by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Feb 20, 2023 | Hiking, Nature
Spring approaches in the mountains in fits and starts. Days in February alternate between bone-chilling cold and balmy. Last week we were threatened with snow and Thursday is supposed to hit the upper 70s. And all the signs of spring are here trying to trick us! The...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Oct 17, 2022 | Hiking, Nature
We love to hike with our dog. And, happily, there are some great spots for getting out and tromping around in the woods in western North Carolina. I will confess to sometimes rolling my eyes at the people out on the trail who are surprised to discover things like: If...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Sep 26, 2022 | Hiking, Memories, Nature
When we were kids walking home from the school bus along a West Virginia dirt road, touch-me-not or jewel weed offered excellent entertainment. And now, as an adult, when I’m walking Thistle along mountain trails, I keep an eye out for plump jewel weed pods....
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Mar 28, 2022 | Appalachian, Hiking, Nature, Writing
My favorite way to brainstorm a new story is wearing a pair of hiking shoes on a mountain trail with my dog snuffling through the leaves. I get the BEST ideas! Since our move a little north and east in our section of the Appalachian Mountains, we’ve been getting...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | Jul 19, 2021 | Appalachian, Hiking, Nature
I keep thinking it might be okay to start watching the news again. Then I do and . . . oh well. But it IS okay–more than okay–to check in with summer in the mountains of western North Carolina. While I’m more of a fan of spring and fall, I sure...
by Sarah Loudin Thomas | May 20, 2021 | Appalachian, Hiking, Nature
We went on an orchid hunt earlier this week. When you mention Appalachia, not many people think–oh, great place to find orchids. But it IS. And I love that. Of course, if you spend much time around this blog or over on my Facebook or Instagram pages you know...
