Almost Heaven
October 22, 2012 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
Remembering the well-known John Denver song -
“Almost heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah River –
Life is old there
Older than the trees
Younger than the mountains
Growin’ like a breeze
Country Roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain momma
Take me home, country roads”
~~~~~
There were six of us on the trip to the country roads of West Virginia. All photographers. All females of a ‘certain age.’ All looking for a little photographic adventure. And, guess what…we found it!
Have you ever tried to travel for four days with a group of friends that are still fairly new in their friendship? And now, form a mental picture of six educated, strong-willed, highly opinionated women…women all of whom are used to being in leadership roles in some capacity. As you can imagine, certain ‘ground rules’ became necessary.
We agreed to ‘rough it.’
- Go Un-plugged! Due to our remote location we had little, if any, cell phone coverage or Internet connections.
- No make-up! We were letting our ‘inner-beauty’ shine through! Ha!
- No fancy clothes! Our hiking boots, thick socks, Cuddle Duds and layers were for comfort, not a fashion statement.
- No fancy restaurants! But, I’ll guarantee you we didn’t go hungry.
We agreed to ‘be agreeable.’
- No matter what time morning wake-up was scheduled, specific shooting locations selected, or lunch choices made, no grumbling was allowed. Period.
We agreed to pack ‘light’ - but take every photography related piece of equipment we could squeeze in the back ends of the car.
- Oh wait, I think the pre-take off conversations went something like this -- “Who’s taking the cooler?” “Who’s got the heaters?” “I’ll take the snacks.” “I’ll bring the wine.” “And, I’ll bring the bug spray and coffee.” “OK. Now who’s bringing the bottled water.” “Is anyone bringing a first aid kit?” “Can I bring my sleeping bag.” “Remind me to pack my medicine.” “Is there room for….” Well, you probably can imagine how the packing went. We would have been hard pressed to have added anyone - or anything - else!
A new ground rule was created during the trip – Lead car will NOT lose sight of the second car. There’s a story there, but I won’t go into it now. ;)
But I have to say, in spite of – or perhaps because of – the ground rules, the benefits were enormous.
While the photographic opportunities were breathtaking - limited only by one’s level of energy, imagination, and attention span - perhaps the best time of each day was evening when we would gather around the table in our cabin, warmed by the glow of the fireplace. It was while enjoying a nice bowl of hot soup, fresh crusty bread, and a glass of wine that the conversations became rich.
Even though we hit a few bumps along the way, we returned home with beautiful images, new relationships firmly bonded, and a fresh surge of creative energy. It never ceases to amaze me how six individuals can photograph the same location, at the same time, often with the same make camera and lens, and see so differently.
I returned home refreshed and renewed. Through this experience I feel our friendships have reached a new depth of appreciation and understanding. After being surrounded by such talented and creative individuals, my personal creative energy and enthusiasm has been pushed to new levels.
Thank you “Femme Photogs” for taking me to the country roads of West Virginia. The trip was ‘almost heaven.’
~~~~~
Please feel free to visit my personal blog to enjoy more images from the trip. Images are tagged: Rural West Virginia
Reader Comments (25)
Very almost heaven. Thank you.
I am drawn by this stunning beauty Sue, I could picture heaven looking like that. I can't wait to hear more of this adventure you just had:-).
Going over to your blog now
'Almost (?)' heaven??? It looks like it IS heaven on earth that you've found!! And - how beautiful to have done this trip with new friends. A lesson and inspiration for us all!
That is a spectacular image you have captured. Its got everything - trees, colour, mill, cabin, waterfall, water reflections, solitude and peace. Sort of sums up your trip I think (if solitude is possible with 6 women doing the same thing!).
Thanks for sharing your trip. The image is beautiful! One can't beat autumn color! It is amazing how we can take different images when many are at the same location. It just reinforces the diversity within each human being. I am sure you all had great fun!
I was just getting ready to say this IS heaven on earth and see that Marcie already said it. HA! Like minds and all. What a delightful experience, Sue. I can just imagine what this adventure must have felt like. And I bet you plan to do it again, right?! :)
I've been to your own blog and can testify ALL the images are heaven on earth!!!
Sounds wonderful. Gorgeous country and image.
Oh boy, now I have that song stuck in my head but totally worth it! Such a perfectly beautiful image and story ... glad y'all made it a successful venture!
This image of the mill the stream is just fabulous! It is fun to spend hours with photography friends, going to new places, and sharing the experience while enjoying all the views. I can just see in my mind all of you gathered around that table at the end of the day. Not sure if it gets any better than that...
As a member of this trip I, too, can attest to the fact that I came home brimming with the glow of deeper friendship. Those evenings in front of the roaring fire were pure gold. We all came home with so much more than photos!
And sometimes getting lost can be the biggest adventure of all.
Stunning image. Plus I now have extreme photo-adventure-envy! Wild landscape beauty coupled with female inner beauty, what an inspiring combination:~)
A classic shot - with the colours and elements within the picture combining beautifully to make an image that's almost too good to be true.
BTW I loved reading about your trip away...and why would restaurants matter with a cozy room to eat in, the wine in the rack and six (what I'm sure are) super-cooks.
As one of the six, I join the testimony and Sue...and Sandy. The whole trip was about connection with one another and with creation all around us and even within us. I am grateful.
This is the best story ever! One of new friendships warmed by a glowing fire in one of the most beautiful places one can imagine with women whose creative spirits glow with their mutual love for photography! Inspiring and exciting! Gotta say I am envious, but very happy for all of you!
I believe cooperation was essential for this trip, Sue, and from your words I perceive you succeeded. What a beautiful picture and what a wonderful opportunity to devote four days just to photography and mutual inspiration.
I used to know the John Denver's song only in its Czech variation which has quite different lyrics and is quite popular here. I was surprised to hear the original version which I really liked but only listened to its words without seeing the scene. I feel enriched now having added the vision to the verb. :)
If this is almost heaven I wonder what heaven looks like... Wonderful image, Sue, simply breathtaking.
Your trip sounds like a great adventure, and of course I'd like to hear the story of the lead car that lost sight of the second car! I love your ground rules - "no make-up" is a rule I follow almost every day... I envy you for this experience!
Wonderful post as always Sue. Your beautiful photography is matched only by your beautiful way with words!
That really does look like heaven! What a lovely scene. And it sounds like you had such a wonderful time, ground rules and all, which are always a good idea when traveling in groups.
So glad to hear you enjoyed yourself!
Oh Sue...I could easily spend hours at your site looking at your beautiful work! I so enjoyed your other captures from your trip! I've been through West VA a few times, but never to spend quality time photographing. Now it just moved up on the list! Thank you!
As the youth group would say upon returning home from a wonderful and adventuresome trip -- It was REAL! And as one of the six, it really was - REAL --
REAL fellowship, REAL beauty, REAL deepening of friendships, and REAL rewarding!!
What a stunning image and it certainly sounds like you took away more than just good pictures after your time together with your companions.
Heaven indeed! Heading to your blog to see more.
It sounds like the perfect trip to me. Getting to know each other properly and teamwork and in such a stunning location sounds like heaven to me :-)
The fall colours in your photo are glorious.
It does sound like heaven! And if the second car has gps it's not so bad to split up:)
What a gorgeous shot! It looks like a painting, too perfect to be real. I'm glad you have found a group of like-minded women to do such outings with. It does sound heavenly.