seemed to be the most popular trail of Long Hunter State Park. Going through my photos later, I was taken back by the no need for picture editing, natural, bright green of the trail.

Famished and excited, I couldn't wait for my last planned stop of the day. As I drove into Arrington Vineyards, my heart danced for joy. What a beautiful venue, with lush, grape infused, vines flowing along the hillside in all directions. The sun, when she did escape the clouds coming in, brought the whole valley of vines to life with bright greens and shades of gold. I walked up and down the hillside of picnic tables filled with the joy of gathered friends and families. It seemed to be everyone’s birthday, as song filled the vineyard. I cannot think of a better place to celebrate another year of life, as so many were that day.

Speaking of the celebration of life, what a surprise when my taking photos for one of the birthday groups among the vines, led to wonderfully inspired conversation. A whole group of friends gathered around me as they asked questions and longed for details about my trip thus far. Soon I was getting tidbits on hiking must dos in the Smokey’s and lots of hugs and prayers for my journey onward.

I couldn’t help but to get emotional, as I told them about the wonderful couple I had met the day before along the trails of Radnor Lake. Two straight days of simply being in the right place at the right time. Ah. The joys of life.

Location: La Vergne, TN (Airbnb)

State Parks: Radnor Lake State Park, Long Hunter State Park

Vineyard: Arrington Vineyards, Arrington, TN