a morning filled with heroes

©2011 gary garbett.com

What a day of wonder. I spent the morning documenting the Claytor Lake Sprint Triathlon. It was a day that was far more beautiful than the weather, which was sun filled and stunning. The large wonderful group of young adults to seniors, were such an inspiration and filled with an amazing joy for life. Their spirit and enthusiasm was infectious and they were each truly living for every moment in the moment. They shined. 

As things were coming to a close and as the final runner turned the last corner for the last twenty yards, long after the event leader had crossed the line,everyone gathered at the finish line to encourage her with loud and enthusiastic cheers of support.It was a remarkable experience. Even as a spectator, the emotion and the adrenaline rush at the end was equal to that of the start.

I have the rest of my day in front of me, but my list of heroes grew several pages longer even before pouring my second cup of coffee of the day. Cheers to a life, especially those filled with inspiring heroes.

kissing a painted sky and paint bank

©2011 gary garbett.com

Following an early morning lead, yesterday sent me on a road trip to Paint Bank,Virginia located in the southwestern region of Virginia on Potts Mountain, just five miles from the WestVirginia border. The day was beautiful and my roadtrip equaled that along the stunning scenic two lane Virginia route 311. I can't recall ever having driven more S turns than I did through theJefferson National Forest. The vistas were gorgeous and I seemed close enoughat times to reach out and kiss the few clouds that painted the sky.

The day was a path of basics - core places, people, and moments of real lifeof real America. I received a genuine hello with sincere waves as I drove past two young mothers at a rural bus stop, waiting for their children to arrive homefrom school. I passed a field lit up from the sun. Sitting behind the harvestwas a pale yellow barn in the distance with an American flag covering theentire façade. The aromas of freshly cut grass filled the air along severalmiles, and the few General Stores I did pass were tidy, welcoming, andunlittered from excessive commercialism.

Nearly an hour after exiting I-81, I found myself approaching a 35 MPHzone. The square green sign with white letters read PAINT BANK. Less than halfa mile ahead, just past the Volunteer Fire Department, was the crossroads at route 608 were the Paint Bank General Store and the Depot Lodge share theintersection and all of downtown Paint Bank. I was greeted by hospitality in person, listened to authentic local music, snapped more than a few pictures, and made a new friend named Jeremy.

There are days when life is just beyond rich. I'm thankful for those kind of days.

order of something else

©2011 gary garbett.com

Today’s barely begun and it’s already been a journey. Aftersleeping in until nearly 7AM, which I never do, I jumped from the bed and rushed to the marina with hope of catching thesunrise. And all before a cup of coffee, breakfast, or even a toothbrush. There’dbe time for that after spending a few minutes on the water with my cameras,waiting for the sun to peek overtop of the trees along the lakefront. Thismorning wasn’t to be that day though. The light cloud cover diffused themorning light. Something else was in order. As I sat along the shoreline, thestillness of the water was interrupted by the synchronized swimming of sixducks. Back and forth they swam before finally making their land entrance 20 yards from where I sat. They soon, unlike me, beganenjoying their breakfast along the bank.

After returning to the cabin, the sunlight made an incredibleentrance on the day while I enjoyed breakfast, several cups of coffee, and finallymy toothbrush. There was no music or television, just the sunlight making long shadows across the room as the chirping chorus of crickets and songbirds created the soundtrack. The day was amazingly glorious.

After speaking with a Ranger this morning, I've decided to follow the lead and head out on a fieldtrip with my camerasand a winding roadtrip to Paint Back, Virginia, just east of the West Virginiaborder. Life is about now and according to my wristwatch, I'm running a little behind.