Sunday, December 11, 2011

A Journey to Trust

Old Barn, Road to Trust, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok
(Click on image for larger view)
Bear Country, Road to Trust, near Walnut, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok
Autumn Color, Road to Trust, Appalachian Medley By-Way, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

French Broad River, Road to Trust, Hot Springs, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Rushing Waters, French Broad River, Road to Trust, Hot Springs, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Hillsides Ablaze with Fall Foliage, Road to Trust, near Walnut, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Old Red Caboose, Road to Trust, Hot Springs, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Road Cut and Pine Trees, Road to Trust, near Spring Creek, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Sugar Maple Leaf, Road to Trust, near Spring Creek, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Farm House and Barns, Road to Trust, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope, Trust, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok

Stain Glass Window, Saint Jude's Chapel of Hope, Trust, North Carolina  © Doug Hickok


Back in the autumn of early November, we took a road trip to a little community called Trust in the western mountains of North Carolina.

These pictures show a bit of what we saw along the way.

When we finally reached Trust, we found a little chapel at the crossroads.
The story of this chapel is remarkable.

It was built by a cancer survivor who dedicated it to St. Jude.
(Saint Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes.)
The cancer patient went through intensive treatment, but her prospects seemed so grim and the side effects so ravaging that she stopped therapy. Instead, she put her trust in a higher power and turned to prayer. Remarkably her cancer vanished. 
On a plaque outside the chapel is a quote... 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help".

The chapel is peaceful and full of heart and hope.

We trust you enjoyed the ride along with us. Come with us next time as we venture along the Appalachian Trail and find snow.


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39 comments:

  1. MelissaDecember 11, 2011 at 12:47 AM

    Wow, what beautiful colors you've captured. It's a touching story as well. I think looking on those hills could cure a lot of ills!

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  2. ChristopherDecember 11, 2011 at 2:16 AM

    Breathtaking colors Doug--what a great trip this must have been. Thanks for sharing a bit of it.

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  3. fabrizioDecember 11, 2011 at 2:51 AM

    what a fantastic place and what a splendid travel through your photos, Doug, these autumn colors are simply sublime

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  4. Lisa RenéeDecember 11, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    Gorgeous photos! I am originally from West Virginia and these remind me of home in October. Love the way you always capture color!!

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  5. AnonymousDecember 11, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    Wow, wonderful journey. All of them are really beautiful.
    Great job. :)

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  6. Frank de JolDecember 11, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    Wonderful journey full of autumn colors and the sun.
    And finally very interesting reportage from the trip.

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  7. cieldequimperDecember 11, 2011 at 6:10 AM

    I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not in a Sunday dream!

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  8. Joop ZandDecember 11, 2011 at 6:16 AM

    WOW man....thats so BEAUTIFUL,
    superb pictures with lovely colors.

    Greetings, Joop

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  9. mariDecember 11, 2011 at 6:46 AM

    Красивые фотографии, Люблю осенние краски.

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  10. brattcatDecember 11, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    if only all journeys to trust could be so beautiful.

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  11. KathyDecember 11, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    A beautiful road, well worth taking.

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  12. CezarDecember 11, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    Wow, what breathtaking scenery and nature!
    All of them are beautiful images, a joy to see!
    God bless you!
    Cezar

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  13. yzDecember 11, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    fantastic autumn mood and colors, that must've been a great journey

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  14. donDecember 11, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    A gorgeous series of autumn-themed shots. The detail and rich color are exceptionally good. Fine work indeed!

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  15. George McKayDecember 11, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    The striking clarity and vibrancy of your shots is awe-inspiring.

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  16. Xurde RadíoDecember 11, 2011 at 11:24 AM

    Superb photos,really nice landscapes with splendid colors, autumn in all its glory.
    Greetings from Asturias, Spain.

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  17. photoioanninaDecember 11, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    Amazing images of the autumn!

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  18. franzDecember 11, 2011 at 11:51 AM

    thank you, thank you, thank you for posting these photos of what must have been an unforgettable trip through marvellous contry! impossible to say which is "better" than the other ...
    i like the name of the settlement, and i like the story of the chapel ... it seems that faith does move mountains !!
    can't wait go come with you on the A.T., with or without snow !!

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  19. Marie LCDecember 11, 2011 at 12:13 PM

    A very attractive series in the colors of the Indian summer. Even the train adorned itself with a warm color.
    I have a lot of delay in my visits these days this but I am a little overwhelmed by period before Christmas, what does not mean that I forget my appreciated contacts

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  20. RonDecember 11, 2011 at 1:18 PM

    Great colors!!! I really love the top shot and the shot of the chapel. The shadows and detail in both shots is really amazing.

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  21. Roxana | ANGHELDecember 11, 2011 at 1:55 PM

    I loved the ride and the story, I look forward reading your next adventure and seeing your wonderful photographs. Greatings!

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  22. Jesús M.December 11, 2011 at 2:28 PM

    Espectacular serie la que nos muestras hoy. Me gustan sobre todo los colores tan rabiosos de los paisajes. Saludos.-

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  23. John "By Stargoose And Hanglands"December 11, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    Thanks for the ride. Beautiful pictures and an inspiring story.

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  24. GigaDecember 11, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    Przyjemnie się jechało tą trasą i oglądało piękne jesienne krajobrazy. Przy kapliczce też stanęłam i przeczytałam o jej pochodzeniu. Pozdrawiam

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  25. georgeDecember 11, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    Wow, a real kaleidoscope of colour, we just don't get anything like it. A lovely series and a nice ending to tale...

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  26. john4jackDecember 11, 2011 at 4:54 PM

    gorgeous. so many stunners. do you still have all of that color??

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  27. MarcieDecember 11, 2011 at 5:06 PM

    What gorgeous autumn colors. WOW!

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  28. London CallerDecember 11, 2011 at 6:00 PM

    Autumn in NC is so gorgeous!
    Trust looks like a great place to explore.
    Can you please tell us the demonym for the people of Trust?
    Is it Trustor or Trustee?
    We trust you to tell us honestly.

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  29. AnonymousDecember 11, 2011 at 6:26 PM

    Oh my I'd love to be traveling that road...

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  30. Scott LawDecember 11, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    A wonderful visit and trip. Love the beautiful autumn colors and the little chapel. Thanks for including the story on the chapel.

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  31. Lisa December 11, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    One of the best places I have stopped today. Breath Taking. So Very Beautiful

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  32. Kovács MiklósDecember 12, 2011 at 4:36 AM

    Ohh God! What great colourful and unvelievable series about the nature. Thanks for sharing!
    Greetings.

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  33. OlaDecember 12, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    wow, again a lot of colors in your post!

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  34. DomLOrthaDecember 13, 2011 at 1:24 PM

    This seems to be a beautiful place to admire the fall! Great serie!
    Have a nice day.

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  35. Martina EgliDecember 14, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    What a wonderful series! The landscape looks so peaceful and serene. The blue sky and warm light enhace the autumn colours beautifully. I especially like the image with the French Board River, the reflections in the water and the yellow and red leaves are absolutely stunning.

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  36. FriedaDecember 15, 2011 at 3:11 PM

    These pictures are stunning. And what an impressive story. You had a great road trip for sure :)

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  37. rianDecember 27, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    must've been quite a road trip.. the images you took from it are just lovely & full of color! i'd be wary walking around knowing that it's bear country though.. :D

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  38. Olivier RaultDecember 25, 2012 at 5:45 AM

    Une bien merveilleuse journée, des paysages et des lumières extraordinaires, c'est sublime !
    Joyeux Noël à vous ;)

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  39. Anna SpainJune 23, 2020 at 9:23 AM

    I’m so happy you found this post helpful, Ben! I hope you and your family have the best trip! LA is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited – so much to see and do! ��

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