The Best Things in Life are Free

Last week while I was enjoying my solo mountain getaway, I made the 30 minute drive from where I was staying to Linville Falls. It was lightly drizzling when I pulled up, but I ventured out anyway.

It was a really easy hike to visit three different places along the trail – a spot at the bottom of the trail and two upper lookouts.

The trail was easy but beautiful. I even saw a lady with a big ankle boot (like the kind people wear when they break their ankle) doing the hike. So it’s definitely friendly for all levels.

I was absolutely giddy to be in the outdoors and hiking. I really miss the easy access to hiking that I grew up with in Utah (and totally took for granted).

I was just smiling to myself as I hiked and enjoying the views. I felt so content and happy to be taking it all in. This world really is a beautiful place.

Clouds were moving in and the drizzle started increasing to a steady rain. But I loved seeing how the scenery changed as the landscape filled in with clouds.

And a little rain didn’t stop a selfie!

I made my way up to the highest lookout, Erwin’s View.

I stayed up there with a while, just amazed at the beauty and so, so happy. It was the first time I’ve seen anything in NC that reminded me of Utah with such striking beauty. NC is beautiful in its own right–I LOVE all the trees and how green it is–but there is something so dramatic and breathtaking about the mountains, meadows, trees, barren stretches, lakes, rivers, wildflowers and canyon views in Utah. But, the views on this hike were stunning.

It started to rain harder so I pull amy hair up and took another selfie. I’ve got priorities people. 😉

And then it started POURING. I was about a mile (maybe more?) from the parking lot, but was grinning the whole way back. I hiked for a few minutes and then started jogging. I haven’t done any trail running in years (I don’t really count Salem Lake) and I remember how much I love it. People probably thought I was crazy, running through the pouring rain (most people had umbrellas or ponchos) with a giant smile on my face. But truly, that moment with the rain falling on me as I ran and being immersed in the outdoors, relaxed me more and made me happier than my full (expensive) day at the Westglow Spa. 🙂