January 1, 2020. What an innocent day, looking back. I started off the year hiking House Mountain just outside of Knoxville, then shared my recap of 2019, that included hopes and goals for 2020. January 1, 2020: House Mountain solo hike On that day, Covid was simply something happening in China. I had no clue …
Continue reading 2020 Review: Expectations, Reality, & What I Learned
I didn’t see it coming. At the start of 2020, I was single. No dating prospects. Not actively seeking to date. Just single. This was yet another area of my life that I finally realized was better left to God—as opposed to me trying to make relationships happen. So, I waited on God for a …
In January 2019, I wrote a blog post titled, A Year of Abundantly More, as a reflection on 2018 – and I was awed by all that God had done in just one year. I hadn't dreamt big enough. So, I trusted Him for more in 2019. Bigger things. And still... Still. I didn't dream …
Croatia is one of those up-and-coming countries. Gaining popularity, but still not as touristed (yup, it’s a word) as Italy and other nearby European nations. At least, not yet. And that, my friends, is why I’m urging you to add Croatia to your travel bucket list ASAP if it’s not already penciled in. Better yet, …
Solo travel is a polarizing topic. You've either done it / want to do it / applaud folks who do. OR, you think they're crazy. And if you're in the latter group, I'm not mad. In fact, I think it does take some level of crazy to embark on a trip by yourself. Especially an …
Grotto Falls is pretty popular. First, it’s the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind. Bam. Instant appeal. Second, it’s a short hike. Only 1.4 miles from the Trillium Gap trailhead to the falls. Minimal effort for maximum beauty. Ironically, Grotto Falls’ popularity and the short trek to …
Continue reading When Hiking Trillium Gap to Grotto Falls, Don’t Skip Brushy Mountain!
Welp. I found my sweet spot. My hiking sweet spot, that is. And I don’t mean location. I’m talking distance. After nearly two months of life in Tennessee – hiking lotsa trails of various lengths – I’ve discovered that 8-mile hikes are juuuuuuust right, in that Goldie Locks-esque sort of way. Don’t get me wrong. …
Friends, I hiked eight miles to see a bunion in the Smokies. Though I don’t have bunions, they’re hereditary on my mom’s side – so I grew up quite familiar with ‘em. Outside of my family, though, it’s not often I hear much bunion talk. Maybe that’s why I was so intrigued when several Tennesseans …
Continue reading Hiking the Appalachian Trail to Charlie’s Bunion
I now live less than an hour from the nearest mountains. Just pinched myself. Not dreaming. It’s entirely possible for me to drive to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in under 60 minutes – and I've taken advantage of that several times in my first month as a Tennessee resident. Can ya blame me? …
Continue reading A Hidden Gem in East Tennessee: Obed Wild & Scenic River
Welp. I did it. After 5+ years of being a Florida girl, I traded the beach for the mountains. And honestly, I’m sitting here thinking, What took me so long?! Tennessee is a state for adventurers. A state where – after just a few short weeks – I already feel like I belong. Though I’m …
Continue reading A Tennessee Waterfall Adventure: Hiking Abrams Falls in Cades Cove
