My great uncle Jake had an old farmhouse in Avery County, near Crossnore. Daddy would take us often. The roads to get there were very dark and mysterious back then. We would get there in the dark of night sometimes, and Daddy would see by flashlight how to push the fuse into the box to get the lights to come on. We had power, but no running water or bathroom. There was a hand pump in the kitchen sink with the best tasting cold water you could ever imagine. We had a potbelly stove in the kitchen for heat. There was also a “Johnny House” outside. There was a small creek behind the house that we loved to play in. Even in the hot summer it was cold and refreshing. I will never forget the beautiful sunrises we saw in this valley surrounded by the tall mountains. My family had many exciting adventures there and we all treasure those memories.

The NC mountains are such a spiritual place for me. I feel such peace just being there. There is no place that smells like the mountains.

Karen King, Asheboro, a member of Randolph EMC