I’m going through a season of rebirth. It has been challenging, exciting, and a bit exhausting at times, but I know this journey is only meant to make me a stronger being. The person that I thought I was for the past 26 years is completely different than who I am today. There’s a constant ebb and pull on my spirit to stay the same, and on the other hand, change. The mind is a very stubborn thing, and most of the time I struggle with a "me vs. me" battle.

For this reason, many of my posts will feature nature or travel. I have found that being surrounded by nature in all its stillness provides a type of therapy for me. Instead of seeking help from traditional methods, I have turned to nature for solitude. So this post is dedicated to the beautiful mountain outcrop at Preacher’s Rock. Preacher’s Rock is located on the southern end of the Appalachian Trail in the Chattahoochee Forest. It’s a 2 mile hike roundtrip and is fairly easy to navigate. We arrived early in the morning, around 9am. There was still dew on the ground, and fog in the air. By the time we reached the summit we were surrounded by the clouds and could barely see. But it was perfect. Reaching the top of any summit, big or small always feels like an accomplishment and you feel ready to conquer anything. Fear, doubt.

I would recommend this hike for anyone looking to challenge themselves and has a moderate fitness level. There are some rocks and tree limbs that must be climbed, so use caution. Water and snacks are a must. I would also recommend going with someone, as this area is wooded and secluded. Safety first! Preacher’s Rock was a beautiful day - hike in the Appalachian Mountains and I will definitely visit again. Until next time..

*Photo credit in top photo Tremaine Jacobs

If your looking for a nice hike off the beaten path, Cloudland Canyon in Rising Fawn, GA is your place. Located just two hours west of Atlanta, it’s the perfect place to start or end a weekend adventure. When I made the trip there, I wasn’t exactly sure of what to expect, considering most of the places I had hiked were in urban areas. However, I was pleasantly surprised once I was immersed into the tranquil beauty of Cloudland Canyon. The crisp air and awe-inspiring mountains surrounded me like a warm, humid hug…or a cloud. I wonder if that’s how it was given its name. Ironic? There’s just something about being surrounded by nature that evokes peace within you. No emergency sirens, noisy neighbors, deadlines or honking horns. Just you, your thoughts and nature. I explored the area like a curious child. Being soothed by the sounds of cascading waterfalls and chirping birds. I climbed stairs, sat on boulders and leaped over streams as if I were playing on a jungle gym. My trip to Cloudland Canyon was a short one, consisting of a one mile hike and a picnic with my loved ones. But it provided me with all that I needed to make mountain hiking a regular part of my life. It's nice to be grounded by nature in the busy shuffle of our daily lives and gain perspective. If your interested in going, I highly recommended it. Until next time.