fter a week of cloudy skies, the sun streaming through my window this morning is the first sign to a change of season. Days are getting longer and this morning the sunshine beckons me to enjoy one more walk of the season.

Heading out with no definitive destination in mind, I find myself heading toward the Blue Ridge. There are many hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic route meanders for 469 miles through North Carolina and Virginia. The Blue Ridge Mountain range traverses eight states from Pennsylvania to Georgia. It gets its name from the dense forest that releases hydrocarbons into the atmosphere, giving it a distinctive blue haze.

Bare branches make intricate patterns against a crisp blue sky. While some may miss the beautiful green canopy of summer, today I treasure the opportunity to see what the foliage often hides. It is true that many birds migrate to warmer regions during the winter months; however, the Carolinas are home to a variety of species year-round.

Pausing to sit quietly, I close my eyes to experience the sound of the forest around me. As the sun peeks through the bare branches and warms my cheeks, the melody of the forest warms my heart. The unique and distinct voices of various species blend together in harmony. With eyes closed, I recognize the familiar sound of a male and female Cardinal chirping back and forth to one another. One speaks, and then the other, a conversation with purpose. I wonder what they are saying? Have they just met or are they longtime mates?

While past visits to Old Salem have been bustling with visitors, horse-drawn carriages and museum staff dressed in traditional eighteenth century attire, today due to COVID restrictions, the shops are closed and the streets are empty. This rare opportunity to walk these historic grounds in solitude presents a unique perspective. Without modern distractions, the past steps out to speak.