Relections of a Pit Crew Member

Writers Note: Today marks the one year anniversary of when Jennifer Pharr Davis set out to break the Overall Speed Record on the Appalachian Trail. And for me, it marked the beginning of a 22 day adventure that would leave a permanent imprint on my being. It's a bit lengthy but it's my experience and I wanted to share.

It was early May of 20011 when Jennifer Pharr Davis, friend and Current Record Speed Holder of the Appalachian Trail, asked me to assist and photograph her and husband Brew Davis on the northern portion of her hike. Jen and I had spent a great deal of time on the trail together, in fact, our relationship came together and revolved around the trail. We rarely spent time with one another anywhere else. At the time I couldn’t believe what she was asking me to do, but I knew in my heart I wanted to help because I believed in her intentions and I wanted her to succeed.

I asked myself, “Why me?!” I see myself as an average girl who has an intimate love of all things outdoors and I usually have my camera in hand documenting my experiences. I’m not a standout athlete who trains hard, or is into one specific activity, but rather I strive to have equal balance in my life off all things. After discussing the opportunity with my husband Ryan, we decided this was an experience of a lifetime and we had to make it happen.

Outdoor Recreation on the Rise in the Asheville Area

I wanted to take a moment to introduce several rising area business specializing in outdoor recreation and Yoga which I'm totally blessed to be a part of in various ways! What is even more awesome, several of these businesses are working together to make dreams happen through the efforts of synergy! New to our area are:

Changes on the Horizon and What's Next?

Ahhhhhh, the spring season is here and I don't know about you, but I feel the effects of change swirling all around me! While walking through the forest I feel all my senses being tantalized by the natural world and I feel this surge of excitement and inspiration rumbling and boiling deep within my heart. The sweet aroma of springtime blooms are constant reminders of past memories and the serenade of song birds remind me to remain present and be grateful for new life. Tending to our garden, harvesting fresh, organically grown vegetables grounds my freeing spirit, but as the days grow longer and hotter, my internal fire is being stoked and I'm beginning to notice a shift in my daily habits, mood and sleep patterns. 

Toms Creek Falls and Little Buck Creek Trail

I woke up to rain and clouds and my first thought was to snuggle back up and stay in bed, but I was feeling the need to get out and see somewhere new. The weather called for periods of rain, low 40's and high winds moving in for the afternoon. To me it sounded like the perfect day to get out, besides what's the point of rain gear if you don't use it? Feeling energized I got out the maps and set my sight on two hikes for the day, Toms Creek Falls and Little Buck Creek Trail.

Toms Creek Falls is located approximately 7mi. north of Marion North Carolina, tucked away in rural country side. I like to say I have a bit of gypsy in my soul so the idea I was of creating space between my home and I felt exhilertaing and I could feel myself soften and relax the closer I got. The trail head was easy to locate and I was pleased to find no other cars in the parking area. Roxy began pacing in the back seat and it was obvious she was vibing my energy. Toms Creek falls is an easy 1mi. out and back walk so I left all my gear in the car, grabbing only my camera.

Yoga, A Path to Becoming

I love to hike and this love makes up a a large part of my essence, but I feel this passion would still be buried deep if I had not discovered the Yoga tradition. And when I speak of Yoga, I’m not referring to the capitalized fad we see spreading across the country and even the world. To me, Yoga is something that’s instinctual, runs deep through my veins and offers freedom from the burdens of thought and habit. It’s this tradition, this concept anyone can follow, no matter who you are or where you come from. Yoga after all means to Unite.

The world of Yoga was first introduced to me through a video while living at Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia. It was” Yoga For Back Care,” by Rodney Yee and like many, I sprinted out of the starting gate, did my video everyday for like,,,, a week, then the winter started up, people flocked to the mountain and I began working long days being a ski boot tech. The mat was folded up and left in the corner collecting dust and the DVD sat in the player for months. Pocahontas County where Snowshoe is located, is very isolated and to put it simply, backwoods America. Yoga was non existent and although the idea of Yoga was pushed to the wayside, I never completely let it go.

Bearwallow Mountain

I was having a typical Sunday morning. I woke up slowly, ate a late breakfast and when I felt ready to face the day, stuck my head out the door to do a weather check. To my surprise the rain clouds were moving out and I couldn’t believe how warm it was. Then that, “it’s gonna be a freaking great day” feeling hit me, followed by “I really want to go for a walk”. I opted to try somewhere new, had only a few hours so a couple miles would do. I got online and began to research a few mountain tops I’ve been curious about when I stumbled upon a link for Bearwallow Mountain.

The link read there was a gravel road which allowed access to the top of the mountain and there was a fire tower, an old house and some old trees on top. It sounded easy, was close to home and the history interested me more than anything. So with the husband, dog and camera in tow we set out for a short, mid morning walk at Bearwallow Mountain.

The Truth of Why I Hike

Why do I hike? What’s the obsession and where’s the thrill? These are questions I’ve been asked frequently and for those with inquiring minds I have a bit of a story to share if you care to read. Some of you may have heard it, some may not, but this is my story of self discovery and healing. It explains why I hike and offers a bit of insight of who I am.

For years I was plagued by chronic back, hip and all over body pains. I had a combination of misdiagnosed and untreated sports induced injuries and stress related pain (more on that later). Mt twenties were very challenging. My spirit wanted to explore the world and discover who I was, but my bodies depleting condition greatly dictated what I could do and who I wanted to be. So I did what I thought I should do and gave up on what I wanted to do. I began a career in retail, worked long and hard hours and honestly, became quite successful. That was until one of my hips went out and the direction of my life immediately did a 180.’ Everything I though I knew was turned upside down and I began to feel lost and abandoned.