I’ve noticed over the years how easy it is to take things for granted. I have lived here for almost 40 of my 42 years on Earth, and I was about 35 before I ever went to the top of Chimney Rock. Yes, the same Chimney Rock that people from all over the world are sure to check out when they are in our area. I was also about the same age before I visited the Biltmore house, you know, that little fixer-up of a place folks travel great distances to see.

And so the story goes for many of the natural attractions in our area. I’ve said countless times in past columns how blessed we are to live in an area with so much natural beauty. Mountains, waterfalls, forests, streams – it’s quite a list. I’ve often caught myself feeling about our area the same way John Muir seemed to have felt about Yosemite valley, a sense of awe, and many times that words were far to inadequate to describe an experience here.

But even as great as it is here, there are times when it can be a touch more grander, a bit more inspiring. It may be something as simple as the passing of a summer rainstorm to cast the sun’s rays in just the right light, or a morning dew to make a spider’s web glisten in the sun, or maybe a heavy flood to white wash the rocks of the Rocky Broad River to make them look like soap stone instead of granite.

Nature can bring about changes to the “everyday” blessings around us to cause them to catch our eye once again. One change nature works through each year is cold, and especially bitter cold.

Ice has an amazing effect on God’s handiwork. Icicles and rock outcroppings or rock faces are a great combination. Ice can make many creative forms, and can also reflect the sun like a mirror at times.

And although the power company may not be a big fan of snow and ice, there are few things more calming than a blanket of white snow on the tops of an evergreen stand of trees. It’s something to take in when you can look over such a scene and hear the quiet calming effect snow seems to have on nature.

Winter does not forget waterfalls, either, with perfect combinations of ice, rock and water. Hiking into a waterfall in single digit temperatures may not be for everyone, but it has its reward. The rugged terrain and harsh conditions make for a unique take on something you may be used to seeing as relaxing.

So, if you are able, get out there. Don’t just drive down the road and look, but take in the sounds, get out and feel what’s out there. If you can’t get out, open a window or door, even for just a few minutes, and hear the quietness of snow. No wonder Mr. Muir was drawn so strongly to the woods.