This is my second year participating in the Hike-a-thon. Hiking is my way to reset, to connect, and the feel powerful and more in-tune with myself. Living near the Smokies gives me opportunities to be in the wild and appreciate nature. With budget cuts and staff being released from their jobs, this year we have decided to bring bags with us on each hike to clean up any litter we find. So far there hasn’t been need because the locals understand how important it is to take care to Leave No Trace! As I embark on reaching the goal of the 900 mile club, I hope to hike 30 miles in April while raising money for land conservation here in Tennessee.
