Hiking: it's good for the soul!

Today I hiked a part of the Appalachian Trail to Dragons Tooth, a beautiful, rocky overlook. For me, hiking is such a release. It's a way to get away from it all. To clear your mind. To leave the daily rumblings of life. To be one with nature. I think just being outside in the fresh air, far from technology and the pressures of the "real world", can be the best medicine.

To most people, I'm sure hiking wouldn't be considered among the most exciting things you could do. It's the work you put into it that makes it so amazing. You're pushing yourself. Working to reach a goal. Letting go of your stresses. Embracing the beauty all around you. It's incredible. My happiest place is on the top of a mountain. Plus, you get to stop and appreciate so many little things along the way. Whether it's pretty flowers, a neat looking insect, or even this cool dude I passed today.

Dragons Tooth is about 5 miles long out and back. For the most part, it's fairly easy. Well, if hiking a 1,505 foot incline over 2.4 miles can really be considered easy. The last mile is where it really starts to get tricky...and your fears are set in stone when you come across this:

The rest of the hike consists of rock climbing, scaling the mountain, and a lot of praying you don't fall. It's tough, but when you get up to the top it's worth it! At the top, there are two large rock faces. One resembles a dagger tooth. Now, I could be wrong, but I think that may be how it got its name. Once to the top, and after climbing on rocks for the past mile, naturally the only thing you want to do is climb some more.

Some people decide to keep climbing because it's fun. Which was part of the reason I did as well. Climbing up even higher just makes the view that much more spectacular.

The top: the whole reason for the hike. The thing you worked your tail off for. Suspense for the view just continues to grow more and more with each step you take. Every rock you climb just brings you that much closer to what you're waiting for.  When you finally get there, you're able to look out onto something so spectacular. Something so much bigger than yourself. It really puts everything into perspective.

The views from the top can be truly breathtaking!

Oh! And I forgot to mention, I had the best company alongside me today. So lucky to have such a great hiking partner :) 

(please excuse what a sweaty mess we are)