This photo is of the French Broad River from Hot Springs, NC, taken on October 24, 2015. A large print of this photograph hangs above my desk.
It was our third section hike of the Appalachian Trail, and we had planned to take a shuttle southward from Hot Springs and hike back to town for three days. We did not realize during our travels to North Carolina that a Pacific hurricane had crossed Mexico and was traveling up the east coast of the US. High winds and rain were scheduled for North Carolina after the next two days. We obviously had to make other plans. After giving it some prayerful consideration, we decided, since we had at least a day and a half, we would hike northward instead, for as far as time would allow, and then turn around and hike back.
While disappointed we would miss some of the vistas the southern hike would give, we knew enough about hurricane winds to not be near them if possible. This turned out to be one of our favorite hikes of all time. The weather was cool and dry, and the first part of our hike went along this beautiful river.
We hiked about three miles out and three miles back to the river's bank. At one point, the trail was covered with red leaves from the trees lining it. The backs of the trees were pink, so the whole trail looked like a big Valentine's Day card. The color on this hike was amazing, and as we discussed it, we realized that all the beautiful leaves would be blown away in the next day or two...this was the perfect and last day to see them.
As we headed back toward town, we pitched our tent on the bank of the French Broad River. Its swiftly flowing water lulled us to sleep. It was simply wonderful.
This year, when Hurricane Helene tore through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee, it saddened us greatly. The hotel where we spent the night before this hike was greatly damaged, as was much of the city. I will be glad to visit the sweet little town again and, once again, let my ears and eyes be blessed by the French Broad River.
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