Friends' Thanksgiving 2020

Over the past 10 years, Jim and I have adjusted our Thanksgiving traditions a little bit each year. They have always included hiking and normally, a cabin with a hot tub. Sometimes family, sometimes friends. Sometimes just us.

Each year Jim scouted the internet searching Southern Illinois or Missouri looking for the perfect places for us to stay. We've also gotten recommendations from our friends, Tony and Mary, for cabins in Southern Illinois. They have never steered us wrong. They also head out each Thanksgiving for a little time in the woods and away from the hustle and bustle.

Each year has been a little different for us but each year has also been the similar. One year we had a call with David and Tiffany after our dinner comparing dinners, cabins and hot tubs. They were in North Carolina, we were in Southern Illinois. That was the only contact we had with anyone that year.

Many years we have had an early dinner with Jim's family around mid-day on Thanksgiving and then we would head out to whatever cabin we had found. Since moving to Nashville, we have had to adjust our tradition a little. Now, we make plans with our close friends, Mike and Jill. We decide in advance what area of the US we want to visit and then the search begins for a cabin. Our priorities are 1) a cabin in the woods 2) hiking trails nearby and 3) a hot tub. Last year we ended up in North Carolina. This year, we ended up in Northern Georgia. Specifically, Rising Fawn, Georgia.

Mike and Jill drove from St. Louis on Wednesday evening to spend the night at our house so we could head out on Thanksgiving morning. Jim and I cleaned and made sure their room was ready for them. This year included hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes in their room. Sad, but true.

They arrived around 8:00 which gave us plenty of time to chat for a while. We caught up on current events with each other and finally head off to bed. The anticipation of our upcoming weekend is high (at least for me!).

Thanksgiving morning started with coffee. Other traditions that are beginning to form include Jim and Mike packing the cars while Jill and I take a nice walk around the neighborhood. This allows for a little girl time before the weekend begins.

Around noon, we are ready to head out. This year we decide to take separate vehicles to be COVID-safe. It's only a little over two hours so it's wasn't a big deal.

As we drove, the views continue to get better and better. There was still some color in the trees in a lot of areas and the mountains are always enjoyable to drive through. As we passed different areas, Jim would tell me stories of places he had been to go caving or camping or we would talk about places we wanted to explore another time. We never have trouble talking so the ride went quick.

We arrived at the cabin early afternoon with no problem. We began carrying our belongings up the stairs. And farther up the stairs. Jim got to the top first and unlocked the door. Then he opened it and I could immediately see all the way through the cabin and out the back door. The view was stunning! I had no idea we would have such a beautiful view. I knew we were going to be on "Lookout Mountain" but I was still shocked. The entire back of the cabin was windows so you could see forever. I found out later that you can see four states from the deck. Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and North Carolina. Jill and I stood out on the deck and she figured out which state was which direction. We all walked around the cabin, inside and out, and explored. Beauty everywhere! Jim and I had the upstairs loft bedroom so we had a two story view. In the morning we also had the sun shining directly in our eyes. No curtains for the windows.... but a view that didn't stop!

The next two days we spent hiking, cooking, reading, sleeping and talking. Jim found two fantastic hikes for us that challenged me quite a bit. But the views were breathtaking!

The first day we hiked Cloudland Canyon State Park. We did a 6 + mile hike that took about 4 hours. It was up and down mountains, across streams and through the woods. The were bridges and waterfalls and a lot of overlooks. I would consider it a moderate hike that everyone should do if possible.

The second day we hiked in Chattanooga at Lookout Mountain. The views were amazing, overlooking Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. We did a 5 mile hike that I would also consider moderate. However, after the hike we had done the day before, it was more difficult for me. But I made it.

Each day, we stopped about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way into the hike and had lunch. We drank water throughout the entire hike and snacked once in a while. We were a little disappointed with the amount of people that weren't wearing masks. There were several large groups of hikers that we passed. None of them wearing masks. Still, the hikes were great!

So this was our Friends' Thanksgiving. It's hard to explain how much fun it was. The beauty, the laughter, the exploration, the friendship. We are already talking about what state we will travel to next year. Illinois maybe but who knows! All I know is that is will be enjoyable!