Before driving through the Blue Ridge Parkway in reality in my 30s, I drove through it in my dreams during my twenties! My dream was to drive miles after miles amidst unbound beauty and was not limited to any particular country. In reality, when I drove through the Blue Ridge Parkway, I felt exhilarated not because it is one of the most scenic routes in the USA but because the reality connected me to my long cradled dream. Eventually on the way, on many occasions, my thirty-something me met my twenty-something me.
when I drove through the Blue Ridge Parkway, I felt exhilarated not because it is one of the most scenic routes in the USA but because the reality connected me to my long cradled dream. #Travel #Nature Click To Tweet
Along the way, the dream and reality met
Now when I sit to write and transfigure the impressions of the flawless, boundless, and revitalizing beauty along the Blue Ridge Parkway into thoughts and words, I realize the interconnectedness of the reality to my imaginations and dreams. Had I not dreamt of such a road trip, had I not imagined the light spilling from the lush green copious canopies, I would not have witnessed the Blue Ridge Parkway the way I did. I realized how my dream and imagination influenced my seeing. Scenes wore the spirit of my mind. The beautiful scenery around me was like frozen music.
Had I not dreamt of such a road trip, had I not imagined the light spilling from the lush green copious canopies, I would not have witnessed the Blue Ridge Parkway the way I did. #Travel #Wanderlust Click To Tweet
The panorama of mountains in front decorated with autumnal colors locked my gaze and my unbidden thoughts invited my younger me in the twenties. We met with ease! I realized that when the spirit of the twenties and the wisdom of thirties commingles, one decides the next pursuit of life.
Also read: Fall foliage in Grand Lake, Colorado!
Dilemma of Pursuit
While driving along this beautiful route which is indeed akin to a passage through paradise, I was happy. I was not pursuing this happiness though! My eyes were wandering to and forth from the snaking road ahead and the burst of autumnal colors on the trees at the side of the road. My mind was not burdened with any pursuit and my heart was at harmony with scenes and feelings. My chief emotion was joy.
While driving along this beautiful route which is indeed akin to a passage through paradise, I was happy. I was not pursuing this happiness though! #Travel Click To Tweet
When my twenty something persona asked me “Why don’t you pursue happiness?” My thirty something persona showed her some glimpses and told her, “Happiness shouldn’t be burdened with pursuit.”
Happiness shouldn't be burdened with pursuit! #Travel Click To TweetDo you too want to see those glimpses? Here it is!
You all guessed it right. She is my daughter Chirantana. She needed a bit of sunshine, some fallen leaves, and love to glow with happiness. I and Siddhartha joined her joy, and our happiness knew no bounds. Long road trips in the USA always give us an opportunity to break free from the cage of our built-in identities of modern life and bond with each other more profoundly. From the inception of the vacation to the miles logged along the way, together, we create memories galore.
Sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains
As we drove, the sun slowly began to dive below the layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I saw a few tourists with their tripod and camera, enveloping the divine scene; the beauty!
Also read: A bouquet of beautiful sunsets!
A passage through paradise
As we continued driving through the parkway after the sun dipped into the horizon, I saw the radiant sky. I stopped the car in a nearby lookout and took the camera to frame the scene. Being a storyteller, I always bring back not just pictures but my feelings along with them. I feel my voice will be heard when I capture a scene!
Also Read: Fall Foliage in Princeton University Campus
Where I stayed during my trip to Blue Ridge Parkway
I stayed in McKinley Edwards Inn in Bryson City a quaint and beautiful boutique hotel. I loved seeing the Great Smoky Mountains afar while drinking my morning coffee here. It proved to be an excellent refuge and I totally enjoyed my stay here. We started early in the morning, after the sumptuous breakfast in the hotel, and drove through the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you are planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains and Blue Ridge Parkway, choose McKinley Edwards Inn – a perfect place to unwind. Book your stay in McKinley Edwards Inn
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Travel Realizations
Writing about the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway is a project akin to photographing electricity, for it is inherently impossible to contain the boundless beauty in written words. So if you want to go for an unforgettable long drive then this is it! Plan a trip and then live it.
If you want to go for an unforgettable long drive then this is it! Plan a trip and then live it. #Travel #roadtrip #USA Click To TweetWhen my trip came to an end. I thanked my younger self and told her “blessed is our youth and its dreams”. My younger me whispered, “Blessed is the naivety of the youth”.
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Lyne
Wow, nature there is incredible! Such an amazing place, it’s always a pleasure to read about places like this and be able to close your eyes and image how it may feel. You have done a really good job transcribing your experience with your words and photos.