Far Above Sea Level

Since we’re from the Midwest and still have ties there, at least once a year we find ourselves making the journey back. This summer was no exception. These journeys inevitably lead us through the mountains, which are, generally speaking, the highlight of our travels.

(That is, unless there’s rain or ice or carsick small people, in which case they become a voyage that holds no chalaxing for the weary.)

Over the years, we’ve stopped at various places all throughout that section of the Appalachians either for a pit stop or for an overnight stay. Two years ago, for instance, I wrote about our overnight stay in Narrows, Virginia. On our most recent trip up, hoping to avoid some commonplace backups on Interstate 77, we took a scenic detour on Route 52 a few miles south of the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel.

(Do you know that lots of people have put their drive through the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel on YouTube? I can’t say the thought’s ever occurred to me personally.)

(Also, if I ever do put my Big Walker Tunnel passage up for all the world to see, I’ll probably pull over right before and clean my windshields so the inquiring minds who want to know what it’s like to drive through the Big Walker Mountain Tunnel but not enough to actually try it themselves will not have to look at bird poop while watching my YouTube video, ‘cause we all know how distracting bird poop can be in otherwise riveting footage and what about viewers who might be watching while eating?)

(Every once in a while, I just love a good run-on. It comes with the profession.)

(Parenthesis can be fun, too. Someday, maybe I’ll write an entire post that’s parenthetical. I’m not really sure what the point of it will be, but I’ll figure it out as I go.) 

(Incidentally, a YouTube search on Big Walker Mountain Tunnel will also produce some interesting videos on things like how to release a possum, which might prove helpful should you inadvertently ever trap one. Indeed, so many of us have found ourselves in this very predicament at one point or another in life.)

(Also, if this were one of my students’ essays right now, I would give it an “F.” But in the blogging world, focus, organization, grammar and just generally having any sort of point whatsoever to your writing are all largely unnecessary.)

The drive was beautiful, and everything an interstate drive is not. We took refreshment at the Big Walker Country Store, located right beside the Big Walker Lookout Tower. For a few bucks, you can climb several flights of stairs to the top of the tower to get a bird’s eye view of the area. While we were passing by the tower, some guy claimed you can see five states from the top, if the day’s clear.

This was just some random guy, however, so I’m not making any claims myself. I just repeat random guy comments when the spirit moves.

And really, I imagine the tower, which looks not unlike a giant lifeguard tower to me, looks quite stable to those unafraid of heights.

I have a good imagination.

The store is a joy for road-weary travelers to explore, with everything from numerous crafts and trinkets to ice cream and homemade treats. The small people ordered ice cream, and I may have purchased a loaf of dark chocolate bread which may have been entirely too small to last more than an hour beyond its purchase time. In my defense, it may have been a mini-loaf of bread.

Size matters, y’all.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the views, see for yourself.

My heart will always be at sea level.

But I can certainly understand the love of this.