There is something about the Great Smoky Mountains that makes each season feel like its own secret chapter. You can […]
Hidden Gems of the Smokies: Lesser Known Trails That Beat the Crowds
There is a moment every Smokies lover knows well. You pull into a trailhead on a beautiful day, expecting a […]
The Return of the Pen
For a long time the words lay dormant inside Lila, curled deep in the quiet of her mind like seeds […]
The Return to Herself
The pain arrived like an unexpected storm, a sharp and merciless strike across Lila’s lower back that stole her breath […]
A Sunday Under the Covers With Pongo
Today has been one of those soft, quiet days where the world slows down just enough to remind you what […]
The Art of Slow Travel: Staying Long Enough to Belong
This post explores the beauty of slowing down and truly settling into a place while traveling. It reflects on how staying longer allows you to notice subtle details, connect with locals, and understand the deeper rhythms of a landscape and culture. Rather than rushing through destinations, slow travel invites a sense of belonging and a more meaningful relationship with the world.
Microdosing the Wilderness: How Small Adventures Keep the Soul Alive
A reflection on how small, everyday encounters with nature can nourish the spirit. This piece explores the power of short trails, familiar paths, and quiet moments outdoors to restore presence, ease the mind, and keep the wilderness alive in daily life.
Twin Arches Loop: A Big Reward Day Hike in Big South Fork
A short but stunning loop in Big South Fork featuring two of the largest natural sandstone arches in the eastern United States. This moderate 4.5 mile trail winds through cool forest, rugged rock passages, and sweeping overlooks, offering huge payoff without an all day commitment. A perfect day hike for anyone looking to experience the best geology and scenery the Cumberland Plateau has to offer.
Hiking as Pilgrimage: How the Trail Becomes a Teacher
A reflection on how hiking becomes a form of pilgrimage and personal transformation. This piece explores how walking the same trails over time mirrors emotional and spiritual growth, offering lessons in healing, renewal, and self discovery through the wisdom of the landscape.
Calendar Tetris: The Modern Gladiator Games
A satirical look at the chaos of modern office life where every meeting fights for space on your calendar. Calendar Tetris explores the absurdity of constant scheduling, endless syncs, and the illusion of productivity that leads straight to burnout. A humorous take on how work culture has turned time management into a full-contact sport.
Overnight at LeConte Lodge: Sunset, Sunrise, and the Soul of the Smokies
An overnight at LeConte Lodge is more than a hike, it’s a pilgrimage above the clouds. I climbed up Trillium Gap, watched sunset from Cliff Tops, greeted sunrise at Myrtle Point, and descended through the mist of Rainbow Falls. Between dusk and dawn, the mountain reminded me how simple life feels when you’re miles from signal and closer to the sky.
When the Forest Speaks in Codes: Receiving Hermetic Messages on the Trail
This year during my hikes and walks, something extraordinary began to happen. subtle insights, symbols, and patterns started revealing themselves […]
Andy's walks in the world 