“Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean.” -John Muir
At the university I currently attend for my PhD. in
Communication, leadership removed all holiday and/or spring breaks to reduce
travel with the student population. Research suggests that students perform
better with exercise and recreational activities with semester breaks, in
addition to receiving much-needed rest and quality time with family members.
Due to these unfortunate situations, my wife, Lisa, and I recently traveled to
take a long weekend in Ellijay, Georgia so I could have a short break from
reality and responsibility. Ellijay is located in North Georgia along the Blue
Ridge Parkway and near the southern route starting point of the Appalachian
Trail.
Of course, Annabelle accompanied us, which really made
the trip all the more enjoyable with some of her first moments in nature. Over
the next few months, we will continue to involve Annabelle in outdoor pursuits.
Some might say parents inspire children by what they say. Perhaps, better said
and even more impactful, parents inspire children by what they do. If travel
and outdoor recreation remain a natural priority for Mom and Dad, then perhaps
that love for these activities will also become a priority for their kids.
Ellijay encompasses a small mountain community with a
centralized town square that the Cartecay River flows through and vineyard
country surrounds (Cartecay Vineyards, Ott Farms and Vineyard, Ellijay River
Vineyards, etc.). Backpacker culture and nature lovers inhabit the town with a
common enthusiasm for the great outdoors. The main street and township square comprises
of unique clothing boutiques, locally-owned restaurants, outfitters, and other
small shopping establishments.
As a family together, in rainy weather, we hiked with
Annabelle against my chest in a knapsack carrier. We ate on two occasions in a
tavern bar in downtown Ellijay (River Street Tavern), both visits Annabelle
happened to sleep through. We also visited a microbrewery where a live band
asked me to rap with a pure beat of the drum (Cartecay River Brewing Company). I
politely declined. We drank wine fireside with an acoustic set at a vineyard,
making new friends with a couple from Savannah, Georgia. My family experienced
a few adventures in this beautiful town with our daughter involved the entire
time.
The mountains of Appalachia continue to teach and
remind me of some valuable life lessons. First, one cannot always be in a rush.
Today’s society pushes for a go-every-second mentality. You will miss the very
moment in front of you if not careful to stop and catch your breath. On a
beautiful hike, soak in the scenery around you. Absorb the stillness of nature.
Stand in awe of your surroundings.
Second, let go of the dead weight. You will often hear
serious backpackers mention their ultralight gear or their total weight carried
on the trail. In fact, many adventurists get rid of things they realize are not
needed on a long thru-hike. Sometimes you have to let go of the bad things in life.
Rid yourself of the pressing unimportant things that we give too much attention
to. It might be a negative relationship. It might be something materialistic.
That dead weight might be the constant self-nagging in which you beat yourself
up for no reason. Drop the dead weight! Continue on your journey and keep
moving forward!
Third, embrace the journey and forget about the
destination. Most admire attained goals, reaching for finish lines, and seeking
long-sought-after accomplishments. However, the present minute you live in
realistically defines who you are at the end of the journey. Our destinations
often change. The hard moments define our grit to persevere when challenges
come our way. Then, like endurance athletes, we eventually reach that
destination, and then we become ready for the next adventure. Make the moments
count because all the little moments along the way ultimately define the
journey itself and whether all the sacrifices made were worthwhile.
Yes, the mountains speak to us! We just have to listen
to remind ourselves of the simple truths we may already know down deep within.
Even though the semester has been greatly altered compared to a traditional
college calendar year, I received a break, and I am grateful. Most importantly,
I created memories in the common passions I hope, over time, Annabelle also develops
a love for. When the mountains call her, I, indeed, hope she will go!
Here are some of the latest Annabelle pictures
including our recent getaway when the mountains called me home.
#daddydestinations #daddy #dad #blog #family
#DaddiesAndDaughters #destinations #memories #story #narrative #inspiration
#JamesCartee
