In a few days I’m heading south to Gatlinburg, Tennessee – the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. I’ll be right next to the Appalachian Trail.
I’ll be living in a mountain town again and I’m so incredibly happy.
I had high hopes of a Pemi Traverse and a Double Presidential this year. I broke the news to Greg that I won’t be joining him. [If you are reading this you better do it.]
I have not given up on My Grid. I know I’ll be back and I will finish the grid. Similar to starting my first 4,000 footer list in 1988, then leaving NH for 15 years, coming back and finishing it. And a second round.
I’m ready to start my new adventure down south. I’m so thankful for the new friends I made in the last five years in Concord. And, reuniting with old friends. We have mountain biked, hiked, ran, swam and walked all over New Hampshire. I am so thankful for them.
It’s been a stressful few days getting everything moved and making travel plans. A few snafus like car breaking down, ER for dog and planning delays have set me back. But I’m back on track, and “God willing and the Creek don’t rise” I will arrive in Gatlinburg with my two dogs, and eventually all my things.
It’s so fun to start a job in a new place where I know no one. It’s exciting to start over and see what happens. All the logistics stress me out but it will be okay. I have so many new trails to discover. I have so many new friends to make. I have so many new mountains to climb.
Thanks for reading.