I was able to meet up with some of my closest friends after Christmas. We wandered around northern Georgia, the start of Appalachia. It's amazing how quickly the mountains rise up from the straight, flat asphalt. Blood Mountain was our home for a good part of the week, bringing us that wet freezing chill, constant fog and mist, and home-mashed hot apple cider.
It's been relaxing, rejuvenating and quite interesting. I don't care much for presents, but I always cherish the opportunity to see (most of) my family all in one spot again.
it's been some time since i've been able to just sit, turn my communication devices off and enjoy being still, listening to the echoes of animals and people around me.