Our Christmas Cabin Last Christmas was our second one together—we've been married almost two years now. We got to Celebrate Christ's birth by combining lots of traditions and making some new ones. We celebrated with family before and after the big day. But on the 25th...
Component hiking-getting used to the backpack
Hiking the Volunteer Trail in Mt. Juliet The spot we chose for this bit of fun practice was Long Hunter State Park. We made our plan, packed the backpack and drove to 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076-4027. It is an easy trail that is about 11 miles long if you go...
Longing for the Spring
Justin, Andrea, Loral and I at the Trail Head in Spring of 2015 It’s hot in Tennessee right now and I am enjoying it but really missing the Spring…I’m a bit nostalgic actually about a particular spring when we got to take a trip in 2015 with my daughter Andrea and her...
3 Kinds of Debriefing after a Hike
Sunset on Period Key—we try to work in a sunset every day on the trail. 1. Literally de-brief—we remove all clothing at the door and put them directly into the washing machine. This is a good practice that we didn’t always do. One time after a hike I was babysitting...
Details of the Trail
Delight in the Details—cold clear water...SPLASH! When I mainly hiked with my guy friends, we would plan mileage and time frames that would really push us—sometimes punish us. We seem to have a better estimate of our physical ability than was real. Getting deep into...
Frozen Head State Park – Tennessee
We rolled in around 5 pm to Frozen Head State Park - Tennessee The Ranger's office was closed but Ranger Joe saw us studying the map, stopped his mower, jumped down and came to see if he could help. He let us in to use the bathroom and he answered our...
Fall Creek Falls Tennessee State Park—Part 2
In yesterday’s blog I got to share Fall Creek Falls Tennessee State Park—Part 1 and how we crossed the suspension bridge and climbed the 70 stairs. How we meet and talked with our new friends, Wes and Olivia. After a few well spent minutes we stepped back onto the...
Fall Creek Falls Tennessee State Park—Part 1
Fall Creek Falls Overlook Today my honey and I went to Fall Creek Falls State Park on our way back from Frozen Head State Park yesterday. We came in to the park from the north entrance and stopped at what looked like a main visitor center. We went directly to an...
5 Reasons Not to Hike—Just Table it for Later
The Blue Bird Barn in Seven Islands Birding Park What? Those that know me well will wonder if I bumped my head. What's was wrong with me…was I really having a moment when I questioned going on a hike??!! Well, yes, I did. T.A.B.L.E. it, I thought: I’m too Tired It’s...
Seven Islands State Birding Park
the rainbow that we saw as we entered the park I love this little park! It reminded me of my childhood when I would spend hours walking through the field on neighbor’s farms. The acres and acres of meadows were full of birds. The views of the French Broad River...