Panther Creek Falls

"and the sun, it does not cause us to grow
it is the rain that will strengthen your soul
and it will make you whole"
 - The Oh Hellos "I Have Made Mistakes"

I have been listening to their album, Through the Deep, Dark Valley, almost nonstop these past few days thanks to my sister's recommendation.  Good stuff.  Especially while driving to North Georgia on a misty Thursday morning.  I decided to make a short getaway to the Cohutta Wilderness in Georgia's Chattahoochee National Forest.

I needed to breathe that sweet mountain air.

I'm starting a new job this coming week, and though I'm very much excited about it and looking forward to having a steady schedule with free weekends... I wanted some time with the trees before diving in.

I had not been camping since the Trail.  The last time I was in a tent was in Baxter State Park, Maine, the night before climbing Mount Katahdin.  It had been too long, and my heart was racing as I prepared my gear.

Everything brought back fond memories of our time on the Appalachian Trail.

My packing routine.
The smell of my pack and rain jacket.
Lacing my boots.
The grip of my trekking poles.
The smoke of a campfire mixed with wet soil and leaves.
The pitter patter of rain against my tent.
Reading my Kindle while wearing four layers of warmth.
Bear bagging my food.
Wading across frigid water.
Purifying my water in a cold stream.
Even the pain in my legs and feet reminded me of the pain we felt on the Trail.

I hiked to a spot my father and brother and I frequently visit when camping in the Cohutta.  Panther Creek Falls.  It can be a strenuous hike but has a rewarding view once you arrive.  I camped right at the top of the falls (only about a tenth of a mile from where Anna and I camped during our only practice overnight before the thru-hike).  It rained on me almost the entire time with the exception of the last couple hours as I hiked back to my car.  Very appropriate, I believe.

The rain reminds me of what I have.  Even on a short excursion like this, I was looking forward to a hot meal and shower when I returned home.

I want more constant reminders of how good I really have it.  I think going into the woods helps put things in a bit of perspective.  That's something I could really take away from thru-hiking the AT.  When you have less, you appreciate more.

If it is always sunny, how will we grow?

Ktaadn

Anna climbs the "Greatest Mountain," finishing the last few miles of the Appalachian Trail.

AT Montage

 

Hiking Baristas

My fellow Starbucks partners and I hiked Kennesaw Mountain today.
It was a blustery and cold morning with dark clouds on the horizon.
As we were leaving the car, snow flakes began to flutter across our path.
We quickly warmed up as our bodies pushed uphill and onto the mountain.
The higher we climbed, the stronger the wind blew.

After an arduous ascent, we reached the summit of the mountain and looked out over the surrounding land.
The sun peeked through the dark grey clouds and illuminated patches of grass and trees far below.
It really was a beautiful sight, and I was glad to be spending my Shabbat morning on a mountain top.

It may have been physically strenuous to reach the top, but I find such great rest in that.

photo by Mitch (Sprinting Moose) Pinion

I may not be with my Starbucks family too much longer, but I hope they continue to make time for these types of outings with each other.

And speaking of my Starbucks family, this is a little project I've been working on over the past several weeks.  Again, thanks to my lovely Anna for presenting me with the awesome camera that took these shots and allowed me to put this video together.  And thanks to my fellow partners for allowing me to get in their face and photograph them.

Hope you guys enjoy.

RedTop & Meteors

Red Top Mountain State Park is a gem of a park.  I am so thankful to live only a short drive away!

It was another gorgeous day for a hike in the woods.  If you've never been before - GO!

Also, the first meteor shower of the year is early tomorrow morning.  Possibly 60-200 streaks across the sky PER HOUR?!!

New Camera

We are almost to a brand new year, and that means we are only a few short months away from the thru-hike.  It is a very exciting time, indeed.

Anna completely surprised me with a new video camera!  I could not believe it.  I think it's going to be a great asset to our video blogs and updates along the trail.

Check out our first test where Anna also tries to drown me...