Let me begin by saying it is SO good to back in the mountains!  I truly missed everything about them.  I love waking up early and seeing the fog roll over their blue ridges, feeling the crisp winds come rolling down, and, of course, hiking to the gorgeous overlooks.  

One of the first things I wanted to do upon returning to school was hike to watch a sunrise.  We chose a hike that a few of us were familiar with from hiking it in the past, but no one had ever hiked it for the sunrise.  It was incredible.  We woke up at 2:30am, packed up our headlamps and snacks, and headed off to the mountain at 3:15.  After beginning our ascent at 4:00am, we arrived at the peak a little over an hour before sunrise which would begin at 6:50.  

We laid on the rocks, snuggling into each other to keep from the wind and ate starbursts while being slightly concerned over the "Bear Activity" sign near by.  At 6:50 the sun peeked out over a distant mountain, immediately being swallowed into the dense clouds.  My closest  friends and I sat on the ledge, our hiking boots hanging off, watching the pink sun rise and disappear.  Good morning.  We felt alive.  

After we raved and reflected about the beauty and how fun the experience was of hiking under a powerful super moon, we climbed into the car and dragged ourselves back to our beds for the best naps of 2015.  It was a beautiful Sunday.  I can't wait to get back out there.