living proof of God's grace & living free to share hope, encouragement & adventures
"...throw off everything that hinders..." (Hebrews 12:1) This was the lesson I learned after hiking Angels Landing in the rain. My experience hiking Angels Landing trail It was March 2020—early March, right before the world shut down. My friend Kara and I took a trip to Zion National Park with the goal of hiking Angels …
Continue reading Angels Landing Hike in the Rain—And What It Taught Me
Those of you who know me are no doubt thinking... wait, what? Didn't you and John get married in 2020? Yes. Yes we did. That's also when our Colorado honeymoon took place. July 2020. However, I realized recently that I never wrote a recap of our Colorado trip. Blame it on being a newlywed at …
Living less than an hour from the Smoky Mountains, we are not lacking for hikes. Unfortunately, Smoky Mountain National Park does not allow dogs on trails—and we have a dog who loves to hike. So, we're always on the hunt for new dog friendly trails near Knoxville, TN. A few weeks ago, my husband John …
Is it possible or even practical to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park in just two days? Yes. Absolutely it is. But let me amend that by saying I would only recommend attempting both parks in two days during off season months, like April, September, or October. Why? Far less traffic and people …
Continue reading Yellowstone and Grand Teton Itinerary: Two National Parks in Two Days
Why We Chose St. Lucia ICYMI, John and I visited St. Lucia back in July 2021. And, for those of you who didn't miss all my social media posts during our trip—yes, I'm three months behind on blogging about it. This is where that "better late than never" cliché comes in handy. Okay, but get …
Continue reading St. Lucia Travel: All-Inclusive Resort + Gros Piton Hike + Castries Tour
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 Grotto Falls Tennessee Hike to Brushy Mountain
Hiking to Ramsey Cascades helped me realize that I love 8 mile hikes. They're sort of my sweet spot in terms of distance. Don’t get me wrong. I love me a shorter hike. But y'all, I also love a challenge and feel like I’m stretching myself around that 8-mile mark. When I learned that the …
Continue reading Ramsey Cascades Trail: Smoky Mountain Waterfall Hike
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 recommended the …
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? Between recommendations …
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 eager to explore the …
adventure and the girl 