It’s Not Your 9 to 5 Job

10 days since my last post, but it feels more like 20 days because of everything we packed in! Sorry folks, I can’t just blog about one thing anymore, it’s going to be a package deal for awhile. Who would have thought being a professional backpacker was this busy??

We have now given our 3rd presentation (in Greensboro, NC) and feel really good about the whole tour. I feel so invigorated when standing up in front of the audience.

Last weekend, we were at Trail Days in Damascus, VA. Yes, the Trail Days where an older gentleman plowed through the hiker parade. I was actually driving the BP vehicle to lead the hikers and the parade went on for awhile knowing there was some sort of emergency at the back of the parade, but not knowing how serious it was. But then the chaos ensued and the parade ended early. Trail Days is an incredibly happy go-lucky event, so the mood inevitably changed. BP does a HUGE giveaway on Saturday evening, so we tried to bounce back, but it was hard.

Despite the events, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We were there helping the other BP Ambassador team (Get Out More) and it was oodles of fun. We learn from Shandy (beloved nickname for them) every moment we spend with them and it is a natural friendship to boot!

It was also great to be on the “giving” side. You all know J & I have entered a fair share of gear giveaway contests, but it is a more amazing feeling to be able to give out. The added bonus was seeing all our hiker friends, especially those we met at the hostel!!!!

Straight from Trail Days, we headed into the mountains of North Carolina to meet up with BP writer Peter Rives for a “guided” hike up Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the East (6,684 feet & high point #29 for us!!). You can drive up to the summit of Mt. Mitchell, but we took the road less taken of course and did a 12.5-mile overnight trek to get there. We lucked out for weather … a thunderstorm rolled through as soon as we hit camp, so we set up just in time to stay somewhat dry. The next day, it stayed clear enough to catch most of the sick views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Definitely a rewarding hike.

After conquering Mitchell, we headed to Danville to prep for our next presentation and of course got to visit with a bunch of friends! Always a good homecoming there. But, the coolest thing was that the local TV station decided to do a short segment on US!! Click here to watch!