Hi, Everyone! Happy Friday 🙂
I have an insanely busy weekend coming up mixed with work projects and plans with friends. I’m crossing my fingers I get everything done. Between working on other posts, I’ve been putting together this annual hiking trip blog along with a fun little video. I couldn’t get through the weekend without sharing the fun with you all.
When Becca (my best friend) and I met, we were both in pretty low places in life. I was ending a crappy relationship while fighting my own battles, she was dealing with her struggles while living in a city where she didn’t know anyone, and it’s almost like God planned for us to meet. We instantly became best friends; she is the sister I never had. We started going on walks together, drinking wine on my apartment’s balcony, visiting antique stores, doing photography, and taking many road trips. We pulled each other out of our slumps and helped build each other up to where we are now. I’m so lucky to have a friend like her.
For the past three years, we have made a trip up to Pisgah Forest to hike Looking Glass Rock trail. She asked me to go with her the first time as a celebration of her going an entire year without smoking. Well, now it’s been three years. And I can’t wait for more to come! I had her write up a blog post the first year we went, so make sure to read here to learn her story.
Blog Post Year One // Blog Post Year Two
While I write this post, our little video is being uploaded to YouTube. I am no video guru, so the quality will be improved in the future (no cell phone videos from now on), and I’ll be using a different video camera specifically for filming. If you don’t care for videos, no worries! I’m here with the usual blog post, something I actually know how to do.
Becca and I met up at 10 am to head out for our hike. I had planned on stopping at Earth Fare for snacks, but they shut the highway down because of an accident, so I had to take the backroads. I decided to just pick up some snacks at Starbucks while we got coffee. They always have some pretty unique and healthy snacks (expensive, but better than nothing.)
I was sad when I left my Pisgah trail mix at home! This would have been so fitting for our hike since we were heading to the Pisgah forest.
With only one bathroom stop, we made it to the trail head! Looking Glass Rock is such a fun hike, and I highly recommend it if you’re in the area. I look forward to it every year. It’s a little over 6.5 miles, but since we venture off and explore random parts of the trail, we hit about seven miles on our trackers.
There are so many hikes in North Carolina that I need to do, so I’m adding them all to my list. Now that Kyle’s workload has died down a bit, he can come with me!
We have taken photos on this rock every year. It’s funny to see all the changes we’ve made. This has been one of the best years because we are both in great places in life. 
I’m so in love with my new Adidas windbreaker jacket. It’s super lightweight, and perfect for spring weather. It gets hot and cold while hiking, so it was the perfect medium. It comes in a ton of different colors! It’s on sale right now, and it comes in four different colors. I bought this backpack a year ago, and they finally put it back on the Fabletics site. It’s now 50% off! I’m honestly obsessed with it, and it’s held up incredibly well. It’s called the Outland Backpack. It has so many hidden pockets and sturdy compartments.
About two and a half miles up, there is a helicopter pad that we stop at each year. It’s tradition to get a photo with our peace sign. It looks like it’s faded but still there! 
We made it to the top!
Honestly, videos and photos don’t do this moment justice. It’s so breathtaking and tranquil up there. The Falcons are nesting, so you’ll see them flying around. 
We were so hungry when we got to the top. I didn’t get the chance to have breakfast, so I was running off of two vegan cookies and a cup of coffee. Thank goodness we brought snacks, and water! I love taking RXBARs on the trails 🙂 They have some awesome new flavors coming this summer! P.S. I’m obsessed with my Hydro Flask bottle. My water was still ice cold when I got to the top. They are a bit pricier, but a great investment. I chose the blueberry color so Kyle could borrow it. I typically go for pinks or purples 🙂 
Every year, we do the jellybean cleanse. (what is the jellybean cleanse?)
Chocolate Sea Salt & Peanut Butter Chocolate are two of my faves!
Holy moly, those Emmy’s Coconut Vanilla Bean Cookies taste just like Almond Joys without the chocolate! THEY WERE INCREDIBLE! My newest addiction for sure. If you like coconut, you have to try these! Now, I have to try their other flavors. 
Time to make our way back down! 
By mile six, we were ready to go!
We want to come back when the trees are full. It still looked like winter in the mountains. 
I think we ran into maybe two people the entire time! I don’t think you should do this trail alone without some protection. Becca and I always carry pepper spray, first aid kits, whistles, and pocket knives. There are some weirdos in the world, and I watch way too much Dateline to not be prepared.
After our seven miles, we headed to the Looking Glass Waterfall! It’s right by the trailhead. 
The views never get old. 
And then we were off to our traditional ice cream stop, Dolly’s! This place is adorable! 
We decided to skip out on stopping for dinner, and headed back because we were zonked (we’re getting old!) We snacked on all the leftovers on the way home. Goodness, the drive home was so pretty! The sun was setting, and the scenery was breathtaking.
Questions for you!
- We need a good pair of hiking boots, that aren’t too heavy! Any suggestions?
- Is there a favorite hike of yours that we should travel to?
- Tell me something that you’re proud of your best friend for.
After commenting with your answers, head over to my YouTube channel to watch our video!
How do you get your hair to look like that!? I absolutely LOVE it!!!
Lol thank you, Samantha! I actually just let it air dry, add some leave-in conditioner, and use a straightener to curl it. It takes like fifteen minutes!
You and Becca are so beautiful. I love your friendship and story!
Awwww thank you 🙂
Yes!! All things Merrell are great. They got me through a semester in New Zealand/AUS
Any trail on the AT, esp Charlie’s bunion!!
Thanks for the rec! I’ll check those out!! <3
This hike looks like so much fun!! If you haven’t been to Shenandoah yet, I’d highly recommend going to Loft Mountain. It’s the southernmost area of Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (and has the best campground and hiking (or so I’ve seen) in the whole park!! It’s a ways away but it’s totally worth the trip for a long weekend 🙂
I don’t know why I haven’t been there yet!
Next time I’m in the D.C. area, I’ll make the trip! I’ve seen tons of pics and it does look beautiful! 😀
I have a pair of Keen hiking boots that I’m personally obsessed with. They’re waterproof, sturdy, and not too heavy. Maybe those will work for you!
Thanks so much, Caitlyn!!
Where are your pants from? The teal shirt?
Lulu Lemon! 😀
Gosh, I feel so lazy reading about your hiking adventures! 😉 I was never a hiking kind of person but seems like everyone where I live is hiking on the weekly, haha! I love the photos, Taralynn! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Hiking is definitely not for everyone! That’s the beauty of life, we are all different 🙂 So don’t you dare feel lazy!
xo
Hike Havasupai falls in Supai Arizona. A challenging hike but a great beginner backpacking trip an amazing amazing views with waterfalls at the end. Permits go on sale every Feb 1 an sell out for the year within hours. I have waterproof Oboz hiking shoes which are great and also affordable!
Sounds beautiful!
I love when a hike ends with waterfalls.
I’ll check out those hiking boots! Thanks so much:)
I look forward to this post now! You’re friend has fun to watch grow and evolve! Both of you are an inspiration!
As for a hike, if you are ever in sounthern Ohio check out Hocking Hills! It’s gorgeous!
ps. the pic of you lying by the peace sign looks like a mermaid pic! 🧜🏼♀️
Hi, Shannen!
Thank you so much!:) That just put a smile on my face!
I definitely will! 😀 Thanks so much!
xo
friendship*
The jellybean story is so cute, I mean inspirational and effective! And I cried too, reading it. Both should be proud of yourselves for taking caring of you, because no one else will! ❤️
Thank you so much, Ann!! Means the world!
I’ve been dying to go hiking again! I love y’alls annual hiking trip! The views are SO gorgeous! 😀 can’t wait for Alabama to make its mind up on the weather!
We FINALLY have hit spring, but it’ll be humid and hot in no time lol
Hey Taralynn! Looks like you both had an amazing trip! I love you sharing your story with how you two crossed paths. Where exactly did you two meet? As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really struggled meeting like-minded girls to be friends with. I wish there was something like a dating site but to meet friends haha.
Have a great weekend! xo Kelsey
Hi, Kelsey!
Thanks so much 🙂 She actually used to work with my ex-boyfriend, so that’s how we met. So I guess good things come out of ehhh situations lol I totally know what you mean about making friends. I’m all about the quality of friends and never the quantity. I have to agree though, an app or site like that would be so cool! I’d totally do meet ups with people that want to play tennis, go for walks, and so on! I think you’re onto something 😀
Hi Tara! I had to chime in on the hiking boot question as I love hiking and I have two pairs. I have Scarpa boot that is a bit studier, but still lightweight that I find is well suited to longer distance hikes and then I also have a Merrell hiking shoe that looks a bit more like a sneaker and can be used for trail running. I love them both! Hope that helps! Ps you and Becca should plan a hiking trip to BC in Canada 🙂 or Canmore/Banff in alberta, you would love it!!!!
Hi, Brit!
Thanks so so so much for the recommendation! I’ll look into those!
OMG….WOULD LOVE to visit there!!
I love the idea of the jellybean cleanse. It must feel so therapeutic. I miss hiking. I live in Vancouver so there are many incredible hiking trails, but no one I know wants to go with me! And there are loads of black bears and mountain lions, so no way am I going alone!
Off to watch the video!
http://www.justbeingbrooklyn.com
Hi, Brooklyn!
Thank you 🙂 My mom used to use them as a way to teach us about happy lungs lol
OMG if I was in Vancouver, I’d be going with you all the time! Have you thought about joining a hiking group?
xo
Becca sounds sweet! Must be nice to have a friendaversary hike like that. Where were you thinking about stopping by for dinner anyway?
She is 😀
We didn’t have any plans because we both knew we’d be too tired to stop! lol
OMG Becca looks amazing!!!! I would love to hear more about her weight loss journey. She obviously has made big changes in her life that have had a lasting effect. She is so happy, fit, and healthy looking. Just wonderful!
She does!!!:) Follow her on instagram! @hel_and_garm 🙂 Send her a message!! xo
It’s been a while since we’ve gotten to see Becca in a post and I’ve gotta say that she looks AMAZING! She just seems to be glowing with happiness. And she’s got one of those smiles that makes you just smile back (even if it’s on a computer screen haha). I love your guys’ friendship story. My closest friends have made the biggest impact in my life and helping me become who I am now. Good friends are GOLD.
Idk about the hiking boots but I need a pair since I usually just use running shoes that I then roll my ankle with. So please share once you find a good pair!
Colorado! Endless amazing hikes. A 14er would be such a good challenge and bonding experience.
My best friend Emily is the MOST incredible single mom I’ve ever met in my life. I honestly don’t know how she does it. She works her butt off to provide for her daughter, is a loving mother, a great friend, is selfless, strong… My list goes on but the bottom line is that I’m constantly in awe her. Her sweet, kind, and genuine daughter is a true testament to how wonderful she is!
Hi, Susie!
I know! I miss living closer to each other! We now live like 45 minutes apart and it’s so hard with our schedules to align, but we are going to do a better job at it!
She is so happy and in a great place! So so so proud of her. So glad you have friends that lift you up as well 😀
I’ll totally share! I will be trying out some new ones before heading to Hawaii! I need to make it out to Colorado so we can hike together!
Your best friend sounds so inspiring!!!
You girls are too cute. Becca looks great!
I’m still looking for hiking boots so please share once you purchase!
When will you be traveling to hawaii?
Doesn’t she! 😀 Proud of her!
I definitely will!
May 7th!:D
Merrel Moab 2 are by far my favorite hiking boots! They have vibram soles (like chacos), are waterproof, lightweight, and offer ankle support! I live in Gatlinburg, TN so I enjoy hiking Abrahm’s Falls and Andrews Bald. I’m planning on hiking Mount LeConte and Gregory’s bald this year.
https://www.rei.com/product/113731/merrell-moab-2-mid-wp-hiking-boots-womens
Thank you, Allison!!
I love when you do videos! You have a great voice.
My best friend had triplets and very complicated pregnancy! I’m very proud of her and can’t wait to meet the babies this weekend! They were so small that no one was allowed to see them the first two weeks.
Thank you, Dana!
& wow! That is exciting, and a little scary! So glad she’s recovering and her babies are doing well!
If you have wide feet people recommend keens
Narrow or average feet Ahnus are super lightweight, comfy, and can look like “normal” shoes and not robust boot like. I’ve had my pair of Ahnus for 2 Years now and they’re holding up great! I’m a field biologist and I’m outside all the time. Mine are waterproof and I can walk though shallow creeks and puddles without fear of soggy feet. They’re super comfy right out of the box, cute and I highly recommend them!
Thanks so much for the detail rec! I’m looking them up now!!
I love Oboz. I work outside and wore those almost all year and they held up great. But if they don’t have the mesh your feet can definitely over heat.
I have also been told that vibram has a sole warranty. So if you buy a shoe with a vibram sole and they shoes are still in good shape but the soles wear they replace the soles for you.
Thanks for the rec, Shelby!!
Oh my goodness I just teared up after reading the blog post for the very first hike. What a beautiful story! Both of you look so happy and healthy now, it’s inspiring to see that even when you’re in the midst of changing your life you can be happy. Thank you both for sharing that with us!
My best friend sounds a lot like Becca, a year ago she packed her life into her car and drove to North Carolina to make a new life for herself. She’s so happy now and I love going to visit her.
That is amazing, Amber! I bet your friend loves it here:)
And thank you for the kindness!
xo
What a fun trip, and you girls are beautiful. Becca, you look GREAT!! So glad you both are in an awesome place 🙂
Thanks, Janel!!
I love your jelly bean cleanse! I’m going hiking in Colorado at the end of the semester and definitely need to bring some along! I’m also looking for hiking boots and snow boots that aren’t too heavy. I unfortunately had to haul out my snow boots because we got a foot of snow in Milwaukee this weekend! My boots make me walk half as slow lol. I’ll have more hikes to recommend after Colorado, but my favorite right now is Starved Rock in Illinois. It’s out of the way but has beautiful trails with waterfalls and canyons for hiking and picture taking. 😊
Thanks, Emilee!!
Definitely bring some jelly beans 😀 I can’t believe you got so much snow! It’s APRIL!!! grrrrr.
That sounds like a gorgeous spot!
What are your blue shoes?
Asics!
What brand is your jacket?
Adidas! I linked it in the post:)
I look forward to this post every year! Keep up the great work girls.
Thank you so much Karie
Always love reading about your yearly hike 😊
Like others have said, Merrell is great for boots. They have a “good out of the box” slogan (meaning you don’t need to break them in) and they’ve held true to that every pair I’ve had. If you guys arent doing any serious backpacking you will be fine with a Mid as well, no need to spend the big bucks on the full high ankle support! Right now I have the Eddie Bauer Cairn boot and so far I love it. They’re full grain leather and also have Vibram soles too.
Good luck on the boot hunt! 😊
Thanks, Melissa!
Thank you for the rec! I love that you don’t have to break them in! That’s really what i’m looking for!
I love that hike! We do it every spring and camp up at the top.
I am going to email you a list of hikes in Asheville I think you would like.
Thank you so much, Heather!
I’d be too much of a chicken to camp up there! lol
I absolutely adore your blog posts! They’re so inspirational! I love what you do, and the things you post is exactly the kind of things I’m interested in.
Thank you so much, Melissa!!!!!
I ate at Plant a couple days ago and want to thank you for the recommendation!
I’m so happy to hear that!
How far is that from Charlotte?
About and hour and forty-five!
Your video was so cute! You and Becca should do more!
Thanks, Sara!!
You should check out REI!
I will for sure!
I love Solomon hiking boots! They aren’t as stiff as typical hiking boots and aren’t heavy, but hold up great. I’ve taken them for 10-12 mike hikes and they are really supportive
Thanks so much!!
I love the meaning of this hike and the jellybeans, ya’ll have such a great relationship. I love seeing the transformation of Becca from the first time to now. I know she has to be so proud. I would have to say I am proud of my best friend for not giving up on her infertility. She will be having a beautiful baby girl in June. <3
Thanks, Kelsey!
I’m so lucky to have her as a best friend! She’s the best.
So inspiring about your best friend! Congrats to her! xo
love you and becca
aww thank you
Fun adventure girls!
Thank you!!
I just love this !!! I wish I had a bestfriend to do this with 🙁 My husband and I would always go to a waterfall before I had my little girl a few years ago. Caesars Head State Park Raven Cliff falls is really nice. Table Rock state park has some nice trails, We would always stay in Greenville SC and travel to Nc to see some waterfalls. Greenville has some nice eats as well 🙂
Awww thanks so much, Linds!!
Sounds like you DO have a best friend to do this with! Your husband AND your little girl!:)
You and Becca are too cute
well thank you 🙂