“Technology can’t quite capture it.”
As they moved on, past Table Rock, the sound of rushing water grew louder. Then the trail opened to the bottom of the gorge. A narrow boardwalk protruded from a granite cliff, ascending from the floor of the ravine. The granite walls shimmered with dampness, and moss clung to their faces like green whiskers. The narrow creek tumbled downhill over boulders, and mist hung in the air all around them, making the boardwalk slick. The roar of the waterfall made conversation almost impossible.
They followed the boardwalk upward, admiring the views. Then finally they reached the upper end of the gorge where Avalanche Falls cascaded some forty-five feet into the ravine below. She snapped shots of the beautiful sight, including one of Jonah leaning on the rails, taking in the panorama.
Once she finished taking pictures, they continued until they reached the top of the gorge. Her thighs were burning, and her lungs struggled for breath, but it had been worth the journey.
She paused at the top and perched her hands on her hips, glad she’d worn her hair in a ponytail. Jonah didn’t seem out of breath, but he stopped and took in the scenery.
“That was really cool,” she called over the roar. “Now when I recommend a visit to Flume Gorge, I’ll know whereof I speak.”
“We’re lucky we practically have it to ourselves today. On summer weekends it’s almost as crowded as an amusement park.”
They’d only passed a few families along the way, and now not a soul was in sight. She was glad he’d suggested this little outing. She might never find herself back in New Hampshire. She should soak it in while she was here.
They continued on the trail, passing through forests thick with trees and the smell of pine. “I’ll bet this is beautiful in the fall.”
“The White Mountains are popular that time of year. Did you know the Appalachian Trail runs across the state?”
“I learned that a few weeks ago. We had a couple guests who were planning to hike a section of it. Have you ever been on it?”
“I hiked the New Hampshire portion with some friends the summer after I graduated. My mom was hoping I’d change my mind and go to college.”
“I guess she had her way after all.”
“She means well.”
“Do you like to travel?”
“I love it. My friend Javi and I used to take at least a couple trips in the winter. But then I started taking classes and he got married. We went to Miami, New Orleans, San Diego, Seattle—”
“So you’re a city boy at heart.”
He gave a wry grin. “Not by a long shot. Love to visit but wouldn’t want to live there.”
Exactly how she was coming to feel about the backwoods of New Hampshire.
They passed a wooden shelter with a bench and continued on through the forest until they came to an overlook jutting out beside the path. They headed toward it and stopped at the split-rail fence.
Just beyond the railing the ground dropped away, and over the treetops below the distant mountain range hunkered on the horizon. Clouds hovered overhead, casting cotton ball–shaped shadows on the mountains.
“Beautiful.” She snapped a couple photos.
He stepped back and took one of her taking a photo. “Turn around.”
She did as he suggested and gave a cheesy smile.
He laughed. “Now a real one.”
She complied. Then he joined her at the railing and she pocketed her phone and let herself just be in the moment. It was something she’d been working on since she’d been here. She tended to hyperfocus on her job. When she wasn’t working, she was making plans. Something about the resort, the slower pace, and the nature surrounding her had madeher realize she should stop and soak in the moment every now and then. Live. Breathe.
She feasted on the view. Inhaled the scent of pine. Gloried in the cool breeze sweeping across the valley. It was all so beautiful. Everything in view was God-made, not man-made. Completely opposite of the balcony view she’d had in Boston. A few months ago she might’ve knocked this rural vista, but she was coming to appreciate nature, coming to have a different perspective.
Oh, she was still a city girl. She loved Boston. But even a city girl could take a trip to the mountains and enjoy the change of pace.
Jonah leaned his forearms on the fence rail. “I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you just being still.”
“I’m not very good at it.”
