Georgia is an awe-inspiring place. So often on this journey I travelled gorgeous tree-lined roads, but in the sameness, the prettiness palled. In the Pine Mountain region, however, every turn brought a new view, which increased my appreciation.
When I first arrived in the area, I didn’t understand why it was considered mountainous. The terrain had risen gently, the hills so subtle, its mountain-ness seemed more of a name than a fact. And then I pulled into an overlook, and a world of tree tops lay far below me. Such a fantastic view!
In many areas, I saw trees draped in purple flowers. I should have just enjoyed the vision of loveliness instead of researching the blooms because I discovered that instead of being the mountain laurel I thought it was, it turned out to be Chinese wisteria, an invasive parasite that eventually can strangle its host.
But then, nature always was a bit of a brute, hiding its ghastly ways beneath a cloak of beauty.
And oh, there is so much beauty!
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(Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, “an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.”)
***
(When I saw the log cabin, I was reminded of the current small-house craze, which shows how history repeats and reinvents itself.)
Bertram's Blog 
April 8, 2016 at 3:58 pm
But then, nature always was a bit of a brute, hiding its ghastly ways beneath a cloak of beauty.
Perfect line! Love it—
April 8, 2016 at 7:39 pm
More great pix.
April 9, 2016 at 7:52 am
Enjoying your photos.
April 9, 2016 at 8:11 am
Nature is a femme fatale.
April 9, 2016 at 12:51 pm
Pat, these photos made me miss my home in Alabama–so similar. Beautiful!!
April 10, 2016 at 1:53 pm
Hi Bertram, Where will you be in N.C? I follow your blog and live in NC. I camp alone some since my husband died almost two years ago. I just got out of the hospital this week from a bout with pneumonia . It is so strange how life puts you on a path just to turn around and the path is no longer there. I had planned on seeing if I could meet up with you but one thing after another has prevented it. I admire you so much for the courage to take out alone the way you have. Let me know where in NC you will be. I live in the center of the state north of Charlotte.
Suzette Griffin
Sent from my iPad
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April 10, 2016 at 3:08 pm
I am in the Winston-Salem area for a few days, then I will be heading west again.
I am so sorry you aren’t feeling well.