Tennessee Trails

A few more things

Alrighty! Today is the day I’m getting up to hit the farmers market. And I know what you all are thinking…

How’d you sleep?

As well as parents with a newborn baby. (: Mele the cat, came into my room and meowed at me every two hours. And of course not knowing what’s wrong or her personality, I got up to tend to her.

What did she want Eleanor?

Great question. A variety of things. Each meow held a different request. I’ll spare all the details. But it ranged from opening the door to access her food, to buddy eating her food when I didn’t know, to following her in a circle around the house, to end with some 7 AM snuggles. Perplexed at the nights events, I did pull it together for the Farmer’s Market.

When I tell you it was top tier farmer’s market, I mean it. All of the elements were in order.

• Free, accessible parking (garage right next to the square)

• Versatility: produce, art, baked goods, ceramics, clothes, clear organic options

• Shaded, plenty of natural covering

• Centered downtown; local shops surrounded the tents

I bought produce and a piece of art. :) In preparation I brought a few of my own groceries. Another affordable hack. Since I have access to a kitchen, I can cook and my car has plenty of space to carry non-perishables. Newman Travels put this on my itinerary, so I already planned to get my remaining food there.

https://www.newmantravels.com/

I would have stayed MUCH longer but, someone was calling.

Who?

Another good friend of mine from college!

He started a podcast and invited me to be a guest. It’s called Pod’ N With PT, a clever title with the initials of his co-host and himself, while alluding to their careers as Physical Therapists. They began focusing on their journey in the field, and brought other professionals on. They’ve expanded into what I would describe as a wellness and self-improvement podcast. A lot of great conversations on physical health, mindset, and reflecting on life’s wins and hardships.

I was very thankful they thought I would be a good addition.

A totally acceptable way to part from the farmers market.

Here’s the interview if you’re interested to take a listen.

After the call, they inspired me to get going on Substack. I love how people motivate you in unexpected ways at the most opportune time.

After I re-listened, I realized you can hear Mele a couple times in the background. Meowing her little heart out.

After the interview I took Buddy to his park and I got ready to go to my own.

Where are you getting your nature on?

Ijams Nature Sanctuary. Another recommendation from Newman Travels and one of the few places Julie mentioned to me.

https://www.newmantravels.com/

It did not disappoint!

The park was close, massive and on the Tennessee river. The welcome center was helpful and gave the me the most popular trail, a walk along the boardwalk. She heeded it was under construction, but I could access a portion of it and turn around. There were 10 miles worth of hikes to explore afterward. She did mention they had a concert celebrating Bob Dylan’s birthday as well.

I took her up on the boardwalk trail. Stunning and I highly recommend. (It’s not pictured, but you can walk a few minutes on it). I made my way back to the center and chose a few other trails. I had another call with the missionaries to continue our discussion. And ended with my first virtual personal training session during my travels. Big Day.

How’d the night go …?

Much better. I knew what to prepare for. Mele got her set up, and she only came in for loves in the AM. Success.

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Day 4

A low key day. I spent most of the time at the house doing admin things. I have a few clients I’m keeping up with as a personal trainer. So thankful I have this option and people committed to their health.

I was in my pajamas 3/4 of the day looking at my calendar, eating sweet potato and listening to an online class I’m in.

Buddy and I hit the trail and I got my own workout done, and filmed a reel while I was at it. I had my second zoom session and caught up with my parents.

My final plan was to check out the art museum. Unfortunately I thought they were open until 6. I parked at 5:15 PM and was greeted by a closed door with no lights. I’m positive much earlier than the Night of the Museum.

I was fine with it. The day was low key and I prepped for the week and drive to South Carolina the following day.

(Buddy on my relaxing day)

After the museum confusion, I ended up getting lost in the University of TN, which I didn’t realize was a couple blocks away. It’s neat to see a new college campus. I ended up enlisting my google maps to direct me to Kroger’s.

More groceries?

Kind of. I restocked some items Julie generously extended to me. I went back to do laundry, pack up and get glam for South Carolina.

Productive for my last night in Tennessee.