Boone

Boone, sweet Boone.

My friends and family know how much I love this town. Last summer, I spent my first month post-grad in Boone. I was house sitting for my cousin while she and her family were abroad, so I was mostly alone as I soaked in all of it's beautiful trails, colors and culture.

This time I actually got to enjoy Boone with Jackie (the aforementioned cousin). It was a lovely transition into life on the road. Jackie, Neil, Theo and Ginny brought me into their life and made me feel right at home. No major plans, no jam-packed schedule. Just a chance to be with family in a place I love. Plus, I got to celebrate a 4-year-old's birthday.

When I was planning my time in Boone, the only thing I was adamant about working into our schedule was a visit to the King Street Farmer's Market-- my favorite weekly ritual from my summer month in Boone. For the colder season it had moved indoors but I still recognized some of the farmers. Plus this Saturday was "Día latino" and so they were serving fresh tamales and atole.

The food of Boone in general was definitely a star of the week for me, especially Neil's home cooking.

Homemade latte & the morning view, Neil's home cooking (middle), biscuit from Betty's Biscuits (right).

The weather was unfortunately cold this week, so I didn't spend as much time outside as I had hoped to in general. Still, we all got a chance to go to the "river park" in Valle Crucis. They had a sign there showing how high the water had been after Hurricane Helene had swept through the area. In general, it was surreal to see the amount of homes, trees and roads still impacted in the area.

The high water mark was taller than me!

On Tuesday, I went on two hikes. One on my own and one with Jackie and Theo. Last year, when Theo was only 3, we went on the same hike together-- to the waterfall (Crab Orchard Falls)-- so it was fun to carry on that little tradition. My own hike was in Elk Knob State Park and was one I hadn't done before. At the summit, I could actually see peaks in the distance which I had hiked in previous adventures in Boone, so that was a nice little treat.

The view from Elk Knob Summit (left, middle) and adventuring around the falls with Theo & Jackie (right).

I wish I could've gotten a video of it, but my little cousin Ginny is just starting to learn some different words and would say "yes" to questions with the cutest little smile and most confident, excited nod. As I head out to new places on my trip, I hope I can say yes with as much enthusiasm as her to new experiences.

Thanks for the inspiration, Ginny.

Walking to lecture with Neil and (Professor) Jackie!

Jackie brought me along to her Appalachian Clogging class-- cool to see a traditional dance in action.

Showing Theo maps of our current and past adventures.