adventure

APPALACHIA // SUNRISE ON MCAFEE'S KNOB

1:00:00 AM

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. 






appalachia

thankful

10:53:00 AM

another lovely thanksgiving has come and passed. and although it was short, it was sweet. 
as i move back in to my tiny dorm room, i reminisce on the floating aroma of sweet potatoes, the crinkling leaves underneath my hiking boots, the tales told by the snapping fire, and the laughter shared among adults and children alike. 
being in the mountains of asheville, the trees, hills, and their massiveness makes it easy to step back and realize everything and everyone i have in my own little world. i have so much to be thankful for and there will never be enough time to tell. however, realizing how thankful and blessed you are, i think, is a big step towards gratefulness and happiness. 
i will say this: walking through the silent forest, hiking to grand waterfalls, looking down a winding creek, and breathing in fresh mountain air made for a blissful thanksgiving. and for that, i am forever grateful. 












adventure

APPALACHIA // DRAGON'S TOOTH

7:23:00 AM

this past weekend, the Adventure Crew (established by myself and my three friends in September 2014) set out on yet another incredible journey. we decided that we would do our toughest hike yet: Dragon's Tooth in Salem, VA. and not only were we successful in summiting, but the entire journey was absolutely fantastic. 

 after stumbling out of bed early saturday morning, we grabbed some sandwiches, coffee, and water and headed to the car. the 45 minute drive was absolutely breathtaking, and like usual, the scene was made complete by good music and good conversation.

 upon arriving at the trailhead, we parked the car, laced up our boots, checked the map, and we were off. this is undoubtedly the most perfect time of year to hike. the crisp morning air, the changing trees, and the leaf-strewn trails made the ascent so blissful and peaceful. 

 as we neared our peak destination, the hike turned from walking into climbing. we scaled walls, used all our strength to hoist ourselves over rocks and cliff faces, and laughed as we watched each other throw ourselves over boulders.

 while the trail hinted at the view that was to be expected at the summit, the scene from the actual peak was unreal. we managed to gather our courage and climb a massive rock, stabbing into the sky with a small flat top for us to sit on. we climbed up, sat down, and looked out. our breath was taken away. sloping hills and valleys of orange, red, yellow, and maroon trees were framed by the massive mountains spreading as far as the eye could see.

 all there was, was silence. nobody could even begin to describe our amazement. when we were able to speak, we talked about everything in that moment. the ascent, our happiness, and the incomprehensibility of what we now call our home.

 we took our time at the summit and then decided we would begin our descent due to a very sudden yearning for Waffle House. peanut butter waffles, watered-down coffee, and cheese and grits made the perfect post-hike feast. and of course-being the college students that we are-we crawled back into our beds to nap with a happy belly and a cleansed mind and soul. it was truly an incredibly lovely day.