Life is full of humor, and living day-by-day can be quite comical. Some days we wake up feeling like we can conquer the world, as if we are made of iron. On other days, we feel more like chipped plaster, hanging on a house that's falling apart. That's life – the human experience. When I feel on the chipped plaster side of life, I run towards an adventure. It resets my focus and gives me something to work towards.
I had always loved to read growing up. My grandmother made me read her 2 stories from the newspaper I found interesting. She would always tell me "You have to know what's going on in the world" Half the time as an 8-year-old, it was hard to find something. The comic section most days was off limits until the 2 articles were read.
I have always been inspired by my love for reading to embark on my own adventures. Whether it's Tom & Huck floating down the Mississippi, Captain Nemo exploring in his submarine, or The Wright Brothers taking flight, all these stories, whether fictional or true, have made me thirst for an adventure of my own one day.
However, I was raised under conflicting guidance. On one hand, I was encouraged to believe that I could conquer the world and do anything I set my mind to. But at the same time, when I expressed interest in activities considered less ladylike, such as dirt biking, I was warned about their dangers by my grandmothers. My dad was not the one who held me back, although he used to tell me, "If you're going to do that, you have to be tough."
Whether it's right, or if it's wrong, my grandmothers always tried to mold me into a small feminine girl who enjoyed makeup and learning to sew or paint. Looking back, that's what they knew. That's how girls were raised when they were kids. I never understood the double-edged sword of the "you can conquer the world, but not that way" mentality. I have always felt like I needed to respect the boundaries, but rest assured, I always kept an eye for an opportunity to find adventure. When I was around 22, Mike and I went parasailing. I decided to save Grandma the worry and anxiety by telling her after. (Telling my family of my adventures after the fact happened for years to save them the worry. I always told my dad, never to hide plans from him.)
Skip ahead to June 2024-Why I waited so long; I will never know. (Let's be honest, it was the fear instilled in me)
I told my husband in late May "I am going on an adventure, solo" He smiled and said, "Where to Boss?"
I exclaimed, "Tennessee or something, somewhere I can drive to within reason." That night we climbed into bed and searched for a place that captured my interest.
680 miles, one way & a 10-hour drive later. I found myself in Tracy City, Tennessee. All I knew about the town was that a yurt was waiting with my name on it. Set before me were 5 glorious days of hiking, solitude, and history's mysteries that Tracy City held.
I have always known who I am. This was not a trip to "find myself." It was simply something I wanted to do. Due to the belief that "girls and women don't travel alone because it's not safe," I decided to embark on this journey.
It's a different experience driving through the mountains in the middle of the night, listening to your favorite songs, with miles between cities. It's a truly liberating feeling. Along the way, I wrote "Rules of Traveling Alone." It's a light-hearted list of thoughts and findings. For example, "Rule #1: There's no crying in Wendy's. Ok, maybe a little."
I have always felt that I never needed a white knight in shining armor, never feeling like a genteel flower in most ways. something in me has always demanded I walk my path in my way, refusing to take less than what I think I deserve. I love to set challenges for myself because I enjoy personal triumphs and experiences.
My takeaway was this:
Life’s journey is an ever-changing tapestry of humor, triumph, and self-discovery. From the stories that inspired my childhood to the adventures I embarked on as an adult, I’ve learned to navigate the delicate balance between societal expectations and my desires. Whether soaring above the ground while parasailing or driving through the mountains alone, each experience has reaffirmed my belief in my strength and independence.
This solo adventure to Tracy City, Tennessee, was not about finding myself, but about affirming who I have always known myself to be. It’s a testament to living life on my terms, embracing both the chipped plaster and the iron within. As I continue to set new challenges and savor personal triumphs, I remain committed to walking my path with courage, curiosity, and an unwavering sense of adventure.
About the photos:
Domed hillside-Coke ovens; Tracy City was a boomtown for coal mining in the 18-1900's. (I recommend reading about what Coke ovens are, pretty neat)
My Yurt- Created 7-8 feet off the ground and supported by a reinforced trampoline. The height kept me dry and gave a great breeze to keep me cool.
The big waterfall- Fall Creek Falls, sits as the highest waterfall in Tennessee. 256 feet. It sits on top of the Cumberland Plateau. (Go see it, it's amazing!)
Antiques- Tracy city, I found a historic gem, the oldest running bakery. Open and active since 1902, it's full of delectable treats and history. (Best ginger snaps I have ever had!)
Trail Photos- hiked 4 of the 5 days. (Rule #5: Blaze your trail & don't fall on your ass on the way down) I found 3 different historical places to hike, the 4th place being on the land I was staying on. If you would like the details on how to stay in the yurt, send me an email, I will happily oblige. ($44/day!)
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