AT Video Update #1

Been having some technology issues, but I will try to keep these coming.

The trail is absolutely breathtaking.

One Week Away

One week from now, Anna and I will be asleep in our tents having completed our first day on the AT.

It is a surreal feeling of anticipation and excitement and nervousness.  The feeling sometimes causes me to catch my breath.

Six months on a trail is a long time.  Think about what you have done in the last six months.  Probably lots of various things revolving around busy schedules and meetings with different people.  Maybe you've taken a trip or two.  Started a new job.  Met new friends.

Think back six months and remember what you were doing.  Now imagine that instead of doing that, you had just started to walk.  You walked and walked day after day after day up until this point right now.

What a different six months that would have been.

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.

Good Morning, Macon

We pitch our tents in the backyard.
It's not wilderness, but it is outside.
Under the stars.

The air is cold and crisp,
despite a warm January Spring day.
We slip and snuggle into our sleeping bags.
Escaping the chilling breeze.

My eyes are too heavy to gaze at the stars for long.
Before I know it there is a faint glow beyond the trees.
Morning is coming.
The symphony of sunrise is near.

Last Year's Snowpocalypse

It is a little hard to believe that Georgia's Snowpocalypse had already happened this time last year.  I feel like we had more snow than normal last winter, with the White Christmas, Snowpocalypse and the various ice storms scattered throughout.

I guess we will have to wait and see what is in store for us this winter.  So far no snow...

But I have a feeling that whatever happens in Georgia, Anna and I will still be encountering some snow of our own on the trail.

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?!!

Thanks, Eleven

It is the last day of the year two thousand eleven.
And what a beautiful day it is!
As is often the case in Georgia, it doesn't really feel like Winter.
But a beautiful day is a beautiful day.

Anna and I took another wonderful hike yesterday at Kennesaw Mountain.
It started off quite chilly and foggy, but after our half-way point picnic, the sun came out and it began to warm up a bit.

I am so incredibly thankful for this past year and all the many blessings that have abounded throughout.
I believe twenty twelve will be another fantastic year.
I know Anna and I are both very excited for what this next year has in store.