autumn

A MONTH IN MOMENTS // SEPTEMBER

5:57:00 PM


September has left and Autumn has arrived. 

Breathing in these crisp mornings with the biting air and that soft scent of leaves and the brisk wind of October, I exhale the business and the fun that was September. 

I traveled, I reflected, I set intentions, and I woke before the sun. September was successful. 

And so now we face October. I've set new goals and carried over my intentions I had not yet checked off from September. I hope that the natural beauty and breathtaking views of September will transfer over as well. 

So cheers to a new month and my challenge to live presently in this beautiful season. 







310 rosemont

AROUND YOUR TOWN // ROANOKE, VA

9:05:00 AM


Sometimes a quick trip to a new town is all you need to clear your head and gain a bit of inspiration. This past Saturday, Roanoke, Virginia offered me and my two buds just that. 


We filled the day with fresh flowers, walks along the farmer's market, soy cappuccinos, endless boutique shopping, and many "this was such a good idea. what a lovely day" comments.


We had a LOT of fun in La De Da boutique and spent quite a bit of time trying on shoes in 310 Rosemont. Mill Mountains Coffee gave us the energy we needed to keep shopping and the sweet farmer's market gave us the delicious pastry samples we wanted so we wouldn't have to pay for breakfast. College...right?


Chocolate Paper was one of the highlights, because who doesn't love a store where you can buy homemade fudge as well as the most adorable greeting cards all under one roof. 



Before heading home, we grabbed a beautiful bouquet of flowers that was the last hint of summer and a $5 succulent to fill my last empty bowl in my room. And, of course, a group of 3 girls couldn't help but swing in to Ulta on the drive back home through our glorious Appalachian Mountains. 


So until next time Roanoke. You were just what I needed. Simple and sweet. 


adventure

BACK TO THE MOUNTAINS

12:04:00 PM



Oh it feels so good to be back. Back to the mountains, back to the AT, back to the sunrise and sunset hikes, and back to that unforgettably clear head that comes after continuous breaths of fresh air.

It's been two weeks since I've moved back to Virginia and I have already done three different hikes. If you know me, you know how happy that makes me.

Sunrise at McAfee's Knob, sunset at Bald Knob, and Sunday at the Cascades. I am so content.


McAfee's knob is always a breathtaking view, especially if you wake up early enough to catch the sunrise. We took the fire route this time since we were ascending at 4:00am. The fire route is wide enough to walk alongside your fellow hikers and rugged enough that you feel like you aren't completely cheating the system. I recommend hiking that extra 100 yards at the end of the trail, past the primary overlook, as there are a few hanging rocks that are more secluded and offer just as good of a view. Compared to last year's sunrise hike at McAfee's, this year's far surpassed it. I couldn't take my eyes away from the fog and clouds that rolled over and consumed the mountains and filled the valleys and I've never seen a sun quite so gold in my life. 





Bald Knob has simply turned in to one of my favorite hikes. Only a half mile (although it is a half mile of straight vertical), it offers one of the best sunset views in southwest Virginia. I love seeing the distant infrastructures scattered at the base of the extraordinary mountains. 


And, finally, the Cascades. Waterfalls are just mesmerizing, and so this quick trip never disappoints. This past trip was my 11th trip to the Cascades and also filled in the box for an Autumn trip.  So even after I've walked it 11 times and through every season, I can still say it is beautiful and it is wild. What's not to love about walking on a fallen log to get to the perfect rock to sit on to watch a glorious waterfall? It's perfect and it's so southwest Virginia. 



It's good to be back. 



adventure

A MONTH IN MOMENTS // APRIL

5:23:00 PM




How incredibly fulfilling it is to say that most of April was spent outside.  In the woods, in the water, on the trails, on a park bench.  There is nothing that makes me happier than to be out under the sun or under the moon.

April was joyful.  Not a day passed that I did not recognize the beauty around me, that I didn't laugh, or that I didn't simply smile out of pure contentedness.

I don't even mind that April managed to come to an end so quickly, because every day was filled with bliss and beauty.  I am so grateful for all that April has brought me and I am so stoked to head into another beautiful spring month. So, let's go May.








asheville

A MONTH IN MOMENTS // NOVEMBER

1:00:00 AM

I truly can't believe that I am decorating my tiny space for Christmas, that Thanksgiving break has already come to a close, and that it is officially crunch time before finals.  Where has November gone? 

While I may be focused on the time ahead, one thing of the past is for certain. This has been the most naturally beautiful autumn I have ever witnessed.  From the sunlight to the leaves crumpled by passing feet, everything was breathtaking.  What a beautiful month November was.













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. 






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.