On the heels of two enormous hurricanes, and with hopes of being deployed into the wake of the second one to provide peer support for the first responders, guard units and others working hard to restore some sense of normality to our storm battered world, a brief retreat to the mountains to visit family was in order. Self care is a vital part of all of our wellness repertoires and family is more important than nearly anything else. That said, illness cancelled a previous trip, storms, and scheduling made it difficult at best, so when the opportunity arose, we didn’t think twice.
The Chattanooga area offers nearly endless opportunities for recreation. I have a particular fondness for the mountains. The wildness of the rock rising to the sky and the ability to lose myself in nature where the harder I work, the fewer folk I see and those I do see are likely quiet, like minded people there for the same reason: loosing themselves in the beauty of the woods one step at a time and regaining sanity while they are doing so.
For the creative and adventurous, the Chattanooga area has so much more to offer than the stunning beauty of the woodlands of the mountains. My son is the consummate tour guide. As a result, I got a cargo bike view of the city and we went train watching (hoping to catch a steam train that was not apparently running). I saw some amazing architecture, splendid sights and rode to the top of Lookout Mountain on a somewhat nail biting cable pulled rail car with the best possible company.
A walk downtown provided some dazzling views, interesting local architecture and amazing parks. During our wanderings, I soaked in the atmosphere, time with family washed the stress of the storms away. We ate locally at the suggestion of my son and daughter in law and wandered aimlessly…it was delightful.
No matter what is going on in your life, take time for self-care and family. The regrets from failing to do so can be enormous (for both). We all lead busy lives that speed by increasingly fast with time. Some sort of mathematical equation with which I only truly became acquainted with after the age of 50 and for which there is no remedy apparently. Take care of yourselves and see your families while you have the chance to the life to the fullest and without regrets.
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We finished our adventure at a wonderful veteran owned Harvest Host campground called Bama Bison. Check them out at https://bamabison.com.
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