After weeks and weeks of production in Syracuse we were ready to get a taste of the road again. This time, we were bound for Georgia and Florida, via the Appalachian Mountains. The leaves were in vivid color and the drive was beautiful. First, we stopped through Shenandoah National Park to camp for a night, snag a few miles of hiking, and take in the beautiful sights along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Before long we ended up in Asheville, NC – what an amazing little town! Such friendly people and great energy. We visited several of the amazing craft breweries, ate some delicious food, drank excellent coffee, and strolled about town. Asheville also had some of the best street corner musicians we’ve ever heard.
After a relaxing weekend eating and drinking our way around Asheville we were prepared to venture into the backcountry of The Great Smoky Mountains for several days of backpacking. However, “several days” turned into one night. Why, you ask? Because we GOT ENGAGED!
After 8 or 10 years together the time seemed right to make it official! We enjoyed a bottle of champagne along Big Creek to celebrate and then went hunting for cell phone service to share the news with family and friends.
After hiking out of the woods we cruised down into Gatlinburg, TN for the night. There we stumbled upon the Ole Smokey Moonshine distillery and myriad other interesting (albeit “touristy”) spots.
From Gatlinburg we continued our journey Southward into Georgia to rendezvous with Blaine’s family to celebrate his parents’ 30th wedding anniversary…
The Local Branch 
Congrats on your engagement! My husband and I met on a section of the AT and are heading back there this summer to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. You guys have been to some great places!