Waiting and Breathing with Optimism on Lake Jocassee

In the Middle of Lake Jocassee

In the Middle of Lake Jocassee

This week has been very stressful for everyone in the United States. Waiting has been difficult for both sides, but wait we must so democracy can operate as it should. Yesterday, my friend Barry and I decided to take my new inflatable kayak out onto Lake Jocassee and just float, and I am so glad we did because it was so much easier to breathe there. Though the 7500 acre lake is man-made (created by the state of South Carolina and Duke Energy in 1973), it is almost entirely undeveloped and surrounded by mountains. It even has some waterfalls cascading down. After putting in at Devil’s Fork State Park, we paddled out into the middle of the lake and just floated for awhile, taking it all in. Listening to the water lap and watching the wispy white clouds on this beautiful day was indeed the best place to wait for results from this election.

Kayak Head in Its Own Direction

Kayak Head in Its Own Direction

For three hours we forgot about worrying whether things would go the way we wanted them to do. We alternated between paddling and just going with the flow and letting the kayak direct our course for a time. as we rested and brought our psyches back in balance.

Lake Jocassee Water Patterns

Lake Jocassee Water Patterns

There were places where coves met the lake and unusual water patterns were created. It reminded me that when we come from different directions and our paths intersect, there is often some confusion or noise and not everything is smooth as glass. Yet we can flow through each other and allow our waters to mix and create more harmony.

Wild Banks of Lake Jocassee

Wild Banks of Lake Jocassee

The lake is surrounded by wild, tree-lined banks, with unusual rock formations and even some tiny beaches. There was even a bit of fall color left, as the lake is at a lower elevation than where we live in Asheville. It was so wonderful to feel we were enjoying every moment we could, even in the midst of all this national angst.

Hidden Waterfall, Lake Jocassee5456.jpg

I’d been told there were waterfalls on the lake but I also heard they were a long distance away, so we weren’t sure we would find them. Fortunately, when we got to the other side of the lake, we saw a pontoon tour boat exiting from a small cove. We paddled in and found this hidden waterfall. We heard it before we could see it. If you look closely, you can see patches of white water behind the downed trees in the center.

Waterfall with Downed Trees, Lake Jocassee

Waterfall with Downed Trees, Lake Jocassee

There were many downed trees from all the rainfall we’ve been experiencing this year from the remnants of hurricanes that have passed through. I was struck that even with all the destruction and debris and dead branches, the waterfall found a way to keep flowing. It felt a bit like our country. There has been so much fallout that has fractured our spirit of unity, which is discouraging as we are, after all ,supposed to be the United States of America. Yet despite the evidence of how torn this country is, hopefully there is a democratic national spirit that can be accessed again, especially under a unifying President if politicians can once again work together to do the best for this country. I know this is a big if, but the cost of giving up is too high and will lead to more deaths and economic hardship.

Emerging from the Cove, Lake Jocassee

Emerging from the Cove, Lake Jocassee

When we turned around to exit the cove, this was the view. White light seemed to be dancing on the water around the corner in the distance. My sense of hope blossomed and I was excited to see what we would discover on our return paddle.

Rocky Shorelilne with Remants of Fall Color, Lake Jocassee

Rocky Shorelilne with Remants of Fall Color, Lake Jocassee

This side of the lake offered some more beautiful scenery. There were some larger boulders and more fall color. The water was a deep emerald color from the reflection of the pines. One of the things I love most about water is how it changes in color and tone by what it reflects. This also happens with people. With new leadership and a focus on unity, hopefully we can stop choosing sides and start working together. We can reflect a unifying instead of a divisive vision.

Rocks and Pines Lake Jocassee

Rocks and Pines Lake Jocassee

But until 2021 arrives, I plan on spending time in nature and de-stressing as much as possible, as we are still not out of the woods with respect to conflict. We need to stay strong in our faith that better times are coming.

Boathouse with Solar by a Cabin only Accessible by Boat

Boathouse with Solar by a Cabin only Accessible by Boat

This cabin would be an ideal place to isolate, until this pandemic comes under control and we can get our government can get back on track. However, even though we don’t all have such a place to go to, we can find ways to stay safe and connect with nature wherever we happen to live and we can just envision places of harmony to life our spirits.

Tree that Fell and Rose Again

Tree that Fell and Rose Again

When I saw this tree, I felt so incredibly hopeful. The bank had eroded and the tree had fallen completely over, but it did not die and propped itself up on its branches. The tree seemed to be rising again, as the crown reached for the light. Though our democracy has been subject to an onslaught of attacks these past four years, under a new administration I believe it can still be saved. Yesterday we felt hope creeping in. Today is even more hopeful. Stay calm and breathe.

Breathing on Lake Jocassee

Breathing on Lake Jocassee

Barry Staying Strong on Lake Jocassee

Barry Staying Strong on Lake Jocassee

Truth and compassion will prevail.

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The Battle Between Momentum and Obstacles and the Dream of a Peaceful Future, High Shoals Falls and Jacob Fork River

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Beacon Heights–a Warning or a Celebration, Coming Days Will Tell