For the past couple months, we've been hashing out details for our son's high school graduation. We gave him the option to have a party, or go on a family trip.
"I wanna hike somewhere warm."
Well son, we can do that!
The four of us went on a whirlwind adventure, and we started our trip through the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It wasn't our first time there, however we hit new trails that made this a memorable experience. We stayed just outside of Gatlinburg, where the wi-fi was spotty and wild turkeys roamed.
The fellas picked a spot that was an hour up the mountain, called Andrews Bald. It has an elevation of 5,920 ft. above sea level.
Here's the deal. I had every intention to hike, and so did Lil' Miss.
But...
BUT!
It was cold, and gloomy, and windy. Did I mention cold? You feel me?
We bought ponchos like any knucklehead tourist does, and we headed up the mountain. Serpentine roads, and driving signs that warned us of the serpentine roads were every few feet.
We got to an overlook, and the kids hopped out. My son was shirtless because that's how he rolls. My daughter stood by him, snapping a photo, while her bright red poncho whipped in the wind.
That was the moment I knew we weren't turning back.
I patted the dashboard of my Jeep, and we kept climbing.
If you've been to the Great Smoky Mountains, you know what I'm talking about.
We reached the peak of the mountain, known as Clingman's Dome. It sits at 6,643 feet, and is considered the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Y'all, it really was an hour drive to get up there.
The fellas hopped out of the Jeep, and surveyed the area to find the original trail they planned on trekking. Lil' Miss and I hopped out, and jumped right back in.
This trip was planned around sunshine and good times. Not teeth chattering, wind slapping, bitter weather. The higher the elevation, the more extreme the weather became. That mountain top was howling, and us girls weren't having it.
So, we anchored in, and cozied up, while the fellas took off. Yes, my son was still shirtless. Ugh.
I watched passersby, while I snacked on little bits in the Jeep. The more I observed, the more I got antsy. I climb in and out, testing the elements.
Too cold.
I leaned my seat back, where Lil' Miss was snuggled in a blanket. I tried to convince her that we had to get out there. Which we all know, I was just trying to convince myself.
I yanked the handle on my seat, it launched me forward, and I said, "I'm going hiking. Wanna come?"
It was a definite no from her. So I strapped on my fanny pack, and told her I'll be back in a bit. The fellas were already 45 minutes ahead of me. So, I set the intention that I would see them as they were coming back.
That didn't happen. But this did...
I explored Andrews Bald trail by myself, and it was fantastic!
I did about a third of it, and then turned back. These trails were a moderate level, with moments of intensity. I saw a young couple as I climbed back up. We said our hellos, and she quipped, "See any bears?"
Well shoot, I hadn't thought about that as I combed through the mountains.
BY MYSELF.
"No, I haven't. Have fun!" I chirped back.
I made it to the main parking area, and decided to head up to Clingman's Dome. I knew that my husband and son had already went up because they texted me afterward. My husband said it was the best view he had ever seen. And that says a lot because he's been an outdoorsman all his life.
I check in with Lil' Miss; she's still not coming. The sun had graced us with a touch of warmth, so I told her I'll be back.
I had no idea the road/trail to Clingman's Dome was so intense. It felt like you were hiking on a 45 degree angle the entire time. No joke. But when I saw children, a pregnant woman, and a few elderly folks walking up, I had to try.
And I'm so glad I did!
My head was in the clouds!
I rested my hand on my heart, as I whispered prayers of gratitude for that moment.
It was more than the view for me.
It was years of struggling with my health. It was insomnia, fears, and anxiety that shocked me to my core.
It was answered prayers, and guidance that only He can give.
It was the come-back that I've been working on EVERY DANG DAY.
I wasn't letting the weather stop me. Nor my mindset.
I came to climb that mountain, and I did it! I showed up for me.
Friends, I wasn't the only one. You should have seen how many people trekked that mountain. My heart was exploding with joy for each and every person that chose to keep going. That trail was tough. Kick you in the gut, and leave you along the wayside; TOUGH.
I asked a stranger to take my picture to prove to the boys that I did it (it was really for me). As I came down the observation tower, a teen youth group was climbing up. Someone had praise music floating from their cell phone.
As I exited the area, a young man with a guitar case started going up.
"Hey! Are you gonna play that?" I asked with a smile.
"I'm gonna try," he huffed.
I'm glad I made the journey, in more ways than one.
The Great Smoky Mountains was Americana at it's finest. Diversity, strength, beauty. And each person's willingness to keep going.
I couldn't think of a better way to spend time as a family, and to get ready for the 4th of July.
God Bless America. Get outside. And I hope you visit a National Park this summer!
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