About twice a year, we make the trek to western Maryland and Diana’s dad’s home (or thereabouts) in Garrett County. Sometimes it is elsewhere, but more often in that area than not. It’s always a pleasant journey, because we get to stop at Sidling Hill where the view from the parking lot is stunning and peaceful.
The rest of the trip is filled with trees and mountaintops, including our destination which is on the side of a hill overlooking a valley and another hill just beyond. It has become something of a ritual of mine to take a picture or two of that very scene. This particular weekend the amount of haze was very low and the picture turned out quite well.
I took a lot of individual photos of family and friends in attendance. But I also followed some of the kids out to the horse barn where they were treated to a lesson in grooming and taking care of these beautiful animals. I managed to get a pretty good shot of the kids busy at work.
This annual trek is more to me than an obligation to my wife’s family. It’s a journey of peace, renewal and friendship with people that I really associate with on a personal level that you can only get when you feel like you are part of the family.
If you have the opportunity, connect with your family. They miss you.