This particular weekend, I picked up my grand daughter Rylee, who is always ready to explore with her Nonna. We drove down Highway 21 through the beautiful serene Boxley Valley. The little white Baptist Church is a pretty good reason to travel this route. The setting for this little white church is in the valley, a dirt road and mountains behind with a cemetery adjacent to it. Every time I pass through the valley, I photograph this church.
It's windows remind me of two searching eyes, perhaps longing once again to be filled with chatter, singing and preaching. Even though there may no longer be a congregation, it is still visited daily by folks like me, dreaming of times past. It gives me the sense of nostalgia as I wonder how many of those buried in the cemetery attended church there? Did they walk to church or ride on horseback as my grandparents did? I closed my eyes for a moment and let my imagination run. I could almost hear the congregation singing Amazing Grace.
Rylee was not quite as nostaglic as I was so we moved on to our next adventure, Twin Falls, although Triple today.
Rylee had the radio going as we bounced and sang along the way. We stopped a few times to take a few pictures. We finally arrived at the bottom, thankfully with no flat tires due to the many bumps in the road, and hiked the short distance back to the falls.
The three falls were cascading into the cool green pool of water. We waded into the pool for a quick picture and enjoyed the mist from the falls. We then waded downstream to get a few more shots...then on to exploring.
When you exit the road to the falls, if you turn right, you will end up at the Buffalo River at Kyle's Landing. Even though it was starting to get late, we decided to head on down to the river.
Several people were canoeing and kayaking. We stood and watched for awhile, waded out in the water for some photos and Rylee skipped a few rocks. The sun was glistening on the water and the bluffs towered above us...a beautiful, peaceful scene. I could have stayed there forever but dinner was calling us home.
We made one final stop at the Arkansas Grand Canyon (Cliff House).
God is good. He provided us with a fantastic day for exploring our Natural State. I encourage you to get out and explore. His beauty is all around us.
"They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty – and I will meditate on your wonderful works." Psalm 145:5NIV
Diane, this is wonderful. You’re such a talented person and I have enjoyed this reading so much.