The Road Home

I grew up in the beautiful surroundings of the Pacific Northwest (PNW). When I was a young girl, having just finished nursing school, I moved to the south. One of the first things someone would ask me, upon meeting me, was how could I have left such a beautiful place. Like anyone who grows up around something day in and day out, I became accustomed to it and often took it for granted. Yes I hiked, camped and spent countless hours outdoors but it wasn't until I left Washington that I grew to truly appreciate the beauty of that area of the country. I believe that anyone can find fault and flaws in places but every place has something amazing to offer. Sometimes you have to look harder than others but if you give a place time and put in the effort you will find a diamond in the rough.

That being said when my husband was interviewing for jobs I was unable to attend because our daughter, as previously mentioned, does not do well traveling and that was a battle I did not want to take on. When he was offered a job in West Virginia I was a little nervous at first with the pictures my mind conjured up about what this place would look like. I, of course, started scouring the internet but am always a little skeptical about what you find on the there. But I love a good adventure and I had faith that he wouldn't take us to a place that did not suit our family. As we pulled out of his parents driveway in Georgia saying our goodbyes I was so excited for the unknown, not really sure what to expect. I had texted my uncle to let him know we were leaving and explaining my curiosity to what I would see along the way and of course quoting "Country Road." He insisted I would be pleasantly surprised and reminded me that there were numerous songs written about that area of the country.

We crossed into eastern Tennessee and the smoky mountain, continuing our drive through the state of Virginia and into West Virginia. To say I was amazed, awestruck or even captivated does not come close to how I felt driving through this area. It was like I was still back home in my beloved PNW. I could not believe the majesty and beauty of this area. When I lived in Memphis I of course always missed my family but I also missed the PNW. Driving through these areas and having lived here now for two weeks I can say I will always miss my family but I still feel like I am home here. John Denver couldn't have described it better than the very first line of his song "Almost Heaven, West Virginia..." I wish I could describe it to someone or a professional photographer so I could capture the pristine landscape of this area. The lush green rolling hills, the misty sunny mornings, even the storms we have encountered are something that makes you feel serene. And let me not forget the magic of the fireflies or lightening bugs that captured the amazement of our son.
I cannot wait for our road trips and exploring this land. I already have quite a few places on my list to visit and it will only continue to grow!

(Just a few pictures on the road to our new home)