Carolina On My Mind!

For someone who may not be a North Carolina native doesn’t mean that can stop me from loving this great state that has so much heart. I have been visiting North Carolina ever since I was a baby. I’ve almost everywhere in the state from the beautiful seaside towns, to the big cities throughout the state, and finally to the high majestic mountains. North Carolina has so much history and beauty and love so, who wouldn’t want to come here. There is just about everything for everyone. What I love about North Carolina is that no matter where you go in the state it feels like any day can be a fun new exciting adventure. But in Western North Carolina is where I made a lot of cherished memories.

My top favorite spots were Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Lake Lure. I have always been a big hiker and a true nature lover, and by being high up in the mountains gave me the thrill and excitement of adventure I seek. Almost all of Western North Carolina was a true outdoor adventures paradise. However, there was one place I loved the most out of everything I’ve explored in Western Carolina which was Grandfather Mountain. The view was breathtaking being at an elevation close to 6,000 feet was stunning. Just being able to see everything for miles was incredible, just the sheer beauty alone left me speechless. I had been to Grandfather Mountain two times, the first time I went was super special where there was the annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games taking place. I am part Scottish, so I was glad I had an opportunity to attend this event and learn more about my heritage. The Highland games took place right at the base of the mountain and it truly reminded me of Scotland so, I could see why they chose to have it here every year. I loved meeting my clan for the first time and getting to know some of the members it truly felt so homecoming.

The second time I came back here I got to explore more of the mountain where I did a little bit of hiking with my brother. Me and him don’t have the best relationship but, I was glad that this was a moment where he got to see what I love doing. As me and him were hiking through the trail I could see he was having a good time, and he could see why its so peaceful to do this. At the end of the hike, he told me he would love to do this again. I was so happy he became just as passionate as I was about being in nature and exploring it. It was nice that for once me and him now had something in common. Plus, with the two of us being up there and seeing the great distance being so high up that the world is limitless. Which was why I was glad I took this picture because just one photograph alone can tell a whole story itself.

When I got the news that Hurricane Helene had hit Western North Carolina and caused so much devastation my heart was broken. Just seeing all the destruction and ruins Helene had left behind left me speechless. I honestly felt like my knees were going to hit the ground and crumble. The tears just ran down my face when I saw how much was now gone, and how lives had been lost. I was scared for my brother because, he lives down there and it was terrifying not knowing if he was okay. The very next day we were relieved he was okay. But everything else was destroyed, or flooded from all the water.

It just hurt so much that there was nothing me or anyone else could do to stop it. I was beyond devastated to hear that Lake Lure and Chimney Rock got hit by the hurricane. I had a very precious memory I made at that place when I was child, that had now been completely swept away and gone. It was a special memory I had with one of my uncles where we explored the lake and climbed Chimney Rock together. It was one of the happiest memories I had from my childhood. I don’t know what it looks like now but I’m finally returning there in a few weeks, and I don’t know if my heart can bare it.

I was able to attend the Concert for Carolina in Charlotte, where all the ticket sales, merchandise, food, and drinks, including the stadium being rented all the proceeds went back to the people that were affected by Helene. It was an honor to be there in that stadium knowing that I at least some how contributed to those that needed help. Luke Combs and Eric Church did an amazing job putting together this show to help all their Carolina brothers and sisters. But Wesko song “Helene” moved me and everyone else around me to tears with his tribute song to all the Hurricane victims. Every verse was powerful, raw, and emotional and everyone felt it. That was one night I will never forget and why I came there in the first place.

I also don’t know what Grandfather Mountain looks like now but, I am hoping it is untouched. But I also hope that the people of Western North Carolina can take an opportunity to climb this majestic mountain or continue to look up from below, and be reminded they will all rise up again.