Audrey Hales - The Appalachian Trail

 This past summer I got the opportunity to participate in Dr. Redick’s class and walk around 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. It was truly a transformative experience. Before this class, I had never done any type of long distance hiking. My sophomore year at Christopher Newport University was challenging, and by spring semester I felt exhausted and overworked beyond comprehension. I initially enrolled in this class with a friend because it sounded like a fun adventure, but as the year wore on it became what motivated me to get through the school year. Upon beginning the course, I promised myself to be as mindful and present as possible, and to not touch my phone for anything other than pictures. I did not want to miss a second of opportunity to work on healing myself. As we began hiking I felt a sense of pride for getting to this point, and although the first day presented challenges I felt calm and at peace for the first time in so long. The excitement of the trip ahead fueled us all to the top of the bald at Beauty Spot, Tennessee. I truly never realized how much I had needed to be immersed in the outdoors until I was there experiencing the cool wind, orange and pink sunset, tall grasses swaying, and the smell of the mountains. Not only did I experience “Happy Trails” but I gained strength, clarity, and great friendships.


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