Appalachian Trail Experience | Trip Report

Appalachian Trail Experience | Trip Report

Appalachian Trail Experience | Trip Report October 2018

We began our journey at Three Forks and ended at Woody Gap.

Three Forks | Mile 4.4 | Elevation 2,517 Feet

Woody Gap | Mile 20.6 | Elevation 3,145 Feet

Our day started at Woody Gap which has ample parking but gets full quickly. We loaded our gear. and piled into our shuttle. Our adventure began with a ride that had us all praying and our driver was not familiar with where he was dropping us off but we made it to Three Forks alive.

Be Aware

Be Aware

Be Aware

By Anna Wells

I’m a southern girl, born and raised in sweet home Alabama. I grew up taking family vacations to Gulf Shores, Myrtle Beach, Pigeon Forge, and New Orleans. My hiking experience growing up consisted of short trails at Little River Canyon State Park, Cheaha, and in the Smoky Mountains. With those experiences, I always thought I was a beach person. Now don’t get me wrong, I still love digging my toes in the sand, jumping waves, building sand castles, soaking up the sun, etc. at the beach. But in 2014 I worked out west and discovered what I like to call “real” mountains, and I absolutely fell in love with it; then in 2016 I returned out west for another contract job. During those summers, I lived to the fullest and was out every possible chance exploring places like Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and various national forests. I now consider myself a mountain person (although really you could probably just sum it up to say that I’m an outdoors person!) These adventures brought me new experiences, new passions, and many lessons learned. 

The Monthly Dirt | October 2018

The Monthly Dirt | October 2018

The Monthly Dirt | October 2018

October is right around the corner and we have some fun and exciting events coming. Grab a friend or come by yourself, either way you will have a great time and meet new friends.

Steal a little time for yourself! Making time for yourself makes you a happier person and benefits everyone in your life. It gives you a relaxed, refreshed feeling that enables you successfully tackle all the roles you play in your life. So commit time for yourself and join us for one of our fun events.

Iron Braid Tribe Spotlight

Keller Williams Realty River Cities | Donna Long

Donna is a professional Realtor who has the experience to protect your interest. She helped found Keller Williams in Columbus, Georgia and served as the Broker for its first few years of operation. She has earned several designations and received many awards for her production and expertise. You will be glad you retained Donna to protect your important investment.

Contact Donna for all your real estate needs

donna@columbushomeshow.com | 706.325.5000

 

 

The Dirt | Fall 2018 Edition

The Dirt | Fall 2018 Edition

The Dirt

Fall 2018 Edition

We are looking forward to welcoming cooler temperatures, saying goodbye to the bugs, and witnessing the forest shed its clothes. The trees will begin preparing for a long winter's nap by changing the color of its leaves before releasing them to fall to the ground. There are so many fun activities during this season. 

We hope you will join us this Fall but most of all we hope you will get outdoors and enjoy the crisp fall air. A change of season always feels like a new beginning. A time to try new things, explore new places and make new memories. 

Iron Braid Snapshot Summer 2018

Iron Braid Snapshot Summer 2018

Iron Braid Snapshot Summer 2018

We will be closing out our summer activities and getting ready for some Fall fun. We wanted to share some of our memories over the summer. We still have a few events for September coming up and we hope you will join us. I've had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing women and made some great friends. Thank you all for sharing time with us over the summer. 


Hike Fit Series

Hike Fit Series

Hike Fit Series

What is our Hike Fit Series? This idea began with two friends and the trail. Seven miles of ideas flowing and exercises tested, Hike Fit came to life. Thank you, Shannon Byrd! This is a prime example of what I love about the trail. When you quiet the noises of your everyday life, it leaves room for peace, ideas, and growth. Hike Fit is a fun way to get outdoors, meet new people, and push your body to the limit. What's great about Hike Fit is you go at your pace while surrounded by a group that is encouraging and motivating. We have designed it such that beginners to advanced can enjoy a great work out together. The Hike Fit Series is FREE, all you have to do is show up and join in on the fun.

Growing Up Wild By Meg Harbin

Growing Up Wild By Meg Harbin

Growing Up Wild 

By Meg Harbin

Hiking provides a splendid opportunity to learn more about our children. We are gifted a chance to witness them stretch their limits and delight in new-found confidences. The piece below is a reflection on a hike my son and I took together up to Len Foote Hike Inn near Amicalola Falls in northern Georgia last Independence Day, just after his thirteenth birthday. The experience itself was a beautiful metaphor of parenting a child through coming of age, and how we all do best to learn how to lean on each other through a process of interdependence. 

Dreams Vs Doubts

Dreams Vs Doubts

Dreams Vs Doubts

Are my dreams just too big?  I have to ignore the doubt that swirls around in my head. We can set up roadblocks which cause us to doubt our dreams no matter how big or small. I’m not smart enough, I don’t have enough money, the doors keep closing on me, I’m not strong enough, I’m not in shape, I don’t deserve it… the dream crashing begins. When we want something bad enough, we have to learn to ignore the negativity that creeps in. When that inner voice causes you to drift away from your dreams, you need to stand strong and keep moving forward. 

My Empty Nest

My Empty Nest

My Empty Nest

By: Sabrina Lamberth

My empty nest has definitely been the year of first.  My children had always been my life.  Every day was intertwined with their schedule and I loved it.  I wondered what in the world would I do with an empty nest.  I knew I needed to find a hobby and a passion to keep me busy. A friend knew I loved the outdoors and invited me to a ladies camp out. I had always wanted to learn to camp and absolutely loved the outdoors. On my first camp out I met some of the sweetest fun ladies.  We arrived at camp and our tents were set up, chairs were around a crackling fire and our hammocks were hung in the trees with care.  Sounds almost like the night before Christmas and for me it was. I had never done much for myself so this was a treat and I knew I was hooked.  I loved sitting outside laughing with the girls, eating amazing food and sleeping under the stars and Michele could not have made it any easier.  We tucked in for the night and we were awakened the next morning by the grill sizzling and the absolutely amazing smell of fresh coffee.  I promise it's the simple things.  We had breakfast and then I was off for a little quiet time. Some of the crazy girls went for a trail run,  I spent my time in devotion and prayer while relaxing in the hammock.  How could I not take a moment and thank Jesus for his marvelous beauty and gift of the earth?  After everyone regrouped we had a yummy lunch and went on a really beautiful hike. The hike was a little over 3 miles of trees, streams, and beauty, though all the laughing and talking made it seem much shorter.  Pine mountain has some of the prettiest hiking trails around Georgia. I hated for my weekend to end but I knew I would be back for more.

Adventures With My Brother In Belize

Adventures With My Brother In Belize

We left before the children and grandma woke, stealing away in the dark before the rising sun. We made our way on two separate 737s, meeting again on the tarmac to weave through customs, a quick stop at the Hertz rental car counter, and lunch at a roadside food stand of coconut rice, plantains, beans, and onion sauce (pickled spicy-sweet onions, peppers, and carrots). Then we were onto the pot-holed streets through Belize City.

When It Gets Tough Don't Give Up

When It Gets Tough Don't Give Up

I was breathless. My arms were on fire, my legs had found muscles I didn’t know existed, and my hands were cramping. I was getting frustrated at myself; I don’t like not accomplishing a challenge, but I really don’t like not accomplishing a challenge in front of other people! But I was getting tired, so I began thinking to myself “I know one person in this entire group. And that’s my new husband. I won’t see these other people again, so who cares if I’m the only one who doesn’t make it?!”...