I have always loved adventures. I am the kind of person who gets very antsy if I sit in one place too long. I have moved all over the country and travelled many roads. Luckily, throughout my 20’s my job allowed me to maintain my adventure lifestyle and call it work.

When I became a mom, the road trips became shorter. When I got divorced I wondered if I was going to be able to go on any at all. I made it happen. I visited friends in other towns, cities and states, but no more than 10 hours.

For a while now, I have wanted to travel along the Appalachian Mountains and explore nature’s wonders. I even put it on my dream board, but I never had clue when and/or how I would ever do it.

A few months ago, I decided this was the year. I was missing my family and friends who lived North of me and I started planning a trip to see them and take my dream vacation all in one trip. The kids and I started looking at the Atlas and getting ideas. The dreams got bigger. We started looking up cool things to do along the route. Then the magic started happening.

Everything started coming together. Career opportunities appeared which made it possible for me to write as I travelled. I found out how to get by on very little. Then, money started showing up from unexpected place. My dream was unfolding before my eyes.

We started our adventures in the woods of Georgia four days ago. The majestic beauty of woods, water, and wildlife was overwhelming.

Our next stop, Clingman’s Dome on the Tennessee/North Carolina border. We climbed rocks and took the steep trek up the mountain to the observation tower. My daughter saying, “I can’t do it.” My son and I encouraging her she could and she did. We changed the language from I can’t to I can and it made all the difference. We overlooked miles upon miles from the highest point in Tennessee; AMAZING! 

Today, we started out in the Bristol Caverns in Bristol, TN. Awe, pure awe, every step of the way. The experience was magical and one that the kids and I will always remember.

After lunch we worked our way up to Marion, Virginia and explored Mount Rogers National Recreation Area and hiked over to an amazing waterfall.

So far, our adventures have been better than any dream I could ever imagined. My kids are getting along better than they have in months. We have laughed, talked, and explored together as a family. The scenery along the trip has made it easy to enjoy every minute. Today, we decided where we wanted to stay together and found a hotel for $39.95 using one of those discount books found at rest areas. Well worth it to not over plan and let the adventures unfold.

The next leg of our trip is visiting our AMAZING extended family. We can’t wait for more incredible adventures to unfold.

Whether you are a single mom, married, or just by yourself, don’t be afraid to dream and plan adventures. Don’t wait on a partner to show up, just do it. Life is too short to wait on someone else to make your dreams come true. 

With Love and Gratitude,

Rachael Wolff