“When a man is willing and eager, the gods join in. ~ Aeschylus

In the South, our modern roads follow the ancient paths of Native Americans, who followed the animal trails.

Reading books about eighteenth century travelers such as William Bartram can spark our imagination, and lead us on fantastic journeys in our present day lives.

Several years ago, I drove to Brevard, North Carolina from central South Carolina with a fellow photographer and we intuitively followed the old trails over the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.  Even getting lost was an adventure, and the sight of the autumn leaves covering the hills and valleys like a multi-colored quilt was enchanting.  Every twist and turn of the road brought new wonders to behold, from golden yellows and oranges, to fiery reds.

A couple of years before this journey, I happened upon a bent shaped tree in the upstate of South Carolina just outside Greenville.  I remembered reading that these uniquely shaped trees are part of the Native American trails.  Like my dreams, these trees seemed like signs to me.

Dream paths lead us forward to our soul’s purpose.

The skies were overcast most of the day, which made for easy driving. And ever so often, the sun would shine through and a light in the clouds signalled the way forward, illuminating our path.

With my mandolin and my camera packed in the back seat of my car, this day’s journey was a very happy one.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Featured photograph “Light in the Clouds” by Teri Leigh Teed

Please enjoy this video version of “Pathways of the Light”.