The first hitch of the 2025 Smokies Ridgerunner Season was delayed by a day due to a winter storm. I was originally to enter the south section of the AT at Newfound Gap, but most of the roads in and through the park were closed. I was able to drive around the park and enter Cades Cove via the long, but scenic, way. There was a little bit of snow on the ground in the beginning, maybe two inches… just enough to make everything sparkle in the much-appreciated sunshine. Giant ice crystals coated the sides of rushing streams snaking around shiny, frozen rocks.

As I hiked higher in elevation, the snow got deeper, and the branches hung low; and then suddenly I am following somebody’s bottomless tracks in at least eight inches. It was absolutely stunning with a bright azure sky glowing between the fluffy clumps piled high on branches. Honestly, words and photos do little to express the peaceful and vivid wonder of a genuine winter wonderland.

By the time I made it to my home for the night, the temperatures had fallen significantly. Throughout the day, the snow on my boots began to seep into my disappointingly non-“waterproof” boots, making my toes ache in the cold. As I went about my usual Ridgerunner chores, I felt fine. But when I stopped and sat down to cook my dinner, I got cold. Really cold.

That first day, I confess, after eating, I rapidly cleaned my dinner dishes, brushed my teeth, hung my backpack, and climbed into my new fluffy, zero degree sleeping bag. It was 6pm. That wasn’t a record for me, lol, but it felt very early to be going to bed. For me, in that moment, there was no other choice.

But… the second day? It wasn’t yet 6pm but, after I finished my chores, I went for another hike. I took my backpack (because as we all know, you never leave any gear unattended… Ahem) and headed up the trail to Rocky Top; a steep, iconic and aptly named nearby mountain.  I told myself I was going to collect “visitor use” data, which, for such a popular place on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the Smokies, is an extremely useful thing to do. But what my subconscious Self, desperately seeking some comfort and self-care was actually doing, was following what has become always true for me. When I am walking, I am warm. When I am walking, I am at peace. When I am walking, problems seemingly vanish. When I am walking, All Is Well.

If you are grumpy, confused, or just plain cold, go for a walk! It might just change everything. 😉